Health of Boys and Men of Color

• In Event: 30.080 - Roundtable Session 10
  In Roundtable Session: 30.080-21 - Organizing in Diverse Communities

Abstract

The health status of young boys and men of color (BMOC ) cannot be defined just by traditional health indicators such as patterns of illness and disease. Instead, antecedent factors like the lack of educational opportunities, harsh police experiences, and disproportionate arrest and penal incarceration rates contribute to the poor health status of many minority youth and young adults. The present study compiled quantitative from existing data sources such as US census, county health data, schools, juvenile hall, and police to create a macro view of the situation of BMOC. This was complemented with qualitative data from 5 focus groups and 30 individual interviews to get some of the individual stories behind the data and give the youth voice.

Authors

• Christian Wandeler, California State University - Fresno

• Paul A. Garcia, Center for Leadership, Equity, and Research