After the Killing of Atatiana Jefferson: Black Stakeholder Experiences Within a Municipal Listening Structure. (September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: O'Neil, Julie; English, Ashley E.; Lambiase, Jacqueline
• Is Part Of: Journalism & mass communication quarterly. Volume 99:Number 3(2022)
• Page Start: 802
• Page End: 825
• Publication Date: 2022-09
• Subjects: Black Lives Matter -- racism -- public relations -- listening -- civic participation/engagement; Journalism -- Periodicals; Mass media -- Periodicals; Communication -- Periodicals; Journalism -- United States -- Periodicals; Journalism -- Bibliography -- Periodicals; 070
• DOI: 10.1177/10776990221105588
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1077-6990

Abstract

Starting with a public relations pioneer's maxim to "listen to stakeholders, " many contemporary scholars have emphasized listening as the key to the inclusion of marginalized communities. Based on 25 in-depth interviews including 19 Black residents of Fort Worth, this study amplifies the voices of Black community members after the killing of Atatiana Jefferson in her home by a White police officer. Their perceptions of systemic racism within the city's listening processes and their recognition of pseudo-listening and non-action provide an understanding of and suggestions for how the city government can facilitate equitable engagement.