Their Words: African American Girls’ Descriptions of Life in High-Risk Neighborhoods

• In Event: Roundtable Session 8
  In Roundtable Session: Threats to Student Well-Being: Resources and Resilience

Abstract

African American girls in disadvantaged neighborhoods are at elevated risk for violence, abuse, early sexual experiences, and unwanted pregnancy. We describe a risk-reduction intervention in response to these challenges. Participants were 5th-7th grade African American girls (N=11) who met for 15 small group sessions over a school year. Data included field notes and observations. Narrative theory process identified prominent themes in their discussions. The girls described strained relationships, recurring violence, internalized stereotypes, and objectifying sexual activities. Learning from first-hand accounts of girls in stressed urban environments is crucial to creating future interventions. The girls’ narratives point to the need for resistance to stereotypes, skills for sustaining trusting relationships, and agency in planning for a productive and healthy future.

Authors

• Ann C. Kruger, Georgia State University

• Faith Zabeck, Georgia State University

• Staeshe Collins, Georgia State University

• Erin Harper, Miami University

• Chela Hamilton, Georgia State University

• Miriam Chitescu McGee

• Catherine Perkins, Georgia State University

• Joel Meyers, Georgia State University