“Tell Me Who I Have to Be to Get Some Reciprocity”: Research With Black Families for Black Families

• In Event: To BE with Black Communities: Possibilities and Visions of Justice

Abstract

Purpose and Perspective
A growing number of researchers have attempted to include the voices of Black families. However, oftentimes this has been time consuming for Black families with little compensation and even less action in research studies. In other words, Black families have been exploited only to give voice to issues that continue to go unaddressed.

The large qualitative study that this paper draws from combats claims of lack of participation on the part of Black families and centers the reality of burnout by way of exploitation by paying fair rates for the Black families’ expertise shared, and sharing direct connections to tangible outcomes of this study. Put plainly, this study is designed to co-create opportunities to listen and learn from and with Black in ways that are rooted in reciprocity.

Methods & Data Sources
The methodological approach is rooted in a collective belief that cookie cutter approaches to partnering with families are disconnected from the ways communities naturally engage and collaborate. Considering this, this study employed a mixed methods approach that centered the uniqueness of families and communities, which included the following: (1) survey, (2) individual interviews, (3) group interviews (referred to as village sessions) and (4) visual data collection (photo essays and vision boards). Beyond these proposed approaches, we remain open to new ways of learning from and with parents. We are employing word-of-mouth communication - “someone hearing about the study from a family member, friend, coworker, study participant, or another source trusted by that particular individual” (Jones, Steeves & Williams, 2009, p. 454). Additionally, we are employing purposive sampling to ensure we have diverse representation. Our study is guided by the following questions: 1) What are Black families’ perceptions of research - historically and contemporarily? 2) How, if at all, do they see research as a way to improve their experiences?

Preliminary Findings
The preliminary findings provide insight into how researchers might shift from collecting data for information’s sake to collecting data to improve experiences for Black families. We are seeing this in two ways. First, Black families are part of the development of the data protocol and data analytic plan, which has allowed them to have a say in what, how and when we collect data. This has ensured that the data we collect is actually helpful to the Black families we are working with. Additionally, Black families shared a desire to be part of collecting data, which has created an opportunity for communities to receive research training that can be used for this specific study but also beyond to continue to improve their communities.

Significance
It is not enough to be in search of telling Black stories. We must understand how that, in and of itself, perpetuates anti-blackness and centers savorism. We must be willing to connect and build with communities, and follow the lead of Black families to make sure research is actually benefiting them. This paper deepens conversations like these in hopes of pushing education research to move away from research about people to research with people.

Author

• Tunette Powell, Arizona State University