Rashad, Duke2025-07-242025-07-242020https://hdl.handle.net/10267/36832This autoethnographic study explores how Black masculinity is constructed and performed by Black male student-athletes at Division III predominantly White institutions (PWIs), a population often overlooked in existing research. Using Critical Race Theory (CRT) as a framework, Sherrell reflects on his own experiences as a football player at a small liberal arts college in Memphis, Tennessee, to examine how racism, stereotyping, and institutional structures shape identity and behavior. The study identifies three key areas of marginalization: classroom stereotyping, racial hostility within athletic spaces, and the symbolic violence of racist campus landmarks. Sherrell argues that Black male athletes are often forced to suppress their racial identity to gain acceptance in White spaces, while simultaneously being excluded from Black student communities due to athletic obligations. The thesis calls for systemic change in higher education to support the emotional and academic well-being of Black male student-athletes and to dismantle the normalized racism embedded in campus culture.All materials in this collection are copyrighted by Rhodes College and subject to Title 17 of the U.S. Code. This documentation is provided for online research and access purposes only. Permission to use, copy, modify, distribute and present this material, without fee, and without written agreement, is hereby granted for educational, non-commercial purposes only. The Rhodes College Archives reserves the right to decide what constitutes educational and commercial use. In all instances of use, acknowledgement must be given to Rhodes College Archives and Special Collections, Memphis, TN. For information regarding permission to publish this material, please email the Archives at archives@rhodes.edu.African American college students—Social conditionsAfrican American athletes—Education (Higher)Masculinity—Social aspects—United StatesRacism in higher education—United StatesCritical race theory