ABSTRACT
Psychologist Cedric Clark identified two major aspects of the Black experience: feelings of not being recognized and feelings of not being respected.1 Recognition and respect are embodied in the construct of legitimacy. As a minority within a White-dominated society, Black Americans must perennially address the problem of legitimacy. Given the existence of cultural domination, the problem of legitimacy is a critical factor contributing to ideological conflict between the Black community and mainstream (White) America.2 The experiences of Black students at mainstream institutions of higher education often mirror such conflict.3 This article explores the problem of legitimacy facing Black Americans by analyzing the perceptions, experiences, and coping strategies of Black Students at a White, elite university who sought careers as artists.