ABSTRACT
Despite attempts toward equity, graduation rates for Black and African American1 women continue to lag behind their White and Asian counterparts (U.S. Census Bureau, 2013). One likely reason for this disparity is the long history of isolation, alienation, and racism that Black women at all levels (students, professors, administrators) report on predominantly White campuses (Alexander-Snow, 1999; Croom and Patton, 2012; Fleming, 1978; Johnson, 2010; Jones, 2004; WinkleWagner, 2009a, 2014). Black women’s unique experiences are rarely the primary focus of research on African American college students or students of color more generally (Winkle-Wagner, 2014). Even within historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), Black women’s experiences are often “swept under the rug” (Gasman, 2007). There is clearly more to uncover regarding what can facilitate African American women’s persistence despite challenges within college. In this chapter, we examine advice that Black college alumnae offered to young Black women regarding what is necessary to be successful and to persist in college. In particular, we focus on data that revealed the importance of “confidence” as a necessary quality for Black women’s college success.
