An Ethnographic Exploration of the Culture of Sport Consumption at a Historically Black College/University: Elucidations of Blackness by Kristal K. McGreggor A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Sport Management) in The University of Michigan 2020 Doctoral Committee: Professor Ketra Armstrong, Chair Associate Professor Dae Hee Kwak Assistant Professor Aaron Livingston, Grambling State University Professor Camille Wilson Kristal K. McGreggor [email protected] ORCID iD: 0000-0001-5299-6485 © Kristal K. McGreggor 2020 Dedication I dedicate this dissertation to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who is the head of my life. Without His hand of guidance, I am nothing, but with Him, I am equipped to accomplish anything far beyond human comprehension. I am grateful for your extraordinary love, steadfast grace, and mercy. The most potent purpose of my life is to give God glory and honor. I also dedicate this dissertation to my mother, sisters, nieces, and nephew. Without their unconditional support, and love, I would not have been able to make it this far. I love you all more than my words can express. Thank you all for being the greatest family. Furthermore, I dedicate this dissertation to my advisor/mentor Dr. Ketra Armstrong. Thank you for your patience, kindness, and support throughout this journey. I cannot think of another person I would have wanted to guide me through this process. Lastly, I dedicate this dissertation to my late friend, Sadé Kirby. When I did not believe in myself, you pushed me beyond my limit to pursue this journey. Even though you are no longer here physically, you live in my heart forever. Rest in peace, my friend. ii Acknowledgements “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand” (Isaiah 41:10, NLT). I would like to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who is the source of my life; without Him, I am nothing. I give you all glory and honor for the things you have done, currently doing, and will do in my life. I also want to thank my mother for her unconditional guidance, support, love, and sacrifices. You went over and beyond, ensuring that I would also be able to receive an education. I thank my sisters, Karaice and Renée, for being the best sisters in the world. You both kept me grounded, supported me, and believed in me even when I doubted my abilities. Thank you for giving me my nephew (Jowelle), and nieces (Kaiden and Emma) who have all motivated, encouraged, and reminded me that giving up is never an option. I thank my aunt (Eunice Gelly) and cousin (Nadine Ellise-Acevedo) for their continued support and love. I thank my dissertation committee: Dr. Ketra Armstrong, Dr. Camille Wilson, Dr. Dae Hee Kwak, and Dr. Aaron Livingston for their outstanding guidance, expertise, and support throughout this process. I thank my mentors Dr. Patrena Elliot, Dr. Chevelle Hall, and Dr. Sheryl Kelly. You all have been a tremendous support throughout my journey. I thank my sisters-in- friendship: Katherine Anderson, Tashanna Amenyenu, Jamye Banks, Dr. Kristen Drummond, Ashley Gardner, Korisma Grant, Shanekia Hall, Sha’Meka Hamilton, Sabrina Hernandez, Kaydian Jones, Alisa Littlejohn, Lisa Lynch, Claudia Marshall, Benita Taylor, Shamika Shaw, and Dicoda Waugh. Thank you all for your support, patience, friendship, and prayers throughout iii this journey. I thank my brothers-in-friendship: Rayon Black, Andrew Dickerson, Damion Drummond, Michael Gordon, Andrae Green, and Robert Wright. Thank you all for your friendship and support. I thank my spiritual mentors Dr. Christopher Carter Sr., Elder Anita Carter, Deaconess Sarah Gregory, Pastor Jason Robinson, Minister Ebony Robinson, and Evangelist Kierra Sheard. To each of you, thank you for your prayers, support, guidance, and wise counsel. I thank Charlene Ruloff for her support throughout this process. I am thankful to all my professors, classmates, and colleagues for their role in my professional development. You all have impacted my life tremendously and helped me to be where I am today. Lastly, I thank my gatekeeper and all the individuals at Minchfield College who welcomed me into their space and willingly participated in this study. Without your participation, this study would not be successful. iv Table of Contents Dedication ....................................................................................................................................... ii Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................................ iii List of Tables ................................................................................................................................. ix List of Figures ................................................................................................................................. x List of Appendices ......................................................................................................................... xi Abstract ......................................................................................................................................... xii Chapter I Introduction .................................................................................................................... 1 Overview of HBCUs ................................................................................................................... 5 History and Purpose of HBCUs............................................................................................... 5 Challenges Facing HBCUs ...................................................................................................... 9 Overview of HBCU Sports ....................................................................................................... 15 History of HBCU Sports........................................................................................................ 15 Uniqueness of HBCU Sports ................................................................................................. 21 Demographics of HBCU Sport Consumers ........................................................................... 23 Consumer Motivation for Attending HBCU Sports .............................................................. 24 Statement of Problem ................................................................................................................ 27 Purpose of the Study ................................................................................................................. 28 Research Questions ................................................................................................................... 28 Significance of the Study .......................................................................................................... 29 v Chapter Summary ...................................................................................................................... 30 Chapter II Review of Literature ................................................................................................... 31 What is Culture? ........................................................................................................................ 31 Culture as Expression ............................................................................................................ 34 Elements of Culture ................................................................................................................... 38 Food as Culture ...................................................................................................................... 39 Music as Culture .................................................................................................................... 40 Clothing and Visible Goods as Culture ................................................................................. 43 Symbolic and Material Culture .............................................................................................. 47 Culture and Consumption.......................................................................................................... 48 Food and Consumption .......................................................................................................... 50 Music and Consumption ........................................................................................................ 52 Clothing/Visible Goods and Consumption ............................................................................ 55 Expression and the Culture of Sport Consumption ............................................................... 57 Culture and Sport Consumption: Theoretical and Conceptual Support .................................... 59 Social Identity Theory ........................................................................................................... 59 Habitus ................................................................................................................................... 62 Collective Effervescence ....................................................................................................... 63 Chapter Summary ...................................................................................................................... 64 Chapter III Methodology .............................................................................................................