There is evidence that racial socialization does occur among African American youth. For example, Wallace (1999a) found that African American youth were less likely to believe they could “get away with [substance use]” compared to European American youth, and perhaps accurately so. Although African Americans only represent 12% of the U.S. population, they account for approximately 50% of the juvenile correction institution population, predominately for drug possession charges and associated violence (Alexander, 1996). Conley (1994) reported that African American youth were more likely to get arrested for alcohol use compared to their European American peers, due, in part, to racial biases within law enforcement. Thus, one reason members of the African American community may constrain use is because they are attuned to the risks involved with consumption.
