Jessica Haas, Timothy S. Hanna, Ph.D., Awa Jangha, Ph.D., Dayna Pizzigoni, Kari O’Grady, Ph.D., Jesse Fox, Ph.D., Kimberleigh Stickney
Tensions in Ferguson Symbolic of National Race Crisis
Racial tensions between police forces and local communities have been spotlighted
with increased attention and frequency in the past year. These incidents have demonstrated
the need for racial reconciliation to restore unity within the affected communities
and dignity to the African American peoples who have been the target of lethal discriminatory
acts. These traumatic acts have generated a nationwide outcry about the racial disparities
that continue to foster toxic environments for all. U.S. citizens are calling for
an intentional, collaborative, and effective response to such incidents. One community
in particular that has received national attention is Ferguson, Missouri. The purpose
of this study is to better understand the lived experience of those who were involved
in the racial tensions in Ferguson MO. An information-seeking trip was conducted (May
2015) to garner participant input on question development to ensure effective multicultural
considerations in working with diverse populations (Denzin & Lincoln, 2011). We received
input about concerns and potential questions from leaders of the following groups
who participated in a bridge-building forum: protestors, police, pastors, politicians,
and public sector business owners. Additionally, several educators and a media spokesperson
were included in the information gathering process.
Working with Dr. Kari O’Grady and Dr. Jesse Fox through the Loyola Center for Trauma
Studies and Resilience Leadership, a small student research team is traveling to Ferguson,
MO. in order to collect data for The Ferguson Trust-Building Forum Participant Experience
Study. We are scheduled to interview over 30 participants and continue confirming
other interviews.
The research protocol examines the effectiveness of the forum as it relates to current
research, looking specifically at the efficacy of relationship building, humanizing
opposition, and participation in solution finding in reducing and repairing community
trauma and race relations. The study investigates group alliance and self-identification
as well as perceptions of other group identifiers and how to move beyond these identifications.
Considering the potential for successes to be reproducible in other cities similarly
affected by racial tension, community trauma, and non-peaceful protesting, researchers
will be considering the impact of (a) participant’s narrative understanding, (b) individual,
group, and community cosmology, and (c) the impact of hope on implementation outcomes.
Furthermore, aspects of relevant religious/spiritual belief, leadership, and religious
leadership will be evaluated as it relates to the efforts of the Trust-Building Forum
outcomes.