Beats, Bars, and Belonging: The Role of Hip-Hop Affinity Groups in Black Students’ Sense of Belonging at a PWI

A student’s sense of belonging is critical for success in college (Strayhorn, 2018). Sense of place can significantly influence a student’s academic adjustment, achievement, and persistence (Strayhorn, 2018). Belonging and connection to the campus community are vital for students’ well-being and performance (Tinto, 1993, 2001). Despite strategies to promote belonging, disparities remain for certain populations, especially at Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs) (Hausmann et al., 2009). Affinity groups, particularly cultural and identity-based groups, have emerged to enhance students' sense of belonging (Bowman & Park, 2017). Although many campus programs aim to ensure student retention and success for all students, cultural affinity groups have been incredibly effective in supporting Black students (Zhang et al., 2019). Notwithstanding their recognized value, minimal literature focuses on the value of collegiate hiphop affinity groups (Cokley et al., 2017). Thus, this qualitative descriptive study aimed to explore how hip-hop affinity groups cultivate a sense of belonging among Black students at a PWI, guided by an overarching research question: How do Black college students perceive the contribution of hip-hop affinity groups to their sense of belonging on campus? Three data sources supported this exploration: (1) semi-structured interviews with Black alumni participants (N=8), (2) a semi-structured interview with an expert participant (N=1), and (3) a reflective questionnaire sent to primary participants (N=8) and the expert participant (N=1). Findings reveal that hip-hop affinity groups support Black students by fostering belonging and combating racial isolation, but institutional neglect and bias limit their impact.