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Clinton Executive Leadership to present at conference in Cancun, Mexico

November 02, 2022

Dr. Toneyce Randolph, Vice President of Academic Services, and Dr. Harriet Hobbs, Vice President of Institutional Planning, Accreditation/Assessment, Effectiveness, and Research, will both present this week at the International Conference on Urban Education in Cancun, Mexico.

Dr. Toneyce Randolph will host a round table discussion entitled Hip-Hop Diagnosis: Exploring Lyrics and Traumatic Experiences of First-Generation College Students.

Abstract: As more first-generation college students from urban communities enroll in college, it is necessary to examine the impact of traumatic experiences on those who live in poverty-stricken urban communities. Research on this topic has been sparse, especially on understanding the lyrical messages in hip-hop and how these lyrics explore the truths of many first-generation college students. Hip-hop lyrics give a grim look into the lives of those who reside in distressed urban communities. This roundtable posits engaging dialogue surrounding overarching national issues while examining hip-hop lyrics and trauma.

Dr. Harriet Hobbs will conduct a presentation entitled The Influence of Academic Resilience Among African American First-Year Males at a Private Historically Black University in the United States.

Abstract: This quantitative study examines the relationship between social engagement, family support, capacity for tolerance, commitment to college, retention, and graduation among African American first-year males. The results were not statistically significant in predicting retention and graduation. However, the role of family support, social engagement, capacity for tolerance, and commitment to college are important factors. In light of these data, this study is grounded in three theoretical frameworks, critical race structuralism, anti-deficit, and resiliency. This study highlights a broader discussion on understanding the academic resilience of African Americans and the historical roles HBCUs have played in educating African Americans.

The International Conference on Urban Education is a three-day conference hosted by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. This year’s theme is “Speaking Truth to Power: Sustaining Excellence in Urban Realities.”