Abstract

In this critical essay, the authors confront silences in urban education research on sexual victimization and other forms of gendered violence in the lives of Black girls. This essay is guided by two overarching questions: What are the silences and challenges regarding sexual victimization and Black girls in urban education? In what ways can (teacher) educators cultivate learning environments that support human rights-oriented and culturally relevant sexual and health education for all students by centering Black girls’ gender-specific experiences with sexual victimization? The authors ground their discussion in historical, legal, and psychological research on Black girls and sexual victimization, present findings from a thematic review of interdisciplinary literature to suggest essential components of human rights-oriented and culturally relevant sexual and health education for Black girls and young women, and outline compelling professional and moral considerations for urban (teacher) educators and activists committed to anti-rape advocacy and rape awareness.

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