no place for a black man

04/09/23 1

The Effects of Racism and Discrimination on The Effects of Racism and Discrimination on the Mental Health of African American Malesthe Mental Health of African American Males

Rogers W. Gardner IIRogers W. Gardner II

04/09/23 2

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on on

RacismRacismThere is nothing more dangerous than toThere is nothing more dangerous than tobuild a society with a large segment of build a society with a large segment of

people in that society who feel that they people in that society who feel that they have no stake in it; who feel that they have have no stake in it; who feel that they have nothing to lose. People who have a stake in nothing to lose. People who have a stake in their society, protect that society, but when their society, protect that society, but when they don't have it, they unconsciously want they don't have it, they unconsciously want

to destroy it. to destroy it.

04/09/23 3

AgendaAgenda

African American CultureAfrican American Culture SlaverySlavery SegregationSegregation Civil RightsCivil Rights

Values and CustomsValues and Customs ReligionReligion Perceptions and StereotypesPerceptions and Stereotypes

Myths versus RealityMyths versus Reality Blacks in the MediaBlacks in the Media

04/09/23 4

Agenda ContinuedAgenda Continued

Cultural TraitsCultural Traits Poor, Middles and Upper ClassPoor, Middles and Upper Class FamilyFamily Cultural IdentityCultural Identity Self PerceptionSelf Perception EducationEducation LanguageLanguage Complacency versus AmbitionComplacency versus Ambition

04/09/23 5

Agenda ContinuedAgenda Continued The Mental Health of African American The Mental Health of African American MalesMales

The Effects of RacismThe Effects of Racism Low Self-EsteemLow Self-Esteem DepressionDepression ViolenceViolence The Effects of DiscriminationThe Effects of Discrimination

Counseling ChallengesCounseling Challenges Conclusion/SummaryConclusion/Summary RecommendationsRecommendations ResourcesResources

04/09/23 6


http://emeagwali.com/photos/for-publishing.htmlhttp://www.emeagwali.com/index1.shtmlhttp://lcweb2.loc.gov/ammem/aaohtml/aohome.htmlhttp://lcweb2.loc.gov/ammem/aaohtml/aohome.html

04/09/23 7


Issues Issues associated with associated with racism and racism and discrimination discrimination has a direct has a direct correlation to correlation to the the mental health, mental health, and positive and positive self perception self perception of the African of the African American American male.male.

04/09/23 8

No Place for A Black Man: The Effects of Racism No Place for A Black Man: The Effects of Racism and Discrimination on the Mental Health of African and Discrimination on the Mental Health of African

American MalesAmerican Males

Contemporary society has placed many Contemporary society has placed many challenges on the African American male challenges on the African American male that has had drastic effects on their that has had drastic effects on their cultural development. Many African cultural development. Many African American men are struggling to American men are struggling to overcome the external stressors that overcome the external stressors that dictate the type of educational dictate the type of educational opportunities, health care and, opportunities, health care and, employment services available to this employment services available to this community.community.

04/09/23 9

No Place for A Black Man: The Effects of Racism No Place for A Black Man: The Effects of Racism and Discrimination on the Mental Health of African and Discrimination on the Mental Health of African

American MalesAmerican Males

Many of theses external stressors have created aMany of theses external stressors have created anegative perception of educational institutions, negative perception of educational institutions, displaced emphasis on learning and devalue displaced emphasis on learning and devalue academic achievement in the Black community. academic achievement in the Black community. The media promotes negative images of African The media promotes negative images of African Americans as uneducated hoodlums who use non-Americans as uneducated hoodlums who use non-Standard English. According to Al-Kaleem (2001), Standard English. According to Al-Kaleem (2001), prior to 1969 the media covered African Americans prior to 1969 the media covered African Americans as if they did not live normal lives. as if they did not live normal lives.

04/09/23 10

The African American Culture: The African American Culture: Past, Present and FuturePast, Present and Future


04/09/23 11


(Slavery)(Slavery)

African Americans were taken from their African Americans were taken from their homeland and brought to America as homeland and brought to America as slaves. Slaves were stripped from their slaves. Slaves were stripped from their native lands but held on to their native lands but held on to their individual cultures, languages and individual cultures, languages and customs. Naturally, the white customs. Naturally, the white slaveholders did not want the slave to slaveholders did not want the slave to embrace their cultures, languages and embrace their cultures, languages and customs so, the slaves developed other customs so, the slaves developed other means to communicate and celebrate means to communicate and celebrate their culture. One such way was to tell their culture. One such way was to tell stories and the singing of songs stories and the singing of songs (Asante, 2005).(Asante, 2005).

