The journey of Black students at predominantly white institutions (PWIs) is layered with challenges that extend beyond academic rigor and social integration.

The relationship between Black alumni and their predominantly white institutions (PWIs) is fraught with complexity. On one hand, these alumni often harbor a sense of loyalty to their alma maters, institutions that have played significant roles in their personal and professional development.

The Black alumni experience at East Carolina University (ECU) during Homecoming provides a unique lens to view the broader narrative of African American presence and participation in predominantly white institutions (PWIs).

At predominantly white institutions (PWIs), Black students navigate a complex social and academic landscape shaped by the dual pressures of assimilation and representation.

In the tapestry of our past, woven with the threads of resilience and resistance, our people have perennially transformed the crucibles of hardship into the crucibles of collective fortification.

In recent years, predominantly white institutions (PWIs) have made notable strides toward diversifying their campuses, driven by a societal push for racial equality and inclusivity. These efforts are often encapsulated in diversity initiatives, ranging from affirmative action admissions policies to targeted scholarship programs and the establishment of cultural centers. However, beneath the surface of these well-intentioned efforts lies a complex paradox: the fine line between fostering true inclusion for Black students and engaging in tokenism for institutional gain.