Breaking Generational Curses: Success and Opportunity among Black Children of Incarcerated Parents

Black children are disproportionately represented among the children of incarcerated mothers and fathers in the United States. Research has largely focused on negative life outcomes (e.g., incarceration, negative behaviors, school dropout rates) of these children. Recently, studies have begun to look at success; however, children of incarcerated parents are typically placed into a homogenous group without considering racial implications. Using a critical race theoretical perspective, this study highlights the counternarrative of success by analyzing 59 in-depth interviews. Findings center on the ways adult Black children of incarcerated parents define success, which differs from middle-class, Eurocentric definitions of economic success, college graduation, marriage, and children as the success indicators. Success in relationships, community, education, and mental health emerged as the themes that define success. Findings show that their relationship with others (including their incarcerated parent), giving back to the community, educational experiences, and improving their mental health were indicators that they have “made it.” With support from their personal networks, they can succeed despite institutional and structural barriers. This study may assist policymakers, organizations, and schools with shifting societal perceptions to tailor resources for Black children of incarcerated parents to help invest in their futures.