Between the World and Me: The Literacy Journeys of High-Achieving Black Male Adolescents

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Three
  In Roundtable Session: Black and Male: Intersectionality in Teaching and Learning (Table 14)

Abstract

Literacy is the foundation of all learning. How Black boys see themselves may profoundly affect how they see their futures. How they see themselves or their future, significantly affects their academic outcomes and engagement in literacy. Without opportunities for community, reflection, or conversation, Black boys often may not have the chance to develop a strong identity, sense of agency, or voice their experiences or perceptions. This research examined the engagement and motivation strategies utilized by Black adolescent males to navigate literacy experiences in and out of school. High achieving Black males were motivated by parents first and teachers second. All participants indicated that their parents stressed reading throughout their lives, provided access to text, and encouraged reading as a habit.

Authors

• Melissa A. Mack, Howard County Public School System
  Presenting Author

• Janeula M. Burt, Bowie State University
  Presenting Author

• Jacquelyn Sue Sweeney, Bowie State University
  Presenting Author

• Nicole Allain, Montgomery County Public Schools
  Presenting Author