Interrogating Schooling Amid COVID-19 Through the Experiences of Marginalized Black Youth in Florida

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Eleven
  In Roundtable Session: Saving Black Lives: Understanding the Role of Physical and Mental Health (Table 11)

Abstract

At the height of the coronavirus (COVID-19), Florida ranked first in the U.S. in new COVID-19 cases. Yet before the onset of COVID-19, over 25% of youth under the age of 18 in Florida had faced a trauma, also known as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). The rates of ACEs are highest for Black youth, at just over 33%. And yet, Black youth voices and perspectives have rarely been heard. This study describes the meaning-making of 24 Black youth in Florida on their schooling amid the pandemic. Results were two-fold: (a) support youth to reimagine an educational environment that is prepared to address their post-traumatic growth, and (b) promote micro-policies that enhance educational and mental health practices among youth.

Authors

• L. Trenton S. Marsh, University of Central Florida
  Presenting Author

• Ann Shillingford, University of Central Florida
  Non-Presenting Author

• Michele G. Gill, University of Central Florida
  Non-Presenting Author