A Fighting Chance: The Struggle of a Historically Black College Athletic Program

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop an understanding of the social dynamics surrounding a Historically Black College and University athletic department and its local community. Three focus group interviews were conducted, each with seven participants as well as semi-structured interviews. This study illuminates three themes that emerged through data collection and analysis: (1) Black Only, (2) Lip Service, and (3) No Tradition. These three themes emerged through data analysis and tell a specific story related to both the institution and the community.