The Power of Story: Bicultural Identity in Black Haitian American Girls' Narratives

• In Event: Research in Progress Roundtable Session 2
  In Invited Roundtable: Race, Identity, and Culture in Education (Table 3)

Abstract

The representation of Black Haitian characters in young adult literature focuses on bicultural identity and affirmation of cultural affirmation. Drawing from a systematic literature review guided by PRISMA protocols, the study analyzes recurring themes in selected works, including cultural duality, linguistic representation, and the intersectionality of race, gender, and nationality. The research explores the transformative potential of culturally sustaining narratives in empowering marginalized youth, particularly Black Haitian American adolescent girls. It underscores the critical role of young adult literature in fostering resilience, agency, and self-definition while challenging dominant stereotypes. By incorporating frameworks such as Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy (Paris, 2012) and Critical Race Theory (Ladson-Billings, 1995), this work identifies strategies to engage adolescents through authentic representation in educational contexts.

Author

• Nerline Saint-Velus, Florida Atlantic University