Role models and racial identity for African American males at historically black and predominantly white colleges and universities

The current study investigated role model selection and racial identity for 104 African American male college students attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs)and predominantly White institutions (PWIs). Participants completed a demographic questionnaire, a role model measure, and a racial identity measure. Data were analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively and findings revealed that 82% of participants identified role models with 92% identifying racially-similar role models. Qualitative analysis using open and axial coding methods yielded 11 themes that allowed for a closer look into the characteristics African American male college students identified as important in role models: Personality Attributes, Community, Success, Spirituality, Providing Inspiration or Challenge, Mentorship, Education, Family, Emotional Support, Shared Career Interest, and Proximity. A discussion of the results with research and applied implications are included.