Creating Education Spaces of Belonging: The Intersection of Community, Purpose, and Reciprocity

Abstract

The study examines how a decidedly Black community-based education space (CBES) cultivates a sense of community and belonging among Black adolescents. Qualitative data indicate that site personnel, specifically the Servant Leader Interns (SLIs), play a key role in fostering belonging through micro-level processes. Reciprocity within classrooms, wherein SLIs create space for scholars to voice their expectations and feedback, is identified as critical for building trust and breaking down hierarchical barriers between educators and students. The study highlights the importance of sensemaking in navigating cultural processes at the site. By demonstrating care, trustworthiness, and creating safe spaces, adults in the CBES establish belonging for scholars. Overall, the findings shed light on the strategies and dynamics involved in creating a sense of community and belonging within a Black CBES.