Date of Award

5-12-2024

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Cultural Foundations of Education

Advisor(s)

Gretchen Lopez

Subject Categories

Education

Abstract

This critical qualitative research study (Denzin, 2017) explores how Latinx community members within the Near Westside neighborhood in Syracuse, NY serve as activists and advocates in interrogating educational systems, policies, and practices. By focusing on a specific neighborhood that houses a significant and diverse Latinx community within a smaller U.S. city, this study adds to the scholarship that oftentimes focus on Latinx communities within larger metropolises. This study also allows for a deep sociohistorical understanding of the ways in which Latinx community members engage educational inequities and injustices. This study utilizes a Lat Crit Constructivist Grounded methodology, influenced by Malagon, Huber, and Valdez (2009) and their work on Critical Race Grounded Methodology, as well as archival research, to capture the testimonios of 30 Near Westside Latinx community members and share the ways in which they construct and define community; the most pressing community and educational issues that are negatively impacting the Latinx community; and the roles they play in mobilizing community cultural wealth (Yosso, 2005, 2006) and community power to effect change and preserve critical hope. Key findings include: the clear impact of cultural capital in forming and shaping their activist spirit; deep ties to the Near Westside community and unwavering commitment to interrogate educational systems, policies, and practices; the rich history of community activism and the formation of foundational community-based organizations and grassroots efforts that had lasting effects on community growth, wellbeing and educational success; and the ways in which community members can be rendered inactive or ineffective. This study can impact current community efforts in mobilizing against current racist, xenophobic, and anti-immigrant rhetoric and educational policies.

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Open Access

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