“I Am Overworked and I’m Not Taking Care of Myself”: The Experiences of Black Men in Doctoral Programs Navigating Racial Battle Fatigue

Abstract

Historically, Black men encountered challenges related to race and racism throughout their educational journeys. Perhaps more pronounced at the doctoral level, Black men often experience racial microaggressions and feelings of isolation. This qualitative study utilized racial battle fatigue to explore the experiences of 20 Black men in social science doctoral programs. Utilizing Critical Race Theory and counter-storytelling, participants shared the effects of racial microaggressions and race related stress on their daily interactions and experiences. The study concludes by presenting implications, offering recommendations for future research, and suggesting strategies to better support Black men who facing and navigating racial battle fatigue in doctoral education.