http://search.yahoo.com/search?fr=slv1-&p=slavery+images

04/09/23 12


(Segregation)(Segregation)

Before the Civil War a large Before the Civil War a large percentage of African percentage of African Americans were slaves and there was Americans were slaves and there was not a need not a need for segregation. Segregation became for segregation. Segregation became the rule in the rule in the South after the Civil war. The the South after the Civil war. The small percentage small percentage of free blacks prior to the civil war of free blacks prior to the civil war faced the many faced the many faucets of segregation which included faucets of segregation which included exclusion exclusion from schools, theaters, taverns, and from schools, theaters, taverns, and other other public places. public places.

http://search.yahoo.com/search?fr=slv1-&p=slavery+images

04/09/23 13


(Segregation)(Segregation)

Several laws were passed that limited the rights of Several laws were passed that limited the rights of blacks, placed limitations on black occupations, blacks, placed limitations on black occupations,

propertypropertyownership, and vagrancy laws under which blacks ownership, and vagrancy laws under which blacks

could be could be forced to work for whites if they were considered forced to work for whites if they were considered unemployed. Laws were also used to segregate the unemployed. Laws were also used to segregate the schools, and the justice system. These laws orschools, and the justice system. These laws or “ “Black Code” successfully prevented the newly Black Code” successfully prevented the newly

freed slaves freed slaves from improving their status in society (Asante, from improving their status in society (Asante,

2005).2005).http://search.yahoo.com/search?fr=slv1-&p=slavery+images

04/09/23 14


(Civil Rights)(Civil Rights)

Challenges to segregation and its stressors became more successful after the civil war.

During the peak of the Civil Rights Movement, Congress passed the Civil Rights

Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, guaranteeing basic civil rights for all Americans (www.eeoc.gov/policy/vii.html), regardless of race, after nearly a decade of

nonviolent protests and marches, ranging from the 1955-1956 Montgomery

bus boycott to the student-led sit-ins of the 1960s to the huge March on Washington in

1963.

http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=civil+rights+images&ei=UTF-8&fr=slv1-&fl=0&x=wrt

04/09/23 15

Values and CustomsValues and Customs

The African American culture is so The African American culture is so diverse diverse

and has so many subcultures that it is and has so many subcultures that it is

difficult to list and define them all difficult to list and define them all

(Asante, 2005). (Asante, 2005).

http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=hip+hop+pictures&ei=UTF-8&fr=slv1-&rs=more

04/09/23 16

Values and CustomsValues and Customs(Religion)(Religion)

Religion has been an intriguing part of the African Religion has been an intriguing part of the African American culture since the days of slavery and it is American culture since the days of slavery and it is still a dominant part of the culture. Sue and Sue still a dominant part of the culture. Sue and Sue (2003) commented that spirituality and religion (2003) commented that spirituality and religion play an important role in many African American play an important role in many African American families and provide comfort in the face of families and provide comfort in the face of oppression and economic support. There was a oppression and economic support. There was a time when all they had was family, which included time when all they had was family, which included the community as a whole and the church. the community as a whole and the church.

04/09/23 17

Values and CustomsValues and Customs(Religion)(Religion)

Many male members of Baptist churches held key positions. In todays’ Baptist churches the number of African American males serving in the positions of Deacon, Elder and Trustee is

at an all time low (Powell, 2005).

http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?p=black+pastors&ei=UTF-8&fr=slv1-&fl=0&x=wrt

04/09/23 18

Perceptions and StereotypesPerceptions and Stereotypes


04/09/23 19

Perceptions and StereotypesPerceptions and Stereotypes(Myth versus Reality)(Myth versus Reality)

There are basic stereotypical There are basic stereotypical perceptions held about people perceptions held about people from virtually every race from virtually every race (Smith, 2005). African (Smith, 2005). African American people are American people are characterized as being characterized as being aggressive and athletic, while aggressive and athletic, while German people are viewed as German people are viewed as being industrious and studious being industrious and studious (Smith, 2005). (Smith, 2005).

04/09/23 20

Perceptions and StereotypesPerceptions and Stereotypes(Myth versus Reality)(Myth versus Reality)

When a small percentage of a given culture confirms a particular stereotype,

the perception is validated in the minds of others (Smith, 2005).

