Week 9: Black Identity Development: Reflecting on Cross's Nigrescence Framework

This week, while writing a critical essay on Black identity development, I reflected on my experiences as a Brown female. I delved into Cross’s Nigrescence framework to understand the processes behind Black identity development, and through this exploration, I gained valuable insights.

Cross's framework describes the five stages of Nigrescence, the process of becoming Black: Pre-Encounter, Encounter, Immersion-Emersion, Internalization, and Internalization-Commitment. These stages outline the psychological and social changes that Black individuals experience.

The Five Stages of Nigrescence

1. Pre-Encounter: In this stage, Black individuals often internalize societal stereotypes and adopt assimilationist attitudes, believing that fitting into White norms is essential for success. This internalization can lead to feelings of self-hatred and a low sense of racial salience. Such Black students might see their lack of academic success as a personal failing rather than a consequence of systemic inequalities.

2. Encounter: Success in a system that favors White norms can trigger an encounter experience, challenging previously held beliefs about race and prompting a search for a more authentic Black identity.

3. Immersion-Emersion: This search may lead to an immersion in Afrocentric values and a rejection of Whiteness, reflecting the intense and often emotional immersion phase. However, as these Black students progress to the emersion phase, they develop a more balanced and nuanced understanding of their racial identity, recognizing the need for a sustainable and less hostile commitment to Blackness.

4. Internalization: Characterized by a mature and settled Black identity, Black students who reach this stage have developed the resilience and understanding necessary to navigate a racist society. They are capable of defending themselves against psychological insults, finding a sense of belonging within their racial community, and engaging constructively with people outside the world of Blackness.

5. Internalization-Commitment: This final stage highlights the potential for academic success to coexist with a strong and positive Black identity, countering the notion that fitting into White norms is the only path to success.

Personal Reflections on Nigrescence

Given the historical context of British colonization in the Sub-continent and global White dominance, these stages resonate with me. I have observed many Brown individuals adopting Eurocentric views, admiring White norms while sometimes devaluing their own ethnicity. They often see Whites as a reference group and perceive themselves as inferior, striving to conform to White cultural standards. This underscores how Nigrescence is crucial not only for Blacks but also for individuals of diverse races and ethnicities, facilitating identity development and the celebration of their cultural heritage, norms, and values.

The Broader Impact of Nigrescence

Cross’s Nigrescence model not only delineates the stages of Black identity development but also underscores the psychological challenges of navigating identity crises and addressing racial issues. It highlights how Black students may navigate the dual pressures of conforming to academic expectations while maintaining a strong racial identity. Understanding these stages and corresponding identity characteristics equips higher education professionals, student affairs practitioners, and policymakers to support Black students better. This understanding can foster environments that validate and affirm racial identities, promoting academic success and personal growth.

Ultimately, Cross’s Nigrescence model offers a profound framework for understanding Black racial identity development, revealing how Black individuals navigate their identities in a society dominated by White norms and rules. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing systemic challenges, fostering an inclusive and equitable educational system that values diverse identities and experiences.