Abstract
Although many colleges globally celebrate diversity in their student body and offer inclusive programming, students of color still experience lower retention and graduation rates compared to their peers. To better support Black students of African descent, faculty and administrators must reconsider how they engage these populations. This session explores how cultural expression, specifically hip hop pedagogy (HHP), fosters a sense of belonging and academic success for historically underrepresented students in higher education. Dr. Kareem Watts presents findings from his arts-based research, which examines how Black and African American professors use HHP to engage their students and improve learning outcomes. Through a blend of Narrative Inquiry, Arts-Based Research, and A/r/tography, the study reveals key themes in how faculty incorporate culturally responsive pedagogy (CRP) into their teaching practices. The session highlights how these innovative methods deepen the connection between Black students of African descent and their academic environments, supporting their retention and success. Attendees will experience live “Flo-etic” data poems, inspired by the stories of the professor-participants that he refers to as “research collaborators,” and listen to excerpts from Dr. Watts’ dissertation album, Flo-etic Storytelling Mixtape Ch. 5. His dissertation album blends research findings with rhymes and beats, offering an artistic interpretation of the data. This creative approach demonstrates the transformative power of hip hop culture in higher education, illustrating how it can drive positive change and support student success.
Presenters
Kareem WattsDirector of Hedgeman Center for Student Diversity Initiatives and Programs, Student Affairs, Hamline University, Minnesota, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Diversity, Belonging, Social Justice, Community, Racism, Identity, Inclusion, Cultural Practice
