Amplifying Black Voices: Addressing Racial Disparities in Northern California Schools

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 12:40 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: Challenging Anti-Wokeness, Defacto Segregation, and the Silencing of Black Narratives in U.S. Schools (Table 1)

Abstract

Recent research highlights disproportionate suspensions of Black male students in Sacramento, California (Woods et al., 2018). However, the everyday experiences of Black students and families in Northern California schools remain underexplored. This qualitative study, using community-based participatory research (CBPR) and collaborating with a local Black student and family organization, aimed to amplify their voices. Focus groups with parents and high school students captured their realities and visions for inclusive education. Our findings underscore the significance of AI-generated images in sparking dialogue with community partners and the importance of CBPR in promoting justice for Black communities. These findings are significant because they highlight challenges and offer community-driven solutions, demonstrating that the community itself is key to addressing these issues.

Authors

• Elizabeth Holliday Morgan, Morgan State University

• Sheeva Sabati, California State University - Sacramento

• December Khrystyne Jones, California State University - Sacramento

• Prisila Isais, California State University - Sacramento

• Marc Martin, California State University - Sacramento

• Marque Willis, California State University - Sacramento

• Kathy Carter Wilson, Community-University Partnership