About this session

Saturday, 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Roots of Resistance: Understanding Youth Critical Consciousness in the Context of Racism and Resilience

The development of critical consciousness among youth is deeply intertwined with their experiences of systemic racism and the sociocultural contexts in which they are situated. This symposium aims to investigate the complex dynamics between these contextual factors and the cultivation of critical consciousness among marginalized youth. Through a multidisciplinary framework, we explore how structural, interpersonal, and internalized forms of racism shape youth's engagement in critical reflection, critical motivation, and critical action.

The first paper delves into the vital role of youth experiences of racism and discrimination in fostering resilience and resistance through critical action among Black and Latine youth. Following this, the second paper explores the experiences of young people in residential facilities and highlights how staff recognition of racial inequities can significantly enhance youth's critical reflection and motivation to act against injustice. The last paper provides an examination of law enforcement communication styles and reveals that respectful interactions can transform how adolescent boys of color perceive authority, fostering trust rather than fear and informing their critical consciousness about policing.

By integrating these diverse perspectives, this symposium seeks to illuminate the pathways through which experiences of racism inform youth critical consciousness. The insights gained will contribute to the formulation of interventions and policies that empower young people to engage in social change, ultimately promoting equity and justice within their communities. This exploration underscores the necessity of supportive environments that enable youth to navigate their identities, engage in critical discourse, and take meaningful action against systemic oppression.

Paper #1
Title	Youth Resilience and Resistance: Navigating Experiences of Racism and Discrimination Through Critical Consciousness
Presenting author	Dr. Daphne A. Henry, Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh, United States of America

Paper #2
Title	Staff’s Recognition of Racialized Inequity Promotes Critical Consciousness Among Black and Brown System-impacted Young People
Presenting author	Dr. Erin Brooke Godfrey, Ph.D., New York University, United States of America

Paper #3
Title	Law Enforcement Communication and Its Impact on Adolescent Boys of Color’s Meaning Making
Presenting author	Dr. Tasneem M. Mandviwala, Ph.D., The University of Chicago, United States

View all paper details

Session chair
Nabila Jamal Orozco, University of Pittsburgh, United States of America

Discussant
Stephanie Johnson Rowley, Ph.D., University of Virginia, United States of America

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