This study investigates gendered racial identity among Black men, focusing on the influences on racial/ethnic identity, masculinity perceptions, and well-being among Black men. Through qualitative interviews with a diverse sample of Black Men, the research explores their experiences in forming identity, perspectives on masculinity, and encounters with societal influences such as media portrayal and systemic racism through a lens of intersectionality. The study examines familial dynamics, cultural influences, and societal constructs that contribute to shaping Black Men’s identity. Thematic analysis of interview data aims to uncover recurring patterns and themes, aligning findings with existing research on Black men’s identity development. The study illustrates how Black men navigate societal expectations while asserting their individuality and informing interventions dedicated to fostering positive identity development as it pertains to countering existing identity-harming norms or stereotypes. Additionally, it hopes to identify barriers to accessing mental health support and recommends strategies for cultivating inclusive environments.

This exploratory study investigates parental involvement in early childhood within East African immigrant communities in Minneapolis. The study aims to help fill gaps in the literature regarding cultural and contextual factors influencing parental engagement, particularly focusing on the home learning environment and interactions with early childhood programs. Data collection involved one-on-one interviews with parents from East African backgrounds, exploring their perceptions and practices related to child development. Thematic analysis will be utilized to analyze the data collected. After analyzing the data, we expect to discover themes of cultural values, language barriers, and other factors in shaping parental roles. Findings contribute to developing culturally responsive interventions to promote positive developmental outcomes for East African children, fostering inclusive educational environments aligned with community needs and aspirations. This research highlights the importance of culturally sensitive approaches in enhancing parental engagement within diverse immigrant communities.

The criminal legal system (CLS) has disparities in every area of the system, with over-representation of people of color. Individuals who are Black, of low socio-economic status, and with a mental illness are more likely to be incarcerated. We examine how ideology can influence biased perceptions of culpability and explain unequal outcomes for defendant/prisoners with stigmatizing characteristics (i.e., Black, of low SES, and with mental illness). First, participants (N = 200) completed Essentialism, Mental Health Attitudes, and Modern Race Bias scales. Next, participants read a bogus scenario with a police report for burglary where the defendant’s race, socio-economic status, and mental health are varied. The defendant is convicted and goes to prison. Then, participants read a prison infraction report for the defendant who violated prison rules and is given an extended sentence. Participants provided culpability and punitiveness ratings. We predict that the results will indicate that culpability ratings are higher, based on the defendant/prisoner’s characteristics, but these biases are influenced by ideology. Those who are high in essentialism and modern race bias, with negative mental health attitudes will be most likely to indicate culpability and advocate for punitiveness, compared to those with low essentialism and modern race bias and more positive mental health attitudes. The findings of this study will provide insight into methods to eliminate disparities in the CLS and promote a more equal justice.

This research delves into the often-overlooked experiences of incarcerated individuals in the United States, particularly those grappling with mental illness, within a criminal justice system (CJS) in dire need of reform. Amidst the shifting landscape of mental health care, a concerning trend emerges: an increasing number of mentally ill individuals find themselves within correctional facilities. This study confronts mental health stigma, examining its influence on policy reform within the CJS. Central to this research are questions about the impact of stigma on mental health policy prioritization, the role of personal experiences in shaping empathy towards incarcerated individuals with mental illness, and the intersections of public attitudes, empathy, and treatment within correctional settings. Data was collected from participants via Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk). Scales assessed attitudes toward prisoners, modern race bias, community attitudes toward mental illness, punitiveness, empathy, and the provision of mental health care for incarcerated persons. Anticipated outcomes include strong influences and correlations among these variables. Individuals who are more punitive, less empathetic, and hold more negative attitudes towards mentally ill and incarcerated persons show a lower need for mental health services for the incarcerated. Insights will inform policy decisions aimed at improving the care of incarcerated individuals with mental illness. This study represents a crucial step towards addressing systemic mental health care issues within the CJS, contributing to ongoing efforts toward comprehensive and inclusive policy reform. Ultimately, it seeks to advocate for the rights and well-being of incarcerated individuals who are often neglected and stigmatized within society.