MORE THAN A GAME UNDERSTANDING THE SUBJECTIVITIES OF BLACK MALE ATHLETES THROUGH SPACE AND RACE AT A PREDOMINANTLY WHITE INSTITUTION by LATASHA SMITH-TYUS NIRMALA EREVELLES, COMMITTEE CHAIR NATALIE ADAMS BECKY ATKINSON AARON KUNTZ UTZ MCKNIGHT A DISSERTATION Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Educational Leadership, Policy, and Technology Studies in the Graduate School of The University of Alabama TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA 2017 Copyright LaTasha Smith-Tyus 2017 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ABSTRACT Black male student athletes who attend Predominantly White Institutions or PWIs (Esposito, 2011) are afforded an opportunity to represent the institution through competitive sports; yet, they face many academic and personal challenges while they are doing so. Although much literature exists that examines the experiences of Black male student athletes and the forms of discrimination and racism they encounter, there is still a need for in-depth qualitative research that focuses on the daily lived experiences of Black male students and the different spaces they occupy at their PWI. Moreover, more exploration is needed into how the subjectivities they encounter within the spaces at their PWI constitute their identities. Within this research study, Black male athletes share their personal experiences of attending a PWI and occupying different spaces at the institution. Furthermore, their lived experiences (Ladson-Billings, 2009) offer insight into how they negotiate being a person of color at a PWI who is often praised for his athletic talents; yet at times he finds himself living as an racialized (Smith, Yosso & Solorzano, 2007) person because of his skin color. ii DEDICATION This dissertation is dedicated to my parents, Reverend Willie J. Smith, Sr. (1943- 2003) and Ethel Smith. I am the woman I am today because of your unconditional love and support. Growing up, you always told us to “get something in our heads,” and I pray we have made you both proud. And to the young men who participated in this research study, thank you. Allowing me to capture your narratives was an honor. Always know that ‘Ma, ‘Auntie,’ ‘T,’ ‘Tasha’ will always be a fan of yours. I love you guys and am blessed to know each of you. iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I must begin by thanking God for keeping me through this journey. Many times I did not want to write or simply quit, but your supernatural strength carried and directed me. You provided me with the necessary encouragement to stay the course. Every step is ordered and ordained by you, and I am nothing without you. There is no way that I could have completed this journey without the support of my two biggest fans; Curtis and Danielle. I could write another dissertation on my love for you two. Thank you for never complaining about my late nights of classes, early mornings of writing and missed family outings because you knew the desires of my heart; to obtain this degree. You never complained and always encouraged me to ‘get it done.’ You would not let me quit, and I cannot thank you enough and am forever grateful. I have to thank my family; my siblings. So many times you all kept me going through the many phone calls and spoken words of encouragement; even if you did not understand the tireless process of pursing a doctorate degree, you were there. To my wonderful aunts who are mother-figures and their families. Thank you for your continued prayers and support in all personal, professional and academic endeavors. You all have always been pillars of support and are examples of unwavering love. Mom #2 (Dr. Day), Trish, Lori and the entire Day family--thank you. We have been close since iv middle school, and you all encourage me to achieve the unimaginable. There has never been a moment that you were not there in my life. I have many friends that I could name, but I will just say Neecha you are a beacon of inspiration and strength. Shay- Shay the best roommate and forever friend a ‘girl’ could have. Jean S. and Sierra T., thank you for being my ‘soul sisters,’ and I will never forget how you ladies supported me with Danielle. Tasha B., I am so glad statistics brought us together. Dwight J., Jennifer B., and J-Hitch please know I cherish our friendship, and I love our accountability to each other over the years. My whole committee is fabulous. Dr. E there is so much that I could say about you. I have so much respect for you as a mentor, professor, mom, friend and social agent for change. Your class helped me accept my mom’s disability, and your wisdom and guidance has stretched me in so many ways. When I was sick, you and Maya came and took care of Danielle like family. I love and appreciate you. Dr. Adams, I will never forget how you critiqued my final paper in your class until I questioned my writing capabilities. But, you offered valuable insight and guidance into how I needed to develop and become a stronger and more insightful writer. I remember your words; never stop writing. Dr. Atkinson, thanks for allowing me to cry and vent at times I felt so overwhelmed with life. Our weekend writing sessions provided such treasured advice from you that I will never forget. Dr. Kuntz had I not taken your class, I would v not have challenged myself to understand space. You have taught us so much about sound qualitative work and treated us like researchers. Dr. McKnight when I was anxious about pursuing my research topic and shared with you my thoughts, you encouraged me to go for it and find my contribution to the academy. Thank you for pushing me beyond my fears and uncertainty. I must also recognize the support of the entire Foundations’ program, students and faculty. You all have cheered us on and challenged us in such a critical and scholarly manner; your influence on us will last a lifetime. We stand on your shoulders and hope we represent you well. Thank you to the UA Graduate School for your support; this degree would not be possible without you. There are too many to name at the University and those whose paths I have crossed. Please know that each time you asked me about my dissertation you held me accountable, and I appreciate that. vi CONTENTS ABSTRACT....................................................................................................................................ii DEDICATION..............................................................................................................................iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS............................................................................................................iv LIST OF TABLES..........................................................................................................................xi LIST OF FIGURES......................................................................................................................xii CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY .................................................................. 1 Statement of the Problem ............................................................................................................ 6 Purpose of the Study...... ............................................................................................................. 9 Racialized Space(s) ....................................................................................................................... 9 Critical Race Theory and Racialized Spaces........................................................................... 11 Sports as a Racialized Space ..................................................................................................... 13 Reimagining Space and Spatial Practices ............................................................................... 14 Race, Space and Black Male Athletes at PWIs ....................................................................... 14 Research Methodology .............................................................................................................. 16 Significance of the Study ........................................................................................................... 17 Researcher Positionality ............................................................................................................ 19 Study Limitations ....................................................................................................................... 21 Conclusion .................................................................................................................................. 21 Definition of Terms .................................................................................................................... 22 CHAPTER II: LITERATURE REVIEW .................................................................................... 25 Creating Space ............................................................................................................................ 26 Understanding Space ................................................................................................................ 28 Representations of Space .......................................................................................................... 29 Spaces of Represenation or Representational Spaces ........................................................... 30 vii Spatial Practices………………………………………………………………………………...30 The Construction of Blackness………………………………………………………………..31 Racialized Space………………………………………………………………………………..35 Race as a Fetish…………………………………………………………………………………38