BRIFT

The Black Research Institute for Flourishing and Thriving Project

The sole objective of the Black Research Institute for Flourishing and Thriving (BRIFT) project is to facilitate research that centers on Black flourishing and thriving at the University of Idaho. At U of I, like many other rural predominantly white land-grant institutions, there is perceived to be institutional and structural barriers that inhibit the Black campus population (e.g., students, faculty, staff, and administrators) from thriving and flourishing holistically (i.e., academically, socially, emotionally, professionally, etc.). The institution’s main campus is located in a county with a Black population of 1% and a Black campus population of 1%. Since 2016, U of I has made major strides through faculty leadership to better facilitate a sense of belonging for Blacks on campus. Examples of this include the establishment of the Africana Studies program, Black/African American Cultural Center, Black Faculty & Staff Association, the Black Lives Matter Series, and the Black History Research Lab. However, based on interviews with present Black students, faculty, staff, and administrators few indicate that they are thriving and flourishing.

Recently, BRIFT has been studying the notions of black thriving & flourishing. While these terms are often used synonymously, they have slightly different meanings. Thriving is often related to success generated by one's effort. Flourishing is most often associated with creating and facilitating the environment for a person to be successful. What we are learning that for Black people to thrive and flourish it is not just about effort – as one can thrive in one aspect of life because of great effort, but flounder in other areas because of inadequate conditions. However, for someone to be holistically successful by flourishing, a person needs the right environment (i.e. people, resources, time, space, support, etc.). The goal is that the results of the study will lead to an academic report and peer reviewed article submitted in the spring of 2023.

Funded by the University of Idaho's College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences.

• The University of Idaho’s Black/African American Cultural Center’s mission is to mainly serve students of African descent on our campus by providing them with resources that will guarantee a smoother transition to this university; create a sense of belonging here and in their new communities where applicable, as well as create awareness on our unique and beautiful African culture.
• The University of Idaho’s Black History Research Lab has a stated objective in-part to facilitate research that centers Black excellence, joy, and thriving in the academy.
• The University of Idaho’s Black Student Union seeks to support the advancement of Black students, promote equality and unity among students on campus, celebrate Black heritage and to provide a social atmosphere where students can meet and have open discussion.
• The Moscow Chamber of Commerce + Visitor Center (MCOC+VC) mission is to strengthen, promote, and lead the business and economic community and support the free enterprise system while preserving and enhancing the quality of life.
• Latah County Historical Society, their mission is to collect, preserve, share, and celebrate the history of Latah County in order to promote a deeper understanding of the many experiences that make up our shared past.
• The Kenworthy Théâtre states that it is dedicated to hosting and providing high quality arts experiences to residents of and visitors to the Palouse Region.

• Dr. Brittany Williams
• Dr. Crystal Chambers
• Dr. Dave Louis
• Dr. Candace Hall
• Dr. Antar Tichavakunda
• Dr. Derrick R. Brooms
• Dr. Frank Tuitt
• Dr. Ty-Ron M. O. Douglas
• Dr. Lynda M. Freeman

Resources on Flourishing Research

• Cendejsa, C. (2016). Not just surviving but thriving: Predictors of flourishing among college students (Issue September). University of Oregon.
• Van Zyl, L. E., & Rothmann, S. (2012). Flourishing of students in a tertiary education institution in South Africa. Journal of Psychology in Africa, 22(4), 593–599. https://doi.org/10.1080/14330237.2012.10820573

Resources on Thriving Research

• Anderson, C. (2022). Intelligence Isn't Enough: A Black Professional’s Guide to Thriving in the Workplace. Berrett-Koehler Publishers.
• Battle, C. E. F. (2022). Black Female Educator Retention: Exploring Conditions Needed to Thrive. University of California San Diego Professor.
• Farmer, J. R. (2021). First and Only: A Black Woman's Guide to Thriving at Work and in Life. Broadleaf Books.
• Goodwin, W. C. (2022). Predictors of thriving in Black and Latino men at Christian colleges and universities [Azusa Pacific University]. http://proxy.library.vcu.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType
• Kelly, B. T., Segoshi, M., Adams, L., & Raines, A. (2017). Experiences of Black Alumnae from PWIs: Did they Thrive? NASPA Journal About Women in Higher Education, 10(2), 167–185. https://doi.org/10.1080/19407882.2017.1325378
• Materre, D. W. (2018). The Joy of Black Women becoming first and thriving in positions of leadership and authority. University of Colorado.
• Pender, Sr., M. A. (2020). The Art of Thriving: A Young Black or Brown Man’s Guide to Life. Independently published.
• Sanders, K. (2021). Microaggressions, Emotional Regulation, and Thriving in Higher Education: A Mixed Methods Study about Black Women Faculty. University of Cincinnati.
• Wilborn T. L. (2022). Playing a New Game: A Black Woman’s Guide to Being Well and Thriving in the Workplace. Balance Publishing.
• Williams, C. J. (2020). Thriving While Black: The Act of Surviving and Thriving in the same space. Ckc Publishing House LLC.