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1. Provide specific examples of the various types of racism that can be seen in this documentary. The film showed how Black women and incarcerated women were targeted for sterilization without real consent. Doctors assumed certain women shouldn’t have kids, reflecting eugenics and racism built into the system. It wasn’t one person it was a whole institution making decisions about women’s bodies without respecting them.

2. How has the medical system fostered distrust in the African American community?When the medical system lies, pressures, or harms people instead of helping them, it breaks trust. Black people have seen this happen for generations from forced sterilization to not being believed when we say we’re in pain. It shows why many of us don’t trust healthcare fully, because history proved we had a reason not to.

3. State THREE strategies or programs that you feel can address the issues raised.

Stronger informed consent laws in prisons, with clear explanation of procedures.

Required anti racism and reproductive justice training for medical staff.

Support programs led by Black women and community advocates to protect bodily autonomy.

4. Search online for a resource that helps you understand this topic more and post it to your Padlet. State why the resource shines some light on a perspective of this issue . My resource is Belly of the Beast it helped me understand the emotional and human side of this issue. Hearing women tell their stories made it real, not just something we read about.

5. State one thing that you learned or one thing that stood out to you from the unit required reading, optional reading or audio material in this unit. What stood out to me was that forced sterilization wasn’t just history. These cases continued into the 2000s. It made me realize how deep medical racism goes and why mistrust is still present today.

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 2.4 Ubuntu, Afrocentricity and Nguzo Saba

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 2.4 Ubuntu, Afrocentricity and Nguzo Saba

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Theme 1: ubuntu

1. I believe the spirit of ubuntu is still present in some ways today. As an African American female growing up, I was fortunate to be surrounded by a strong sense of community. I could go to my neighbors’ houses and eat dinner with them, go fishing, and just feel welcomed and cared for. One of my neighbors even gave me money for school every day without ever asking for anything in return. There was a real sense of unselfishness, love, and support. Looking back, that environment showed me how deeply rooted Ubuntu still is in the everyday lives of African American communities.

2.Learning about Ubuntu helped me see how much of that spirit was present in my own life growing up. In my neighborhood, we took care of each other looking out for one another, and always lending a hand. That strong sense of community reminds me of African cultural values where everyone is connected, and no one is left behind.Even though I didn’t grow up knowing the word ubuntu , I lived it. It’s made me realize how important it is to continue showing up for others and how our strength really comes from unity, not just individual success.

THEME 2: 7 Concepts of Afrocentric Psychology

1.I believe the concept most present in the African American community is spiritness. This refers to the inner strength, courage, and connection to something greater that helps us keep going, even through struggle. I see this in how African Americans continue to stand up and show up for one another. It takes real courage to speak out against police brutality and political injustice, but we do it together. I’ve witnessed this especially through the Black Lives Matter movement, where we refused to back down and demanded change. Despite the challenges, our spirit remains strong, and we continue to push for unity and justice.

2.Inclusive metaphysical epistemology is the one I least see in African American communities because I haven’t seen much change in the mindset about going to college. It’s often like, “Get a job and be a worker,” not the boss. People don’t step out or even get on a plane to experience different things. Many stay stagnant and don’t travel outside the country. Also, the rich often don’t help start generational wealth.

THEME 3: 7 Principles of Nguzo Saba 1.Umoja (Unity) means unity staying together and supporting each other for the good of the community.This principle really speaks to me because I’ve seen how important it is for us to come together, especially during tough times. Growing up, I noticed how my family and neighbors always had each other’s backs, and that sense of unity gave us strength. More recently, I saw Umoja in action during the Black Lives Matter movement, where so many black people stood together to fight against injustice. It showed me how powerful we are when we united .

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1. Please post a response to the google slide above. What types racism from slide 2 have you seen in the world? What examples from slide 3 have you seen in the world? As a Black woman from Compton, I have experienced both individual and cultural racism.
There were times when I was underestimated and dismissed because of my race and where I came from. One specific instance that stands out happened when I was in high school. Despite having the grades to apply to a university, my counselor told me I shouldn't bother that I should aim for community college instead. I was told my goals were too high and that I needed to be more “realistic.” It was clear that my potential was being judged not by my abilities, but by assumptions tied to my background.I’ve also experienced cultural racism.Coming from Compton, there's a stereotype that we’re all low-income and uneducated. People would come to our school claiming they were there to help offering internships or opportunities but many of them were just there to take pictures and say they "helped the kids in Compton." It often felt like they wanted praise more than they wanted to make a real difference. Their visits gave false hope rather than genuine support.

