“I Find Myself Isolated and Alone”: Black Women’s Experiences of Microaggressions at an Hispanic-Serving Institution

Abstract

This article explores the experiences of Black women students attending an Hispanic serving institution (HSI) in a large urban area with a disproportionately low number of Black students. A narrative inquiry approach was used to engage six students in reflection and discussion addressing the following research question: How does race impact the experiences of Black women studying at an HSI? Guided by a conceptual framework drawn from intersectionality theory and microaggressions, analysis revealed themes of (a) feeling “only and othered,” (b) feeling boxed in and silenced, and (c) finding support. Implications for practice in higher education are offered.