ABSTRACT Given the importance of belonging as a goal in higher education, this article explores the experiences of 16 Black men engaged in institutionalized Black Men's Initiatives (BMIs) at three historically white institutions (HWIs). Drawing upon Johnson's (2022) socio‐ecological model of belonging and employing an interpretive phenomenological methodology, we examine how institutionally‐supported BMIs fostered a sense of belonging among Black undergraduate men and how the men made meaning of the belonging they felt in the programs. Based on our analysis of the data, we present three findings: (1) building a sense of community; (2) establishing accountability and illuminating purpose; and (3) evading and overcoming culture shock. Situated within an increasingly hostile political climate marked by anti‐DEI legislation across multiple states, this study underscores the continued importance of institutionalized BMIs and Cultural Centers by providing empirical evidence of their role in engendering belonging and supporting Black men's thriving in higher education. Summary Black Men's Initiatives (BMIs) play a vital role in cultivating a sense of belonging for Black collegiate men through their programmatic efforts, mentoring components, and providing the tools to help students maneuver college. Strategies that focus on the unique needs of collegiate Black men with the goal of increasing their engagement, persistence, success, and graduation rates remain a need in higher education. Institutional support for identity‐based centers and initiatives helps bolster student retention, thriving, and graduation rates among Black men in college.
Druery et al. (Fri,) studied this question.