Additionally, many people believe that when faced with individuals who fit a

preconceived notion that is held about a particular race, one will expect the

individual to have other characteristics that are also stereotypical of that race

(Smith, 2005).

http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?p=blacks+and+stereotypes&ei=UTF-8&fl=0&qp_p=blacks+stereotypes&imgsz=all&fr=slv1-&b=61

04/09/23 21

Perceptions and StereotypesPerceptions and Stereotypes(Blacks in the Media)(Blacks in the Media)


Junne, (1996) suggests that early African Americans attempted to re-shape the perception of African Americans but the status held by many “Blacks” due to slavery made it extremely difficult.

04/09/23 22



The media has played a critical role in perpetuating the effects of historical

oppression and in contributing to African-Americans' continuing status as second-class citizens (Balkaran, 1999).

04/09/23 23



The continuation of negative media coverage and its portrayal of African Americans has diluted white Americas understanding of African Americans and their culture (Balkaran, 1999).

04/09/23 24

Cultural TraitsCultural Traits


04/09/23 25

Cultural TraitsCultural Traits(Poor, Middle and Upper Class)(Poor, Middle and Upper Class)


Identifying a particular class in the Black community is difficult and confusing. One can not use the same standards to determine

class among the white majority as you would for African Americans (Warren, 2005).

Warren (2005) argues that there is no black equivalent to the white upper class “captains of corporations”. Additionally Warren

states that an African American who runs a black insurance company is not the same as a Caucasian American who runs a Ford

Motor company.

04/09/23 26

Cultural TraitsCultural Traits(Family)(Family)


The extended family and kin is a critical component of the African American community that are usually over

looked by society. Society tends to focus on the negative images and perceptions of black families.

According to a presentation given by Dr. Oscar Barbarin, African American families have about 70 different family

structures compared to about 40 different structures among white families.

The comparison highlights some important characteristics of the African American family structure and how the family structure contributes to the development of

not only Black males but the entire African American community (Barbarin, 2002).

04/09/23 27

Cultural TraitsCultural Traits(Family)(Family)


The African American family usually demands strict behavioral standards and uses

physical discipline. Barbarin (2002) believes the cultural strictness among African Americans is balanced within a context of strong support and affection.

African American males receive their cues from older males who handle the disciplinary action in the family and if the biological father is not in the home, African American children have contact with uncles, male cousins, and other males in the community (Barbarin, 2002).

04/09/23 28

Cultural TraitsCultural Traits(Cultural Identity)(Cultural Identity)


Thomas and Weinrach, (2002) suggest that no analysis is complete with addressing the issue of race and it influence on cultural identity.

Sue and Sue (2003) suggest that minorities go through a sequential process of racial identity or consciousness. Sue and Sue (2003) also states that this process for African Americans, involves a transformation from a non-Afrocentric identity to one that is Afrocentic.


04/09/23 29


In an article titled, The Cultural Mistrust, Ethnic Identity,In an article titled, The Cultural Mistrust, Ethnic Identity,Racial Identity, and Self-Esteem among EthnicallyRacial Identity, and Self-Esteem among EthnicallyDiverse Black University Students, Gerard, Phelps, and Diverse Black University Students, Gerard, Phelps, and Taylor, (2001) wrote in “The study of African American Taylor, (2001) wrote in “The study of African American racial identity has a long and sometimes disturbing history racial identity has a long and sometimes disturbing history in American psychology. in American psychology.

The concept of racial identity has been used to both The concept of racial identity has been used to both denigrate and exult the ways in which African Americans as denigrate and exult the ways in which African Americans as a community have coped with the impact of systematic a community have coped with the impact of systematic oppression in America (Gerard et al, 2001). oppression in America (Gerard et al, 2001).

04/09/23 30


Sue & Sue (2003), discusses Cross’s Black identity Sue & Sue (2003), discusses Cross’s Black identity development model. This model walks an individual development model. This model walks an individual through different stages of cultural identity and through different stages of cultural identity and development. The beginning of this model highlights an development. The beginning of this model highlights an

individual as individual as identifying with predominate cultural values/beliefs and identifying with predominate cultural values/beliefs and

transitions to a transitions to a realization of who and what they are. realization of who and what they are.

The next phases are an acceptance and eventual pride in The next phases are an acceptance and eventual pride in the African American race (Sue and Sue, 2003). Members the African American race (Sue and Sue, 2003). Members begin to accept their own cultural values and beliefs and begin to accept their own cultural values and beliefs and identify with their own race. Counselors have to be able to identify with their own race. Counselors have to be able to identify the development stage of a client in order to identify the development stage of a client in order to render effective services.render effective services.

