Black Male Youths: Joy, Achievement, and Academic Success in the Face of Being Underestimated

• In Event: AERA Research in Progress Roundtable Session Four
  In Invited Roundtable: Research-in-Progress RT058 (Saturday)

Abstract

Research reveals persistent challenges faced by Black male youth in education, including negative perceptions and disproportionate discipline. Although Black boys represent a small percentage of K–12 students, they experience significantly higher suspension and expulsion rates. These disparities reflect systemic patterns that perceive Black boys as older, more dangerous, and less deserving of innocence. This study seeks to counter such deficit narratives by exploring how Black male youths experience joy, achievement, and academic success despite being underestimated. Through their stories, this work centers resilience and joy as counter-narratives that redefine what it means for Black male youth to thrive in educational spaces. Grounded in Critical Race Theory and narrative inquiry, this study amplifies their voices to highlight strength, success, and joy.

Author

• Thomas Flagg, Texas Christian University