Empowering Black and Latino Young Men Through Transformative Programming

• In Event: Sociopolitical Context and Agency in Adolescence

Abstract

Through an examination of Black and Latino young men’s involvement in youth leadership and grassroots organizing groups across the state of California, this paper elaborates on the concept of justice youth development. Empirical analyses utilize data from surveys, interviews with youth and staff, and over 50 hours of participant observations at key events and programming. We argue that four themes capture the social justice youth development programming that supports the leadership development of the Black and Latino young men: development of basic civic skills; exposure to critical civics education informed by intersectionality; a building of capacities for civic action; and support for personal growth and well-being.

Authors

• Uriel Serrano, University of California - Santa Cruz

• Veronica Terriquez, University of California - Santa Cruz