04/09/23 31


The counselor also needs to understand the The counselor also needs to understand the developmental process in order to create an developmental process in order to create an effective counseling strategy. The effective counseling strategy. The development models provide a frame of development models provide a frame of reference for counselors who are not reference for counselors who are not familiar with many minority cultures.familiar with many minority cultures.

+ =http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?p=blacks+and+stereotypes&ei=UTF-8&fl=0&qp_p=blacks+stereotypes&imgsz=all&fr=slv1-&b=61

04/09/23 32

Cultural TraitsCultural Traits(Self Perceptions)(Self Perceptions)

White Americas perception of the African American male White Americas perception of the African American male has caused many to buy into the myths and stereotypes has caused many to buy into the myths and stereotypes used to describe African American men. used to describe African American men.

It is easy to buy into a Black male being a criminal, drug It is easy to buy into a Black male being a criminal, drug addict or gang member when he is being portrayed as addict or gang member when he is being portrayed as subhuman. In an article titled Why most Black think O.J is subhuman. In an article titled Why most Black think O.J is innocent, Sut Jhally, (2005) commented that the images innocent, Sut Jhally, (2005) commented that the images presented by the media turns real and complex human presented by the media turns real and complex human beings into crude one-dimensional caricatures, which then beings into crude one-dimensional caricatures, which then come to define minority populations for the majority. come to define minority populations for the majority.

04/09/23 33

Over the last 31 years this writer has been continuously Over the last 31 years this writer has been continuously bombarded with stories and statistics presenting the bombarded with stories and statistics presenting the achievement of African American males as less than achievement of African American males as less than desirable. desirable.

Powell (2005), states that many Black males achieves Powell (2005), states that many Black males achieves score that are significantly lower than their peers in the score that are significantly lower than their peers in the ““inner city” public schools across the nation. The Black inner city” public schools across the nation. The Black male achieves significantly lower then other students. male achieves significantly lower then other students.

This This trends leads to the categorizing of African American trends leads to the categorizing of African American

youth. youth. Subsequently, many of the young African-American males Subsequently, many of the young African-American males are guided into special education programs.are guided into special education programs.

Cultural TraitsCultural Traits(Educations)(Educations)

04/09/23 34

Cultural TraitsCultural Traits(Educations)(Educations)

In an article titled African-Americans Still Face In an article titled African-Americans Still Face

Discrimination in Schools, Yvette Owo (2004) Discrimination in Schools, Yvette Owo (2004)

wrote “Students can be designated as special wrote “Students can be designated as special

education students based on four criteria: mental education students based on four criteria: mental

retardation, specific learning disability, emotional retardation, specific learning disability, emotional

instability or health impairment. Of the four, only instability or health impairment. Of the four, only

mental retardation is objective, considered to be mental retardation is objective, considered to be

an IQ below 70. The other three, however, are an IQ below 70. The other three, however, are

highly subjective and - not coincidentally - are the highly subjective and - not coincidentally - are the main main

justifications for placing African-American males in justifications for placing African-American males in special special

education classes”. education classes”.


04/09/23 35

Cultural TraitsCultural Traits(Language)(Language)

African American youth imitate the attitudes, behavior and African American youth imitate the attitudes, behavior and improper use of the English language presented by the improper use of the English language presented by the media. Children become attuned to use of language early in life. media. Children become attuned to use of language early in life. Parents need to be aware of the slang terms and sloppy English Parents need to be aware of the slang terms and sloppy English

used used in the home as the parent-teacher. Bertels (2003), suggest that in the home as the parent-teacher. Bertels (2003), suggest that

the the speech habits of African American in the class room are often a speech habits of African American in the class room are often a

matter matter of social class rather than race. Furthermore, African American of social class rather than race. Furthermore, African American

children children from middle-class families are more likely to adopt ‘black slang’ from middle-class families are more likely to adopt ‘black slang’

which which is that is drastically different from the language or speech is that is drastically different from the language or speech

pattern of pattern of

poor African American students (Bertels, 2003).poor African American students (Bertels, 2003).

04/09/23 36

Cultural TraitsCultural Traits(Complacency versus Ambition)(Complacency versus Ambition)

Many of the African American males are Many of the African American males are being portrayed as individuals who lack a being portrayed as individuals who lack a

sense of purpose. If this concept is allowed sense of purpose. If this concept is allowed to be transferred onto the psyche of the to be transferred onto the psyche of the

African American male community, it can African American male community, it can turn into a negative attitude that destroys turn into a negative attitude that destroys their inner drive/ambition (Bertels, 2003).their inner drive/ambition (Bertels, 2003).

