2-073 - The Continued Significance of Race in Driving the Experiences of Black Youth

Session Type: Paper Session

Integrative Statement

This symposium addresses the role of race in the experiences of Black and Latino youth. Though some would like to argue that we are living in a post-racial society, the research presented in this symposium highlights the way that race continues to dictate risk exposure and opportunities afforded today's youth. Paper #1 shows the way in which race influences friendship opportunities and perceptions of peers among Black, Latino, and White middle school students. Paper #2 investigates the extent to which Black youth are perceived as older/more adult-like relative to White youth and youth more generally across gender and developmental stages. Paper #3 examines how racial and socioeconomic segregation may lead to unequal preschool experiences. Lastly, Paper #4 explores how racial segregation (above and beyond socioeconomic segregation) may account for increased exposure to environmental toxins among Black and Latino youth and how that exposure may contribute to race-based achievement gaps.

Sub Unit

• Diversity, Equity & Social Justice

Chair

• Enrique Neblett, University of North Carolina

Individual Presentations

• “I'm not trying to be racist, but . . .”: A Critical Race Perspective on Youth Talk about Race - Presenting Author: Kimalee C. Dickerson, University of Virginia; Joanna Lee Williams, University of Virginia

• The Adultification of Black Youth: Innocence Lost - Presenting Author: Asha K Unni, Texas A&M University; Jamilia Blake, Texas A&M

• The extent and impacts of racial and economic segregation on preschool classroom quality and achievement - Presenting Author: Erika Blackburn, District of Columbia Public Schools, Early Childhood Education Division; Catherine Worrell, District of Columbia Public Schools, Early Childhood Education Division; Katina Kearney, District of Columbia Public Schools, Early Childhood Education Division

• Something in the Water? Environmental Toxicity and Racial Educational Achievement Gaps - Presenting Author: Lucy Sorensen, University at Albany SUNY