Using critical media literacy and youth-led research to promote the sociopolitical development of Black youth: Strategies from “Our Voices”

Abstract

This paper examines the utility of youth participatory action research (YPAR) and critical media literacy as strategies to promote the sociopolitical development (SPD) of Black youth. We use the case example of Our Voices, an afterschool program implemented with Black high school students in which participants analyzed the representation of Black characters in television and developed action to resist historical stereotypes. We situate Our Voices in SPD theory to demonstrate how approaches from YPAR and critical media literacy can be used to promote Black youth’s analysis of racial issues, agency in making social change, and sociopolitical action. We also highlight the utility of YPAR and critical media literacy programs as opportunity structures for youth to receive resources and mentorship as they engage as advocates in their community. We conclude with lessons learned from the implementation of Our Voices and with recommendations for research and practice with Black youth.

Acknowledgments

Thank you to the Rackham Program for Public Scholarship for funding this work. Thank you to Gordon Palmer and Rogério Pinto for theirreview and feedback on earlier versions of this manuscript.

Data availability statement

Due to the nature of this research, participants of this study did not agree for their data to be shared publicly, so supporting data is not available.

Notes

1 Please see www.blackyouthproject.com for more information about the research project and curriculum.

Additional information

Funding

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program under Grant No. DGE1256260. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation and Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences.

Notes on contributors

Nkemka Anyiwo

Dr. Nkemka Anyiwo is a postdoctoral fellow in the Human Development and Quantitative Studies Division in the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania. Nkemka’s research examines the sociocultural factors that promote the resilience and empowerment of Black youth in the context of racism.

Katie Richards-Schuster

Dr. Katie Richards-Schuster is an associate professor in the School of Social Work. Dr. Richards-Schuster’s work focuses on understanding the strategies and approaches for engaging young people in communities, the contexts and environments that facilitate youth engagement across settings, and the impact of youth participation in creating community change.

Morgan C. Jerald

Dr. Morgan C. Jerald is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at Macalester College. Framed by Black feminist scholarship, Dr. Jerald’s work investigates sociocultural factors— such as the media and group stereotypes— that influence young Black women’s gender beliefs, health, and well-being