March 6, 2022

By Tia Laury

Illustrated by Gabrielle Lacey

Tia Laury is a freshman journalism major at MU. She is an opinion columnist who writes about racial, societal and relationship matters for The Maneater. 

It is a privilege to be a minority attending higher education. However, being a Black girl at a predominately white institution (PWI) has its limitations.

Many Black females feel a loss of belongingness because of other’s beliefs and stereotypes of how they should be. I interviewed MU freshman Naijah Tinsley about how she views herself as a Black girl attending a PWI.

“I feel like in order for me to be equal to white individuals, I have to put more work and effort into everything, so I don’t feel like a waste of space,” Tinsley said. There is a change in identity for many Black girls at predominately white institutions because of the stereotypes and ideals of how they should be. 

In an article by Kianna Goss, many Black women at PWIs struggle to have a voice because of underrepresentation playing a part in how they are perceived as people of color.  This idea of silencing oneself is not new. Since the beginning of time, stereotypes and racial injustices have partook in how minorities function in a world that is not entirely unified with diversity. Moreso, some Black girls at PWIs go through these challenges often because their skin color plays a role in their identities. 

Black girls work to earn certificates and degrees at predominantly white institutions. Yet, what some may fail to realize is that many also work to survive being a person of color in higher education. Facing a new version of oneself, depending on the environment or individuals in proximity, can have a mental toll on Black females. In a Sage Journals Article, studies indicate Black women feel isolated and misunderstood. Whether that be because of how they dress or how they talk, Black girls at these institutions deal with a lot more than having their heads buried in books. 

I, as a Black female, may unintentionally adjust my behavior around certain individuals. For instance, when in a room full of caucasians, I sit quietly and observe to feel as if I am one of them. I know my race, but how I act could be considered whitewashed. Many other colored females have a natural instinct of changing their identities at PWIs. It is not to forget we are different but to feel equal among others, rather than like wallflowers.

In an interview with MU freshman Amanda Panton, said she chooses to blend in with white individuals at times because being singled out due to her race causes her to feel unaccepted.

“I don’t like being called out for things, such as being known as a loud Black girl, because it makes me feel like I’m a problem,” said Panton. “Most of the time, I am only trying to be myself.” 

Unfortunately, it is common for many Black girls at PWIs to feel the need to hide their feelings and true identities. For acceptance, some Black women will do whatever it takes to fit in, such as projecting their personas as someone they may not truly be. 

As a person of color at a predominantly white institution, being Black has never made me feel unworthy. However, thoughts of if I should adjust my appearance or personality fluctuates in my mind often. It is not a sign of weakness when Black women speak on how it feels to be a person of color at these institutions. It is a need for change, so fear will not overpower us from being ourselves. 

Our society has made it difficult to not be afraid of our true selves. Living in environments that preach upon diversity, yet simultaneously shuts it out, may cause our voices to be silenced. Growing up in mainly white neighborhoods my entire life, it’s an unexplainable feeling when you are judged by the pigmentation of your skin.

Something unchangeable does more harm at times than things you have control of. Having only white friends and continuously damaging your hair with heat are factors many Black girls are indecisive about. It isn’t because we don’t like who we are but because we are scared of others’ opinions. We live in a world where being yourself is the route to happiness, but what if being yourself only causes more troubles? What if we know who we are but are not sure how to show it? These are questions many Black females ask themselves every day. 

Accepting people of color as much as white individuals can start within college institutions. With more diversified organizations among minorities, more specifically, Black women and white individuals can be a part of this change. More equal opportunities and fundings for underrepresented groups can make a difference. Black girls at PWIs should feel proud to voice themselves, not shy away from it. Black girls at PWIs should portray their identities as they desire, not by the wants of other individuals who don’t understand what being a person of color is like. 

Black females are just as valuable as any other person in higher education. Therefore, surviving at the college level will lessen as a struggle and grow as a positive solution to their identities. 

Donation Link: The Maneater believes their readers should help support Black women’s overall college education. Donate directly to UNCF if you are able. Thank you. https://uncf.org

Edited by Cayli Yanagida, cyanagida@themaneater.comEdited by Catie Cobble, cacd9d@umsystem.edu