"We Could Be Leaders, Pero Otra Cosa Es Si Queremos": Latinx Youth Redefining Leadership

• In Event: 53.081 - Roundtable Session 21
  In Roundtable Session: 53.081-3 - Critical Perspectives on Racism in Education

Abstract

Latinx youth growing up in newer areas of settlement have unique insight into the challenges that Latinxs face and are also playing an active role as actors of change in schools and community spaces. Yet, there is still a limited understanding of the challenges and possibilities for Latinx youth in new areas. This paper draws from a multi-site critical ethnography of a youth program at a local community center and high school Latino student organizations. From 12 months of data collection this paper highlights how Latinx youth sometimes resist traditional notions of leadership and attempt to redefine what it means to be leaders in their community, thereby giving insight into how inequalities may be exacerbated and challenged in extracurricular spaces.

Author

• Julissa Ventura, University of Wisconsin - Madison