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Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative study was to share the lived experiences of Black men professionals in student affairs who mentor undergraduate Black men. This study analyzed the understanding of Black men providing this level of mentorship during the Black Lives Matter era. Very few academic scholars have researched the lived experiences of Black men professionals in student affairs. This research study provides some answers and increases the knowledge for the field of higher education and student affairs when it comes to the perception of Black men professionals working in student affairs. In this study, the intent was to be as vivid as possible in describing the daily experience of these Black men and provide platform for them. The goal of this study explores the stories of Black men and provides an opportunity for them to be unapologetically honest about their experiences. Six Black men professionals in student affairs who mentor undergraduate Black men shared their stories of their overall experience inside and outside of the workplace. The participants described their experiences of mentoring undergraduate Black men in a society where Black Lives Matter is an unavoidable topic. The participants in this research study describe their experiences of enduring microaggressions in the workplace, police brutality encounters, and providing support for undergraduate Black men during the BLM era. Participants answered semi- structured interview questions developed to obtain authentic and personal details of the participants lives. Conducting photo elicitation provided participants an opportunity to use their creativity to describe their experiences as well. Several themes developed after conducting research for the study. After completing this study, the field of higher education has a better understanding of the lived experiences of Black men professionals in student affairs. During this Black Lives Matter era, Black men endure a lot of challenges inside and outside of the workplace. In a world where it seems as if society does not value Black lives, participants in this provide detailed perspectives on their experiences when it comes to police brutality to workplace discrimination. Higher education and student affairs has a long way to go when it comes to ensuring a true sense of belonging for Black men professionals in student affairs. This study is a concerted effort to bring awareness, create dialog, develop action plans, and eventual change in the field of higher education.