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Abstract
Higher education within the U.S. has a long and withstanding history of perpetuating racism. As we continue to see a push for more diversity and inclusion within higher education, the question becomes, how safe are these spaces for Black people? Research has examined racism in academia and the biopsychosocial impact on Black graduate students’ success. However, there is limited research examining the impact of COVID-19 and the ongoing pandemic of racism on the experiences and mental health of Black graduate students. A qualitative thematic analysis was conducted with Black graduate students discussing being in academia while Black during this unique time period. Four major themes were identified: (1) racism in academic programs, (2) graduate school being lonely, (3) compounded stress by Blackness, and (4) the mental health significance. Recommendations are provided for how institutions, departments, faculty, and peers can create safer and more comfortable spaces for Black graduate students.