Conclusion
voice
This study advances a robust literature on the important role of Black churches in promoting civic engagement and health promotion in the context of our nation’s systemic oppression. The current study advances that literature as the first (to our knowledge) to examine the infusion and outcomes of a church S-L program to promote Black adolescent mental health. Participating youth demonstrated deep concern related to causes and effects of the achievement gap (“opportunity gap”), reflecting their increased knowledge of how systemic injustice limits access to educational opportunities and community resources, altogether disrupting pathways to well-being. The Black church represents a critical physical and social space for youth to address structural inequities, especially through S-L. This study presents encouraging data about iterative, mixed method, and community-engaged models of socially responsive research that can optimize mental health, educational equity, and lift every voice among Black youth.