Knowledge From Trauma: Black Lives Matter and Community-Based Participatory Research

• In Event: Social Movements, Learning Sciences, and Possibilities for Transformation

Abstract

Purpose
With the increased attention towards issues of police brutality especially in Black and Latino communities, there has been a groundswell of young people from these communities organizing a range of activities around the issue, from protests to community forums. This poster explores how learning happens during a community-based research project conducted with the Black Lives Matter group in Denver, CO centered on community-based mechanisms for healing and justice processes from trauma created by state-violence.
There is currently a severe lack of research on viable alternatives that establish meaningful accountability mechanisms and healing processes led by impacted communities. There has been a recent surge of attention to the issue, and some models are starting to appear, but need to be examined in greater detail. More research must be done to better understand strengths and weaknesses of existing models, as well as to develop alternatives. A participatory approach to this research is the most appropriate way to assess the opinions and build power of impacted communities, while developing commitment within those communities to see effective implementation of those programs.

Perspectives
This research involves community members in all phases of the research process and links the research to an action designed to improve conditions for the members and build the capacity of the organization (Israel et al, 1998). Using social movement theory surrounding expanded political opportunity (McAdam, 1982) and the role of agency and emotions in organizing work (Goodwin & Jasper, 1999) this poster explores members’ learning process as they address structural issues through a focus on community-based healing.

Methods and Data Sources
The creation of the survey instrument to gather information from community members about state-induced trauma from violence and healing mechanisms also serves to recruit and involve new people in the organization. Working with members of BLM to collect information about state violence, trauma and healing justice, this participatory research uses survey data and participant observation.

Results
This poster explains how members worked collectively to build knowledge around community trauma and healing practices that challenge state violence. This project builds the capacity of the organization to do qualitative survey-based research as well as other forms of research to answer key strategic questions for the organization.

Significance
This research adds to a growing body of research that is done through a participatory process with impacted community members that are organizing for change. There is a paucity of Community-Based Participatory Research and even fewer examples of this research on projects to address issues of police brutality in marginalized communities. This research furthers our understanding of how researchers can partner with community members in a participatory way to build on the strengths and knowledge of affected communities and members to create social change. It deepens our understanding of what possibilities and challenges exist in researcher-community relationships with emerging organizing models being developed by young people outside of traditional non-profit structures.

Author

• Julia A Daniel, University of Colorado - Boulder