Overview

This study is to understand the quality of life of Black Girls in Richmond, Virginia, which includes generating a report about the status of Black girls in Richmond. Research or reports about the state of the girls are growing more common across the country in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Philadelphia. Most of these studies generate deficit narratives focusing on these groups' problems, needs, and deficiencies. Fewer studies focus solely on the experience of Black girls specifically. This study proposes a new approach and explores the quality of life of Black girls using an asset-based approach that thinks differently about the subject of these studies and how to address their needs appropriately.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria (Online Survey and focus groups):

• Self-identify as Black/African American adolescent cisgender girls, between the ages of 12-17, and reside in the City of Richmond.

Exclusion Criteria (Online Survey and focus groups):

• Girls who are not between 12 to 17 years of age, do not self-identify as Black, does not identify as cisgender, legal residence is not located in the city of Richmond, and/or who do not read English.

Inclusion Criteria (Interviews):

• Parents/guardians (any sex; no age range for parent/guardian) of Black girls (ages 12-17) who reside in the City of Richmond; and
• Black emerging adult women (ages 18-22) who resided in the City of Richmond when they were under 18.

Exclusion Criteria (Interviews):

• Parent/Guardian - Does not have a child (daughter) between the ages of 12-17; child does not self-identify as cisgender and Black/African American; legal residence is not in the city of Richmond; unable to read, write, or speak in English.
• Emerging adult women - does not self-identify as Black/African American, under 18 or over the age of 22, did not reside in the City of Richmond under 18, and unable to read, write, or speak in English.