Examining Rural and Racial Identity Development in Segregated High Schools of Alabama

• In Event: 25.067 - Roundtable Session 7
  In Roundtable Session: 25.067-2 - Marginalized Identities in Rural Places

Abstract

After more than 50 years since the Brown v. Board of Education (1954) ruling to desegregate public schools, racially isolated schools continue to exist. The purpose of this study is to identify and examine the rural and racial identities of the students attending racially segregated schools in these geographically isolated high schools in areas of Alabama. Six high schools within three counties were visited for data collection. Researchers facilitated focus group interviews with teachers/counselors, principals, and students of their respective school regarding their experiences within the school and their perceptions of their rural community. The key themes presented in the poster include lack of exposure, shackled mentality, racial stigma/perceptions of whiteness, rural v. country perceptions.

Author

• Cherish Williams, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill