Disrupting Postracial Discourse: Black Millennials’ Response to Postracial Ideology and the Continued Impact of Racial Microaggressions on College Campuses

ABSTRACT

This study explores the communicative experiences of Black millennials enrolled at predominantly White academic institutions (PWIs). Researchers examine the ways in which Black millennials respond to postracial discourse and the specific microaggressions that inform their resistance to racist ideologies. Data from 61 interviews reflect four primary themes: (a) postracialism is a myth; (b) racism will always be an issue; (c) racial microaggressions are a daily occurrence; and (d) assumptions of criminality. The study contributes to literature concerned with how people of color experience and understand racial dynamics. Findings suggest that Black millennials at PWIs continue to be subjected to a myriad of racial microaggressions. Continual exposure to racial microaggressions contributes to Black millennials’ rejection of postracial discourse.

KEYWORDS:

• Black millennials
• microaggressions
• postracialism
• PWI

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1. Coined by Howe and Strauss (2000), the term millennial refers to persons born between 1982 and 2004.