"Do I Even Belong Here?": A Personal Reflection of Racial Events at the University of Mississippi

BTSU 208

Many predominately white institutions (PWI) have created spaces or administrative positions as a way to meet the needs of the marginalized campus community. I wonder sometimes is this enough? A new space may provide comfort to some degree, but it can not be the only resource for marginalized groups who also have to navigate around other campus environments. These spaces can provide those who are hurt by certain events an opportunity to share their thoughts, yet this involves a personal investment that some people may feel it is not necessary at the moment. As a student who attends the University of Mississippi, a predominately white institution whose history has involved racially tensed events, I have dealt with the inevitable struggle of being a black face in a white space. Because of this struggle and my development through my higher education program, I believe it is key that I share my story so that others may share theirs. Researchers are beginning to focus on the experiences of students of color in white spaces. As a black student at a PWI, I want to share my experiences during two campus situations, the 2015 rally to remove the Mississippi Confederate flag from campus and the 2016 Lyceum sit-in resulted from a white student’s viral comment (comment reported by Shaun King). Using King & Kitchener Reflective Judgment model (1994), I will discuss my cognitive process during and after the events. Use of this model will provide insight into my way of thinking when these events occurred and how these events can take a toll on students of color. Without true reflection of these events, who knows the psychological trauma this could cause. This discussion is open to all audience members. (work in progress).