04/09/23 37

The Mental Health of African The Mental Health of African American MalesAmerican Males


04/09/23 38


(The Effects of Racism)(The Effects of Racism)

Racism affects the mental health Racism affects the mental health of of

African American males by African American males by destroying destroying

their self esteem and portraying their self esteem and portraying them as them as

subhuman to the American public. subhuman to the American public. This This

negative portrayal can cause negative portrayal can cause external external

stressor form other cultures and that stressor form other cultures and that can can

directly affect the mental health and directly affect the mental health and mental health services offered to mental health services offered to

this this community (Bertels, 2003). community (Bertels, 2003).


04/09/23 39


(Low Self-Esteem)(Low Self-Esteem)

There are three major paradigms that has have There are three major paradigms that has have been used to examine personal self-esteem of been used to examine personal self-esteem of African Americans (Phelps et al, 2001). These African Americans (Phelps et al, 2001). These paradigms include theory of social evaluation, paradigms include theory of social evaluation, locus of control, and socialization and strength of locus of control, and socialization and strength of community. Findings in this area suggest that community. Findings in this area suggest that African Americans' personal self-esteem is no African Americans' personal self-esteem is no lower than the personal self-esteem of Whites lower than the personal self-esteem of Whites (Phelps et al, 2001).(Phelps et al, 2001).


04/09/23 40


(Depression)(Depression)Many African Americans do not consider Many African Americans do not consider depression to be a mental disorder that depression to be a mental disorder that affects the African American community. affects the African American community. Some members of the Black community Some members of the Black community believe that individuals who are suffering believe that individuals who are suffering from depression are in line to take from depression are in line to take medication that induces a slow mental state. medication that induces a slow mental state. In an article titled Depression Should Not Be In an article titled Depression Should Not Be a Dirty Word, Stephanie L. Ogle writes, a Dirty Word, Stephanie L. Ogle writes, “Depression does not discriminate based on “Depression does not discriminate based on age, sex, color or social/economic status. age, sex, color or social/economic status.

04/09/23 41


(Depression)(Depression)

Depression also comes in various forms & Depression also comes in various forms &

may not be easily detected initially. may not be easily detected initially.

Throughout history, African-Americans have Throughout history, African-Americans have

been improperly & under- diagnosed in been improperly & under- diagnosed in

regards to depression yet have been over-regards to depression yet have been over-

diagnosed when it comes to schizophrenia diagnosed when it comes to schizophrenia

(Phelps et al, 2001). (Phelps et al, 2001).

04/09/23 42

The Mental Health of African The Mental Health of African American MalesAmerican Males(Alcohol leads to Violence)(Alcohol leads to Violence)

Alcohol can be attributed to many negative African Alcohol can be attributed to many negative African American stereotypes the self-perception and American stereotypes the self-perception and mental health of the African American community. mental health of the African American community. This community houses more alcohol/Liquor stores This community houses more alcohol/Liquor stores than their white counterparts in other than their white counterparts in other communities. Several Black leaders have communities. Several Black leaders have addressed the issue of alcohol being heavily addressed the issue of alcohol being heavily advertised by television and radio stations in advertised by television and radio stations in African American communities.African American communities.

04/09/23 43


(The Effects of Discrimination)(The Effects of Discrimination)The African American general The African American general

populace does populace does not control the attitudes, not control the attitudes,

beliefs or beliefs or perceptions society has of perceptions society has of

“Black America”. “Black America”. A critical aspect in A critical aspect in

understanding African understanding African Americans discrimination is to Americans discrimination is to

realize that realize that those individual considered as those individual considered as

lower-lower lower-lower class African American have class African American have

become the become the stereotypical image all blacks stereotypical image all blacks

in America. in America.


04/09/23 44


(The Effects of Discrimination)(The Effects of Discrimination)

African Americans stand out as the mostAfrican Americans stand out as the mostvisible minority group in America. The visible minority group in America. The problems experienced by African problems experienced by African

Americans Americans due to “Black” characteristics such as due to “Black” characteristics such as

skin skin color are used as to determine quality. color are used as to determine quality. These same characteristics are used to These same characteristics are used to determine the quality of housing, service, determine the quality of housing, service,

and and products (Broman, Jackson and products (Broman, Jackson and

Neighbors, 2001). Neighbors, 2001).


04/09/23 45


(The Effects of Discrimination)(The Effects of Discrimination)

Separate, inferior school buildings Separate, inferior school buildings existed for most of the century, existed for most of the century,

and and even today, the issue of adequate even today, the issue of adequate

state state support for Historically Black support for Historically Black

Colleges Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) is and Universities (HBCUs) is

couched in couched in Proposition 209-type terms that Proposition 209-type terms that

such such support will be a drain on public support will be a drain on public resources resources (http://faculty.ncwc.edu/(http://faculty.ncwc.edu/

toconnor/soc/355lect11.htm).toconnor/soc/355lect11.htm).


