Understanding the Trauma of African American Youth in Poor Urban Areas

The social/emotional trauma of African American youth in poor urban areas is underserved in urban communities around America. The revised strain theory is applied to examine the impact of violent environments on African Americans. Youth that live in an aversive environment surrounded by deep poverty and racism battle a systemic problem that requires a unique multilayer approach of interventions. The historical context of African American intergenerational trauma is examined to understand the effects of social/emotional trauma on African American youth residing in poor urban areas. History and several studies review the association of racism, poverty, and community violence.