Approaches to Better Meet the Needs of African American Children and Families

The National African American Child and Family Research Center (NAACFRC) at Morehouse School of Medicine aims to establish national leadership and excellence in community-focused research to enhance services for African American children and families, particularly those associated with the Administration for Children and Families and Head Start programs. In a discussion with Dr. Azaliah Israel, co-lead for dissemination and communication at NAACFRC, the importance of narratives in shaping perceptions of families was highlighted. Dr. Israel emphasized that harmful stereotypes, like “deadbeat fathers,” can skew service providers' interactions with Black families. Through her dissertation interviews, she discovered that altering the narrator's perspective is crucial for progress. NAACFRC’s community-engaged research strives to dismantle dated narratives by emphasizing the unique experiences of African American families, particularly those in rural settings or facing health challenges. This approach seeks to elevate their voices, ultimately transforming societal perceptions and improving service delivery for these communities.