Lessons From an Administrative Closure: The Curious Case of Black Space at an MSI

Abstract

The Illescas Center at Esmeraldas College was considered by some students, faculty, and administrators as a “Black space,” “radical space,” and “community center.” While the perception of MSIs elicits a more welcoming image to communities of color because they serve more students of color, this research shows that Black spaces are still necessary for MSIs to consider in their quest to better serve students of color. Respondents were aware however, that this particular Black space, while a source of support for Black students and other stakeholders, caused conflicting feelings for others, and more specifically, administrators. While this conflict ultimately ended in the demise of the Illescas Center, it is a contradiction that must be explored to ensure that MSIs are held to the “serving” part of their designation.