A critical race theory analysis of Black male college athletes’ identity development

Abstract

This narrative inquiry examines how a Master Cultural Narrative (MCN), defined as a dominant storyline about who Black college athletes (BMCAs) are and what purposes they are expected to serve, shapes BMCAs’ meaning-making as they navigate athletics and academics at historically White colleges and universities (HWCUs) in the Division I name, image, and likeness (NIL) era. Using a multi-method qualitative design, the study juxtaposes institutional stories about college sport with athletes’ lived and told accounts to illuminate how BMCAs sustain self value, interpret shifting NIL policies and norms, and identify resources that support their academic, career, and NIL goals. Participants include seven BMCAs in profit-generating sports at Power Four and Group of Six HWCUs. Data sources include (a) archival analyses of publicly available interviews with current and former National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) presidents and with BMCAs, (b) seven semi-structured life story interviews, and (c) a photo-elicitation activity designed to elicit narratives of everyday constraints, supports, and turning points. Guided by the master narrative framework, critical race theory, and culturally relevant pedagogy, findings show how institutional narratives and athlete counter (narratives) co-produce identity development and shape access to academic, career, and NIL supports. The study concludes with implications for race-conscious policy and practice in college sport.