This phenomenological study examines the ways Black students attending predominantly White high schools were connected to their school environment. Set in a suburban county located outside of a large urban city, this study included 15 participants who self-identified as Black American and had graduated between 2017 and 2020 from schools where Black students accounted for 10% or less of the total district population. Their experiences as racial minorities shaped their outlooks on life, as well as their school and community connections. Using critical race theory's tenet of counter-storytelling and culturally relevant pedagogy as the conceptual framework, I collected data using one-to-one interviews. Participants shared experiences with instructional programming and perceptions of caring, inclusive learning communities. Analyzed using inductive coding, data found that Black students in predominantly White high schools sought out spaces in their schools where they felt safe and loved by teachers. They wanted representation of their race in the curriculum and teaching staff, and they felt that the lack of representation impacted not only themselves but also their peers. Black students found temporary belonging and a sense of safety in some classrooms, clubs, and sports; however, this did not translate to a significant connection to the school environment. The "Trump effect" was an unexpected theme that emerged in a conversation about safe spaces and opportunities. This refers to Black students feeling isolated, ignored, and in a sense attacked, while their peers reveled in Trump's election. Recommendations for further study include identifying policies to increase the percentage of Black teachers in predominantly White high schools, implementing culturally and linguistically sensitive curriculum, and developing policies to protect Blackness in the school environment. More funding is needed to create safe, supportive spaces for Black students within predominantly White high schools. Addressing behaviors related to "the Trump effect" is a critical part of creating safe spaces and a sense of belonging. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]