This workshop aims to address the systemic issues that perpetuate notions of Black inferiority and criminalize Black youth in Baltimore. I will critically examine how policies, language, and practices have contributed to the over-policing and over-criminalization of Black youth. The goal is to engage with youth development professionals, educators, policymakers, and community members who are genuinely interested in challenging the system of white supremacy that disrupts the growth and development of Black youth.
This workshop seeks to challenge and reshape the narratives and policies that have disproportionately impacted Black youth in Baltimore. The workshop, titled “Decriminalizing being Young and Black: A Deeper Look at Policies that Impact Baltimore Youth,” will delve into the ways in which current practices and systems perpetuate notions of Black inferiority and harm Black youth. We will explore the use of language such as “at-risk” youth, deficit-focused approaches, and the failure to engage with communities effectively. Furthermore, we will examine how evidence-based practices may not adequately consider cultural epistemologies and explore the racialized presumption of guilt. Our ultimate goal is to engage participants in a constructive dialogue that leads to systematized solutions and a profound shift away from harmful policies.
