I doubt I'll forget

Yesterday I went to honor Trayvon Martin. It was a rather emotional experience for me. Here are five reasons why:

5. I felt connected: Before the protest around the Nation's captial, we took the time to introduce ourselves. We all came from different walks of life - Yet we all shared similar hurt, anger, fears. We were united around a major issue and believed in the power of standing in solidarity against the injustice that is running rapid in this country. It was a beautiful feeling.

4. I felt gratitude. As we neared the White House, a gentleman joined in with our chants of Justice for Trayvon. Here was a man, who could if he so chose to do so, simply observe us ranting, perhaps take a picture, and walk away "standing tall" with all of his privilege. Instead he threw himself wholly into the group, leading chants and holding protesting signs. It reminded me of so many others that I know who stood their ground on this issue, even at the risk of discovering they have friends/family/coworkers who don't share the same values. I appreciate you all.

3. I was vulnerable. I was asked to interview about why I was there protesting and my views on the stand your ground law. In no way did I predict I'd be pulled aside as I prepared to attend this event. And as passionate as I am -- there was no way I was going to pass this opportunity up. I can only hope that what I had to say was coherent and I clearly conveyed my concerns. Being vulnerable in the way is scary but sometimes it is very necessary.

2. I felt pride! A friend and I stepped aside to quench our thirst. While chatting, a gentleman approached us. He informed us that he gathers historical artifacts and asked could he collect our protest signs for the National Museum of African American history and Culture that opens in 2015. We didnt believe him! Sure enough he is a Senior Curator for the Smithsonian. He explained the process and we gladly gave away our signs. They may never be immortalized and on display in this museum-- and I surely will visit in hopes to see that it was---But even if not, it was a reminder that we are a part of history. How cool is that!?

1. I was deeply saddened when I saw a mother and her son, maybe 2 years old join our rally circle. He was the cutest little boy chanting along with us. He looked back with so much joy and smiled at me. And I looked at him, hoping that he could hear my heart cry out "THIS IS FOR YOU". And I completely broke down. Here was a little Black boy who has no idea what the world has in store for him. He had no idea that we were protesting so that children like him can live their lives without fear. It was a powerful moment. He may never remember- and I surely hope that one day his mother tells him- but I doubt I'll ever forget.

~BreAnna

Happy Birthday Trayvon: The Link Between Discrimination and Child Psychosocial Outcomes

On February 5, 2013, I thought about Trayvon Martin. After all, it would have been his 18^th birthday, so it was only appropriate. But it was not just a day to consider his life; rather, his death and its impact on families.

As a researcher in a cultural and family studies laboratory, I think about the “Trayvons” of our society constantly. It was his untimely death that led my colleague, Saida Hussain, and me to consider the effects of discrimination on processes within low-income Black families. After developing a theory based on existing research, we found using a statistical model that discrimination reported by parents has a direct and indirect effect on children.

In cases like the shooting of Trayvon, children may perceive community-level experiences of discrimination directly, thus contributing to their internalizing and externalizing behaviors. In such a way, familial and community experiences of discrimination can be directly related to how children feel and act, and contribute to anxiety, low self-esteem, or aggression. This made me reflect: how many images did I see of youth wearing a ‘h oodie’ as a sign of solidarity – or more resoundingly, interchangeability – with Trayvon?

On the other hand, parents who perceive discriminatory actions are likely to feel more depressed than parents who report less discrimination. Depressed parents often have more difficulties parenting. And surely, increases in parenting problems lead to more challenging child behaviors and feelings. As a result, discrimination has an indirect effect on children’s outcomes as well.

Though it may seem like a gloomy pathway to psychological pain for children living in a society that has discrimination, our research also considers possible protective agents. We tested whether parents’ ethnic commitment – or having a sense of belongingness within their ethnic group – changed the relationship between experienced discrimination and depression.

As hypothesized, parents with higher levels of ethnic commitment had lower levels of depression. So, even though we found that discrimination can directly lead to negative child outcomes, we also found that when parental depression is minimized, parenting practices are more likely to be supportive, as are positive child outcomes. As a result of this research, we are next considering how to effectively bolster components of parenting interventions that focus on ethnic identity to improve overall child outcomes.

So, to Trayvon: we hope for a world free of discrimination, but until then, we offer research as a gift to other youth in your honor. Happy birthday, Trayvon.

Keywords: Discrimination, psychosocial well-being, ethnic identity, black families, parenting