04/09/23 46

Counseling ChallengesCounseling Challenges

According to Sue and Sue (2003) interpersonal According to Sue and Sue (2003) interpersonal challenges deal with relationships between the challenges deal with relationships between the client and counselor, and intrapersonal challenges client and counselor, and intrapersonal challenges deals with an individual’s ability to know his/her deals with an individual’s ability to know his/her own values/beliefs. Many minorities tend to have own values/beliefs. Many minorities tend to have issues that are classified as interpersonal issues that are classified as interpersonal challenges. Sue and Sue comment (2003) challenges. Sue and Sue comment (2003) comment that therapist may often respond to the comment that therapist may often respond to the culturally diverse client in a very stereotypical culturally diverse client in a very stereotypical

manner and manner and fail to recognize within-group or individual fail to recognize within-group or individual

differences. differences.

04/09/23 47


The stereotypical attitudes and belief may The stereotypical attitudes and belief may

create barriers to an effective client create barriers to an effective client

therapist relationship, communication and therapist relationship, communication and

counseling strategy. Many minorities do not counseling strategy. Many minorities do not

trust Euro-American counselors due to trust Euro-American counselors due to

established cultural norms and behaviors established cultural norms and behaviors

past and present (Sue and Sue, 2003). past and present (Sue and Sue, 2003).

04/09/23 48


Counselors have to be able to identify Counselors have to be able to identify the the

development stage of a client in order to development stage of a client in order to

render effective services. The counselor render effective services. The counselor also also

needs to understand the development needs to understand the development

process in order to create an effective process in order to create an effective

counseling strategy. counseling strategy.

04/09/23 49


Counselors/clients need to have a self Counselors/clients need to have a self awareness of personal beliefs in order to be awareness of personal beliefs in order to be

an effective participant in the counseling an effective participant in the counseling process and to provide meaningful process and to provide meaningful feedback. Without this awareness a feedback. Without this awareness a

counselor will not be able to see past counselor will not be able to see past personal stereotypes and be an instrument personal stereotypes and be an instrument

of change to the client.of change to the client.

04/09/23 50


The American Counseling Association The American Counseling Association

section A.2.b, states that counselors will section A.2.b, states that counselors will

actively attempt to understand the diverse actively attempt to understand the diverse

cultural backgrounds of the clients with cultural backgrounds of the clients with

whom they work. This includes, but is not whom they work. This includes, but is not

limited to; learning how the counselor's own limited to; learning how the counselor's own

cultural/ethnic/racial identity impacts her or his cultural/ethnic/racial identity impacts her or his

values and beliefs about the counseling values and beliefs about the counseling process.process.

04/09/23 51

Conclusion/SummaryConclusion/Summary

Many African American men are Many African American men are struggling struggling

to overcome the external stressors to overcome the external stressors that that

dictate the type of educational dictate the type of educational

opportunities, health care and, opportunities, health care and, employment employment

services available to this community.services available to this community.

04/09/23 52

Conclusion/SummaryConclusion/Summary

Black parents must raise their young Black boys to be men Black parents must raise their young Black boys to be men who have a strong cultural foundation that foster a positive who have a strong cultural foundation that foster a positive self image. Young African American boys must be educated self image. Young African American boys must be educated on the fundamental principles, such as education and on the fundamental principles, such as education and spiritual morality that have produced strong Black men in spiritual morality that have produced strong Black men in our past. The African American community must demand our past. The African American community must demand the very best from their black men while the black male is the very best from their black men while the black male is being supported by the black community. being supported by the black community.

The issues presented in this presentation have a direct The issues presented in this presentation have a direct correlation to the mental health, and positive self correlation to the mental health, and positive self perception of the African American male.perception of the African American male.

04/09/23 53

RecommendationsRecommendations

Research provided in this essay, suggest Research provided in this essay, suggest

that it is critical for the African American that it is critical for the African American

community to ensure it provides its male community to ensure it provides its male

members with access to health insurance, members with access to health insurance,

support networks, health care facilities and support networks, health care facilities and

counselors who understand the African counselors who understand the African

American culture and language. American culture and language.

