An Intersectional Examination of Black Women’s Perceptions of Being Able To Safely Pursue Joyful Activities

• In Event: Intersectionality, Victimization, and Responses to Women's Victimization and Offending

Abstract

Historically, Black individuals have been subjected to continued physical and psychological violence at the hands of the police and vigilantes. This caused a hyperfocus on research examining Black individuals’ attitudes and perceptions of the police, with much of the research focusing on Black men and rendering Black women invisible. There is also much less research focusing on how the violence Black women experience impacts their feelings on whether they can engage in activities that bring them joy (i.e., birdwatching or running). This study uses data from 26 Black and White women protesters to intersectionally examine Black and non-Black women’s perceptions of whether Black individuals can safely pursue activities that bring them joy.

Authors

• Kaelyn Sanders, Michigan State University

• Jennifer Cobbina-Dungy, Michigan State University

• Henrika McCoy, University of Denver