In this study, six African American female college students were interviewed to explore perceptions about their college learning environment and the beliefs they have about their own competence and value with regard to others in the college community. Focus group and individual interviews were conducted over the course of the academic year to examine insights about classroom dynamics and peer interactions. Findings revealed that their decision to persist at the college was based on faculty being accessible, approachable, and providing authentic instruction. While this was encouraging, undergraduate women of color still described challenges such as experiencing microaggressions from professors and classmates and feeling a need to "represent their race" when asked to provide commentary on specific course topics. The results show that African American college women have experiences that are unique and faculty must be aware of the need to create a safe space in which these students can engage and participate fully.