Black First-gen Collective
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Learn more about the Black First-gen Collective
This page is dedicated to the incredible work led by the Black First-gen Collective and supported by FirstGen Forward.
We invite scholars, practitioners and stakeholders who are invested in the success of Black first-generation undergraduate and graduate or professional school students to join the movement. This group is open to anyone and all regardless of race or ethnicity.
PUBLICATION
Black First-generation College Students Matter: A Call to Action
In February 2020, the Black First-gen Collective released Black First-generation College Students Matter: A Call to Action, a foundational document highlighting the unique experiences, challenges, and strengths of Black first-generation college students. The publication urges researchers, practitioners, and institutions to move beyond broad generalizations and intentionally center Black first-gen voices in policy, practice, and scholarship.
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Mission
Despite the growing visibility of prominent first-generation college graduates—such as Michelle Obama—and increased attention to first-generation students in higher education, there remains a significant gap in scholarship focused specifically on Black first-generation college students.
In response to this critical gap, the Black First-gen Collective is committed to supporting, advancing, and disseminating intentional research, practice, and policy that center the unique experiences of Black first-generation undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Our mission is to explore, interrogate, and disaggregate these experiences to inform more equitable support systems in higher education.
To achieve this, we focus on:
- Collecting both qualitative and quantitative data on Black first-generation college students and the programs that serve them.
- Summarizing and analyzing existing data and literature related to this population.
- Sharing our findings through reports, presentations, and scholarly publications.
Steering Committee
Selena Blair, Ed.D.
Rogers-Ingram Vice President for Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Presbyterian College
Evingerlean D. Blakney, Ph.D.
Co-chair; President and CEO, Evingerlean Worldwide, Inc.
Ashley C. Bodie
Assistant Director for Exploration & Experiential Learning, Davidson College
Shakima M. Clency, Ph.D.
National Director of Campus Partnerships and Student Success, Kessler Scholars Collaborative
Bianca D. Evans, Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Recruitment and Retention, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Florida
Ciera Graham-Graves, Ph.D.
K-12 Manager, Department of Education & Early Learning, City of Seattle
Karen Jackson, Ed.D.
Associate Dean for Advising Programs, Georgia Gwinnett College
Tracie Lowe, Ph.D.
Dean of Student Success Research, Dallas College
Dekendrick G. Murray
Executive Director for Student Access & Success, North Carolina Central University
Trent Rodgers
Career and Community Leadership Coordinator, Leadership Public Schools
Tommie L. Smith
Director of Student Success and Graduate Opportunities for the BUILD and U-Rise Programs, University of Detroit Mercy
James Stukes, Ed.D
Assistant Dean of Student Success & College Access, Wofford College
James Winfield, Ed.D.
Co-chair; Associate Dean, Global Campus First-Year Experience, General Education, and Retention Strategies, Southern New Hampshire University
Resources & Blogs
In Support of the Black First-generation Community
FirstGen Forward would like to uplift our Black first-generation students, staff, faculty, administrators, and service workers at institutions of higher education across the nation and celebrate their tremendous contributions.
Preparing Black First-generation Students for Graduate School Success
Serving as one of the primary gateways to upward social mobility, higher education is highly sought after by many despite the inequities that disproportionately impact marginalized communities and their outcomes.
Exploring Black girl magic: Identity development of Black first-gen college women
The purpose of this qualitative narrative inquiry was to explore the impact of institutional context on Black first-generation college women’s identity development.
Being Black and Fitting in at College
On almost any campus where I have been I have had some student -- or many -- talk about how they did not feel they belonged where they had landed.
I think of college as setting a good foundation for my future: Black males navigating the college decision making process
Little attention is given to black male experiences and decision-making process around college-going.
Understanding the Experiences of Provisionally Admitted Black Male College Students in the State of Georgia
Colleges and universities, both within Georgia and nationwide, admit students who do not fully meet institutional admission standards. Typically referred to as provisional admits, the students then have requirements they must meet in order to gain full admission status.