Humanizing Relationships, Practices, and Research: Using Photo-Elicitation Interviews With African American Males and Fathers

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 21
  In Roundtable Session: Reflections on Relational Research

Abstract

The constant dehumanization of Black males in the media and society is traumatic. Considering the deficit perspectives perpetuated about this population and the current racialized and political climate, there are few reports that humanize the moral, familial, and relational practices that Black males engage in with their family members in their homes. We found how photo-elicitation interviews (PEIs) from two separate qualitative studies of a 39-year-old father of four and of a 13-year-old adolescent boy helped to evoke deeper meaning and discussions of images of Black males. We argue that humanizing images, especially of Black males, should be a central method in educational research and that PEIs offer opportunities to build relationships and to humanize participants’ stories and lives.

Authors

• Tisha Lewis Ellison, The University of Georgia

• Grace Enriquez, Lesley University