04/09/23 54


It is also recommended that the African It is also recommended that the African American American

community educate its males on principles, community educate its males on principles, such such

as education and spiritual morality. Educating as education and spiritual morality. Educating African American males on education and it African American males on education and it importance ensures young African-American importance ensures young African-American

males males are equipped to succeed in public school are equipped to succeed in public school

systems, systems, colleges and universities. colleges and universities.

The importance of education should be The importance of education should be viewed viewed

as a positive and empowering experience. as a positive and empowering experience.


04/09/23 55


Steps should be taken to ensure young Steps should be taken to ensure young

African American children are properly African American children are properly

assessed and monitored before being assessed and monitored before being placed placed

into special education programs.into special education programs.


04/09/23 56


Additionally, African Americans should create and Additionally, African Americans should create and utilize programs/activities that provided a sense of utilize programs/activities that provided a sense of accomplishment and pride. The programs/activities accomplishment and pride. The programs/activities are intended to build the self esteem and are intended to build the self esteem and confidence of African American males. This confidence of African American males. This recommendation also provides for healthier recommendation also provides for healthier personal relationships and self perception. The personal relationships and self perception. The activities would allow the Black male to see how activities would allow the Black male to see how his actions affect his life and the lives of those his actions affect his life and the lives of those around him.around him.

04/09/23 57


It is also recommended that adult African It is also recommended that adult African American males take on a more active American males take on a more active

role in the role in the growth and development of young African growth and development of young African American males. The self-perception and American males. The self-perception and

esteem esteem of young Black men are affected by the of young Black men are affected by the interactions and behavior of the black interactions and behavior of the black

male role male role model. model.

An African American males’ An African American males’ relationship with his relationship with his

father heavily influences his personalfather heavily influences his personaldevelopment, growth and personality.development, growth and personality.


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RecommendationsRecommendationsAdditionally, African American males Additionally, African American males should should join an African American or join an African American or Historically black Historically black fraternity. This provides an outlet for fraternity. This provides an outlet for males males to associate with professional or like to associate with professional or like individuals while providing an individuals while providing an opportunity to opportunity to participate and socialize in cultural participate and socialize in cultural and and professional activities.professional activities.


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African Americans should seek out counseling African Americans should seek out counseling opportunities and take advantage of mental health opportunities and take advantage of mental health resources. Additionally, Blacks should research a resources. Additionally, Blacks should research a counselor’s cultural and professional background. African counselor’s cultural and professional background. African American should be aware of current issues and promote American should be aware of current issues and promote counseling the Black community. Informing this community counseling the Black community. Informing this community that culturally skilled counselors possess knowledge and that culturally skilled counselors possess knowledge and understanding about how oppression, racism understanding about how oppression, racism discrimination, and stereotyping affect them personally and discrimination, and stereotyping affect them personally and in their work can help to foster an effective client/therapist in their work can help to foster an effective client/therapist relationship (Arredondo, 1999).relationship (Arredondo, 1999).

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No Place for A Black Man: The Effects of Racism and No Place for A Black Man: The Effects of Racism and Discrimination on the Mental Health of African American Discrimination on the Mental Health of African American

MalesMales

It’s time for a Changehttp://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?p=blacks+and+stereotypes&ei=UTF-8&fl=0&qp_p=blacks+stereotypes&imgsz=all&fr=slv1-&b=61

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Where to Get More InformationWhere to Get More Information

Al-Kaleem, K. (2001). Television News Images of African Al-Kaleem, K. (2001). Television News Images of African Americans and Their Effects on Self-Esteem. University of Americans and Their Effects on Self-Esteem. University of Maine at AugustaMaine at Augusta

Arredondo, P. (1999). Multicultural Counseling Competencies Arredondo, P. (1999). Multicultural Counseling Competencies As Tools To Address Oppression and Racism. Journal of As Tools To Address Oppression and Racism. Journal of Counseling and Development, Vol 77 Issue 1 p102Counseling and Development, Vol 77 Issue 1 p102

Asante, M.K. (2005). Contours of the African American Asante, M.K. (2005). Contours of the African American Culture. Retrieved March 12, 2005, from Culture. Retrieved March 12, 2005, from (http://www.africawithin.com/asante/contours.htm)(http://www.africawithin.com/asante/contours.htm)

B. Smith (personal communication, March 10, 2005)B. Smith (personal communication, March 10, 2005)

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Where to Get More InformationWhere to Get More InformationBertels, R. (2003). Leaving No Child Behind. Retrieved Bertels, R. (2003). Leaving No Child Behind. Retrieved

