Seeking Justice: Understanding Community Leader Support for Black Young People's Activism

Although adult allies often play crucial roles in mentoring and supporting young people who are activists, there remain gaps in our understanding of how community leaders interpret youth activism and the nature of organizational supports they provide for Black young people. We aimed to clarify perceptions about young people's involvement in social activism surrounding policing among community leaders who serve Black young people (ages 12-21) in Baltimore, Maryland. We interviewed 11 community leaders. Results indicated community leaders believed young people engage in activism due to mistrust and negative perceptions of police, a desire for justice, and to influence policies and laws. Most participants supported youth activism and emphasized the importance of increased adult involvement in amplifying youth voices. Some expressed concerns regarding youth activists' understanding of movement goals and their safety while protesting. Most community leaders reported that their organizations supported youth activism, though the level and nature of support varied widely. Participants shared strategies their organizations implemented to facilitate and sustain youth engagement in activism. Findings highlight the need for structured support systems that empower and protect young activists. Future efforts should foster intergenerational collaboration, enhance educational resources on activism, and develop policies safeguarding youth participation in social movements.