Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand African diaspora students’ perceptions of how developmental spaces in higher education institutions reflect an aesthetically inclusive and validating environment that is connected to African diaspora traditions.
Theoretical Framework. The conceptual framework that guided this study was comprised of aesthetic leadership theory and validation theory. This conceptual framework was appropriate because it analyzed African diaspora traditions alongside culturally influenced aesthetic practices. This conceptual framework also acknowledged university students as unconventional leaders with the ability to educate campus stakeholders about African diaspora traditions while contributing suggestions of strategies to appropriately validate the African diaspora student population.
Methodology. A qualitative life history research design was used to describe African Diaspora students’ perceptions of if developmental spaces in higher education institutions reflect an aesthetically inclusive and validating environment that connect to African diaspora traditions. Data were collected using convenience sampling by interviewing five individuals of the African diaspora who are alumni of 4-year universities in the state of Florida. The interview protocol consisted of semi-structured and open-ended questions.
Findings and Conclusions. The findings of this study identified five common themes: (a) psychoemotional support, (b) psychosocial support, (c) communal spaces that promote shared interests, (d) support of culturally relevant learning opportunities, and (e) desire for more culturally relevant learning opportunities. The study found that there is a desire from individuals of the African diaspora for the creation and integration of more culturally relevant learning opportunities into the postsecondary institutional culture.
Recommendations. Four-year universities should maximize the ability to develop inclusive institutional culture that reflect the African diaspora. Institutions should maximize utilization of all resources to help close the cultural inclusion gap that students of the African diaspora implied, when having to exert extra effort to navigate campus or find resources to feel supported. Intentional and intersectional support will address the desires and cultural needs of this population of students providing validation and felt meaning from the interactions experienced while a part of the 4-year university community.