The authors likely address non-deficits and Blackness in terms of HBCU student study abroad experiences in 2 ways:

1. Non-deficit perspective on Blackness:

• Shifting from deficit narratives: Traditionally, narratives around Blackness in education often focus on challenges and disadvantages. The authors likely use a non-deficit perspective to highlight the strengths, cultural wealth, and unique assets that Black students bring to the study abroad experience.
• Celebrating Black identities and knowledge: They might explore how HBCUs nurture Black identity and provide students with tools to navigate international spaces while holding onto their cultural roots. This could involve examining how students express their Blackness through language, dress, cultural practices, and engagement with local communities during their study abroad programs.
• Reclaiming agency and ownership: The non-deficit approach empowers Black students to view themselves as active agents in shaping their study abroad experiences, rather than passive recipients of knowledge and culture. This might involve highlighting instances where students use their cultural knowledge and understanding to engage with different societies and contribute to intercultural dialogue.

1. Understanding Blackness within the broader HBCU student study abroad context:

• Intersectionality and diversity within Blackness: Recognizing that Blackness is not monolithic, the authors might explore how various factors like gender, class, religion, and regional backgrounds further shape individual HBCU students’ experiences abroad. They could investigate how students navigate these intersections and build community with other Black students from different backgrounds during their program.
• Unique challenges and opportunities: HBCU students might face specific challenges abroad, such as racial microaggressions or limited access to culturally relevant resources. The authors might examine how these challenges are addressed and how HBCU-specific support systems can help students navigate them effectively. Additionally, they might highlight the unique opportunities afforded by study abroad for HBCU students, such as connecting with Black diasporic communities or engaging in critical analysis of race and colonialism in global contexts.

2. Importance of Black Consciousness in International Education:

Addressing Blackness/Black consciousness from a non-deficit perspective is crucial for several reasons:

• Combating Eurocentric biases: International education often carries eurocentric assumptions and privileges Western knowledge systems and cultures. A non-deficit approach to Blackness challenges these biases and recognizes the value of diverse perspectives and cultural experiences.
• Promoting critical thinking and social justice: By understanding Black histories, cultures, and perspectives, students can engage in critical thinking about global issues like racism, colonialism, and inequality. This can foster a commitment to social justice and intercultural understanding.
• Empowering Black students: Studying abroad can be a transformative experience for Black students, but it can also be challenging. A non-deficit approach equips them with the tools and confidence to navigate these challenges, advocate for their needs, and assert their unique identities in international spaces.
• Enriching the learning experience for all students: When Blackness is centered and celebrated, all students benefit from a more diverse and inclusive learning environment. This fosters greater appreciation for cultural differences and promotes deeper understanding of the complexities of race and identity in the global context.

Overall, addressing Blackness/Black consciousness from a non-deficit perspective is not just important for HBCU students; it’s critical for creating a more just and equitable international education experience for all students. By centering diverse voices and promoting critical thinking about race and power, we can cultivate a more inclusive and transformative global learning environment.