Mental Health in Marginalized Communities: The Unique Experiences of Black and Latino Gang Members

• In Event: Critical Perspectives on Race and Racism

Abstract

This ethnographic study explores the intersection of mental health and gang involvement among Black and Latino gang members, focusing on how socio-cultural, environmental, and psychological factors influence their well-being. Drawing on semi-structured interviews, this study examines the ways in which gang members from these communities navigate mental health challenges within a system that often stigmatizes or marginalizes their experiences. The study delves into the roles of trauma, resilience, coping mechanisms, and cultural identity in shaping the mental health of individuals within gang subcultures. By centering the voices of Black and Latino gang members, this research provides insight into the complex interplay between social determinants, gang affiliation, and mental health, and highlights the need for culturally relevant interventions that address both the systemic and personal factors contributing to mental distress in these populations.

Author

• Sean Wilson, SUNY Farmingdale