I sing because I’m happy: an exploration of belongingness among African American males in high school

Abstract

This study examined belongingness as it related to academic achievement. The need for research in this area derives from a sense of urgency and commitment to advocate for academically struggling African-American males with the hope that they will graduate high school in a timely manner. This study utilized the perspectives of 12 African-American male students participating in a predominately African-American choral program for at least two years of their high school careers. The researchers explored the relationship between a choral music program, belongingness, and students’ academic success. The goal was to identify a strategy that will support African-American males socially and academically in educational settings. The focus of this phenomenological research was to provide a first-person account by those people who have a direct experience with the phenomenon. The study revealed that choir participation may have a positive impact on academic achievement.

Keywords:

• African American males
• student achievement
• belongingness
• high school
• choir

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Antonio L. Ellis

Antonio L. Ellis is scholar in residence and director of the Institute on Education Equity and Justice at the American University School of Education.

Samuel Johnson

Samuel R. Johnson, Jr., serves as an High School Principal for Columbus City Schools located in Columbus, Ohio. He has 20 years of experience as an urban educator. Dr. Johnson earned a B.A. from the Ohio State University, an M.Ed. from Wright State University, and an Ed.D. from Howard University.

Lisa Maria Grillo

Lisa M. Grillo is assistant professor and doctoral coordinator in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Howard University, where she conducts research primarily on the leadership of Black women. In previous roles, Lisa has served as teacher, principal, and district leader in several school districts in Maryland, North Carolina and Washington, DC.