Lompoc Youth Action Research Team (Poster 24)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Thursday 3:35 p.m.
  In Poster Session: Research Engagement and Development with Youth (READY) Program

Abstract

This study explores Black high school student experiences in a California school district through an intersectional ecological framing of school safety (Edwards, 2021). Through photovoice, youth researchers found that Black students experienced (1) the pervasive use of the N word (2) teachers’ avoidance of addressing racist incidents, (3) racial microaggressions, (4) lack of culturally relevant coursework, and (5) disproportionate disciplinary response to Black students. Through this process, youth researchers found a space of healing, similar to bell hooks’ concept of “communities of resistance” (hooks, 1999). Despite the noted struggles this study presents, we found that the hope came from the opportunity to come together as a community to not only improve education for young people, but to heal and resist.

Authors

• Hui-Ling S. Malone, University of California - Santa Barbara

• Madison Turner, Lompoc High School

• Kalayla Hunt, Lompoc High School

• Ameeya Dalmida, Cabrillo High School

• Sophia Austin, Cabrillo High School

• Jasmyn Hughes, Cabrillo High School