2. From the chapter reading, do you think that we live in a post-racial society? Please state why or why not.

No, I don't believe we live in a post-racial society in fact, I know we don't.Innocent people are still being killed because of the color of their skin, and racism is very much alive today. It doesn’t just affect Black people racism affects many different groups, and it's something that continues to be taught and passed down through generations. While some progress has been made, the reality is that racial inequality and prejudice are still deeply rooted in our society.

3. What is your personal definition of race and do you think that race is a social construct, a biological construct or something else? Please explain your reasoning . To me, race is about how you look and your visual features basically how people identify you just by your appearance.
I definitely believe race is a social construct, not something we’re born with or something that’s in our DNA. It’s something society created to put people into groups, but in reality we are all the same.

4. What is your personal definition of race and do you think that race is a social construct, a biological construct or something else? Please explain your reasoning. Resource:
I found an article called race as a social construction by Melissa N. Stein, who’s an African American woman. She says race isn’t something real in biology it’s something society made up based on how people look, like skin color.This matters because it shows that the way people get treated differently isn’t natural it’s something society created. That means we can change it.I agree with her. From what I’ve seen, people judge you based on how you look, not because of any real differences. Knowing race is made up helps me understand why unfair treatment happens and why we need to fight against it.

5. State one thing that you learned or one thing that stood out to you from the unit required reading, optional reading or audio material in this unit. State its significance. One thing that stood out to me from this unit was learning that racism is a system of oppression that's used to keep one group in power and make other groups feel inferior. It’s not just about personal bias or hate it’s built into systems like education and jobs . This helped me understand that racism is deeper than just individual actions it’s about how the whole system is set up to benefit some and hold others back.

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1. From the reading, what do you think makes the Black family unique? What makes the African American family unique is how it goes beyond just blood relationships. It’s not a one-size-fits-all idea. In our community, family includes anyone who supports you, loves you, and helps you through life. For example, I have “play cousins” and “aunties” who aren’t related to me by blood, but they have been there for me like real family.

These strong bonds are built through trust, shared experiences, and care. For many African American families, family isn’t just about DNA it’s about who shows up for you and who you can count on. This closeness and sense of community is a big part of what makes Black families so resilient and unique.

2. What do you think are the strengths and challenges of the Black family? Black families are really strong and always have each other’s backs. We help raise each other’s kids and teach them to be proud and ready to deal with racism. Community is everything for us.But we also face some challenges, like not always knowing how to build or keep money because of a lack of education. Plus, racism and unfair chances still make things hard. Even with all that, we stick together and keep pushing forward.

3. How do concepts such as racial socialization affect parents and children in Black families? Racial socialization is when Black parents teach their kids about their culture and where they come from. But a lot of young parents find it hard to explain this because they don’t fully know it themselves. Much of Black history has been erased, and there’s a lot of deep rooted hurt and loss tied to that. Having these talks is especially tough when parents have to prepare their kids for how people and even the police might see them as a threat just because they’re Black.

These conversations are necessary, even though they’re hard. They help children understand the world they live in, stay safe, and be proud of their identity. For parents, it’s stressful but important work to pass on this knowledge and protect their kids in a world that isn’t always fair.

4. Based on our reading, what factors do you think have impacted Black families the most since slavery and why? Since slavery, systemic racism like segregation, housing discrimination, and mass incarceration have made it hard for Black families to build wealth and stay together. Family separation has caused lasting challenges. Despite this, Black families stay strong by supporting each other and building close communities.

5. Search and find one academic resource that helps you understand this topic better and post it to your Padlet. State three main points from the resource and how it helps you understand this topic.''Surviving While Black: Systemic Racism and Psychological Resilience" by James M. Jones
Published in the Annual Review of Psychology, 2023

1 .Systemic Racism's Pervasive Impact:
The article examines how systemic racism affects Black individuals across various domains, including education, healthcare, and employment, leading to disparities in opportunities and outcomes.

2 .Psychological Resilience in the Face of Adversity:
It highlights the mechanisms that confer resilience and psychological well-being on Black people, enabling them to navigate the obstacles posed by systemic racism.

3. Intergenerational Transmission of Trauma:
The piece discusses how the legacy of racism is passed down through generations, influencing the mental health and coping strategies of Black families.

