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Objective: There is no greater existential threat to the mental stability of Black males than the entanglement among Black males and law enforcement. The impact of Black males witnessing other Black males murdered by police and broadcasted via social media and television is profound. Until recently, few studies have considered the external threats that impact this subgroup, specifically, law enforcement, and how negative experiences presents significant risks to the overall mental health of Black males. Methods:The current study uses a qualitative methodology designed to assess the impact of Black males overall experiences with law enforcement, in addition to the residual effect of Black males witnessing other Black males murdered by police.Results: Participants in the current study reported negative experiences with law enforcement, in addition to extreme, debilitating, psychological distress after witnessing other Black males murdered by police and broadcasted via social media and television. Conclusion:The findings of this study contribute to the extant literature regarding Black males and the many forms of trauma that are experienced by this marginalized subgroup. Moreover, the rich narratives provided by the participants provide a window into the adversarial relationship between Black males and law enforcement.

Background: By the year 2020, children of color will become the majority of those 18 years of age and under in United States. There is a dearth of research that investigates the developmental trajectories of children of color, especially those who live in communities where they are exposed to traumatic events. African American males reared in poverty and/or living in violent communities are an especially vulnerable group. Methods: This paper examines the unique experiences of Black male adolescents and their emotional, psychological, and neurobiological responses to trauma. Discussion: Trauma has multifaceted effects on the lives of Black males. Behavioral disturbances can result in exclusion from school, leading to further traumatization and deprivation. Much of what appears to be antisocial behavior is in fact adaptive response to living in violent communities. It is important to consider the role of this complex interweaving of circumstances in understanding the development of this vulnerable group.