“What's going on?” Racism, COVID‐19, and centering the voices of Black youth

Abstract

AbstractThis study examined the impact of COVID‐19 stress and experiences of racism on COVID‐19 adaptability and activism among Black youth. The protective role of perceived peer and adult social support were examined. Data were analyzed from 123 Black youth (Mage = 15.44, 63% girls) from a school district in the Midwest. The findings revealed that more social support from adults increased Black youth adaptability (e.g., “ability to think through possible options to assist in the COVID‐19 pandemic”). Perceived lower social support from adults predicted higher engagement in high‐risk activism, and higher levels of peer social support were associated with higher levels of high‐risk activism. Further, Black youth reporting higher levels of racism and adult social support were more likely to report higher levels of COVID‐19 adaptability. Black youth reporting higher racism and peer social support engaged in high‐risk activism. Black youth who reported high levels of racism and low perceived adult social support reported higher engagement in high‐risk activism. Research and practice implications that support Black youth during the COVID‐19 pandemic and the impact of racism and COVID‐19 stress on well‐being and activism are discussed.