March 08, 2005, from March 08, 2005, from (http://www.dailytexanonline.com/news/2004/04/30/Opinion/Africa(http://www.dailytexanonline.com/news/2004/04/30/Opinion/AfricanAmericans.Still.Face.Discrimination.In.Schools-675968.shtml)nAmericans.Still.Face.Discrimination.In.Schools-675968.shtml)

Balkaran, S. (1999) Mass Media and Racism. The Yale Political Balkaran, S. (1999) Mass Media and Racism. The Yale Political Quarterly. New Haven, CT Quarterly. New Haven, CT

Broman, C.L., Jackson, J.S., & Neighbors, H.W. (2001). Broman, C.L., Jackson, J.S., & Neighbors, H.W. (2001). Racial Group Identification Among Black Adults. University of Racial Group Identification Among Black Adults. University of North Carolina PressNorth Carolina Press

Day-Hairston, B.O., & Day-Vines, N.L. (2005). Culturally Day-Hairston, B.O., & Day-Vines, N.L. (2005). Culturally Congruent Strategies for Addressing the Behavioral Needs of Congruent Strategies for Addressing the Behavioral Needs of Urban, African Male Adolescents. Professional School Counseling, Urban, African Male Adolescents. Professional School Counseling, Vol 8, Issue 3, p236, 8pVol 8, Issue 3, p236, 8p

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Gerald, P.A, Phelps, R.E., & Taylor, J.D. (2001). Cultural Gerald, P.A, Phelps, R.E., & Taylor, J.D. (2001). Cultural Mistrust, Ethnic Identity, Racial Identity, and Self-Mistrust, Ethnic Identity, Racial Identity, and Self-Esteem Among Ethnically Divers Black University Students. Esteem Among Ethnically Divers Black University Students. Journal of Counseling and DevelopmentJournal of Counseling and Development

Herilhy, B., & Corey, G. (1996). ACA Ethical Standards Herilhy, B., & Corey, G. (1996). ACA Ethical Standards Casebook. Alexandria VA: American Counseling Association.Casebook. Alexandria VA: American Counseling Association.

J. Banks (personal communication, Feb 26, 2005)J. Banks (personal communication, Feb 26, 2005)

Jhally, S. (2005). Why Most Blacks Think O.J. Is Innocent. Jhally, S. (2005). Why Most Blacks Think O.J. Is Innocent. Retrieved March 01, 2005, from Retrieved March 01, 2005, from (http://www.sutjhally.com/onlinepubs/oj.html)(http://www.sutjhally.com/onlinepubs/oj.html)

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Junne, G. (1996). Blacks and the Media. University of Northern Junne, G. (1996). Blacks and the Media. University of Northern ColoradoColorado

Linstead, S., Hopfl, H. (2002). Culture and Organization. Taylor Linstead, S., Hopfl, H. (2002). Culture and Organization. Taylor & Francis Ltd& Francis Ltd

O. Barbarin (personal communication, March 09, 2005)O. Barbarin (personal communication, March 09, 2005)

Owo, Y. (2004). African-Americans Still Face Discrimination in Owo, Y. (2004). African-Americans Still Face Discrimination in Schools. University of Texas at Austin Schools. University of Texas at Austin

Sue, D. W., & Sue, D. (2003). Counseling the culturally Sue, D. W., & Sue, D. (2003). Counseling the culturally diverse: Theory and practice. (4th ed.). New York: John diverse: Theory and practice. (4th ed.). New York: John Wiley & Sons.Wiley & Sons.

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T. Powell (personal communication, March 12, 2005)T. Powell (personal communication, March 12, 2005)

Thomas, R.K., Weinrach, S.G. (2002). A Critical Analysis of Thomas, R.K., Weinrach, S.G. (2002). A Critical Analysis of the Multicultural Counseling Competencies: Implications fro the the Multicultural Counseling Competencies: Implications fro the Practice of Mental Health Counseling. Journal of Mental Health Practice of Mental Health Counseling. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, Volume 24,Number 1, pg 20-35Counseling, Volume 24,Number 1, pg 20-35

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (1997, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (1997, Jan 15). Retrieved March 11, 2005, from Jan 15). Retrieved March 11, 2005, from http://www.eeoc.gov/policy/vii.htmlhttp://www.eeoc.gov/policy/vii.html

Understanding Discrimination Against African Americans. Understanding Discrimination Against African Americans. (Jan 6, 2004) Retrieved March 7, 2005, from (Jan 6, 2004) Retrieved March 7, 2005, from http://faculty.ncwc.edu/toconnor/soc/355lect11.htmhttp://faculty.ncwc.edu/toconnor/soc/355lect11.htm

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