6. State one thing that you learned or one thing that stood out to you from the unit required reading, optional reading or audio material in this unit. State its significance. One thing that really stood out to me from the reading was the idea of racial socialization how Black parents have to talk to their kids early on about racism and how to protect themselves. That hit home for me because I’ve seen that happen in real life, even in my own family. It’s a heavy conversation, but it shows how much Black parents care and want to prepare their kids for the real world. It’s not easy, but it’s necessary, and it really shows the strength and love in Black families.

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3.4 Three Self-Assessments, Racial Identity Development and Identity Resource.

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3.4 Three Self-Assessments, Racial Identity Development and Identity Resource.

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3.1 Multidimensions of Ethnic Self Identification

1. The first topic I picked is situation-contextual measures religion plays a big part of my identity because I grew up in the church as a Christian, and my grandfather was a pastor. I was taught strong values at a young age. I was born into the church one of my earliest memories is of my grandma praying for people. Faith was embedded in my entire upbringing. My mom didn’t even use curse words around us. By the age of five, I was already singing and praise dancing. The church wasn’t just a building to me it was my home, my safe space.

2. The second topic I pick is my natal background. My birthplace and siblings play a big part in my life. I was born at Long Beach Memorial Hospital and raised in Compton, California, with three siblings. Compton’s culture is very different from LA’s it has its own unique way of speaking and style. I love representing my city. Its culture is very diverse; it’s like a melting pot of cultures all in one, with strong Hispanic and Black influences, especially in music, culture, and food. Growing up in the hood taught me how to survive anywhere. I’ve learned to adapt wherever I am. My siblings were who I looked up to growing up I remember watching my sister do her makeup before she went out, and even the type of music she listened to influenced me.

3. The third topic is behavior measures, like the music I listen to, the food I enjoy, and dancing. I grew up on rap and R&B has my heart. I even have a playlist for when I’m feeling down because music helps me cope. Dancing is how I express myself and connect with the music. I also love soul food, especially my grandma’s cooking. I can’t eat food without flavor it has to be seasoned!

4. last but not least, I chose subjective measures, and my mom is the strongest person I know. She raised me to be a good person, made sure I went to church, provided for me, and took care of me. She shaped the way I view the world, which is why I always try to see the good in people and was taught not to judge others. My mom also works with special needs kids, like me, and I followed in her footsteps. That’s why I love what I do today.

3.2 Multi Group Ethnic Identity Measure

1. My Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure score is 40

2. To me, this score means that I’m in touch with my social identity, but I feel like I could learn more.

3. I think this means that I have a strong bond with the African American group because I am Black, and that is a big part of my identity and culture. It’s something I can’t hide or separate from, and I’m proud to be Black from the music and hairstyles to the traditions and resilience that define us. Being connected to my culture gives me a sense of belonging and strength.

4. The analysis made it clear that I have a strong sense of my ethnicity, and it inspired me to want to learn even more.

3.3 Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale

1. My score after taking the Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale is a 30 .

2 . My score shows that I have a healthy amount of self-esteem, which is growth for me since it used to be low in the past.

3. I believe my score is what it is because I have a strong sense of my identity. I am proud to be who I am, and I embrace that every day and every chance I get. I was bullied as a kid, and I promised myself that I would always be proud of who I am.

3.4 Racial Identity Development Pallet Post

1. Stage of Racial Identity Development:
I believe I am in the Internalization stage.

2. Why I think I am in this stage:
I think I am in the Internalization stage because I have developed a strong, positive sense of my racial identity and feel secure in who I am. I actively embrace my culture and am comfortable expressing it in my daily life.

3. In the Pre-encounter stage, I didn’t pay much attention to race or my cultural background.

During the Encounter stage, I experienced events that made me aware of my racial identity and the challenges tied to it.

In the Immersion/Emersion stage, I explored my culture deeply, sometimes rejecting dominant cultural norms to focus on my own heritage.

Now, in the Internalization stage, I have integrated all these experiences and have a balanced, confident identity.

4. One thing I learned from this process:
I learned that understanding and accepting my racial identity is a journey that takes time and reflection, and it helps me build confidence and resilience in my daily life.

3.5: FIND YOUR RACIAL IDENTITY RESOURCE

1. Resource (Academic):
“Racism-related stress and mental health among Black women living in Los Angeles County” (2024)

Why this matters to me:
This article hit home for me. It talks about how stress from racism affects the mental health of Black women in L.A., and honestly, I’ve felt a lot of that just growing up in Compton. It’s one thing to experience it, but seeing a study break it down made me feel seen. It helped me understand that what I’ve felt isn’t just in my head—it’s real, and it affects a lot of people like me.

Resource (Community-Based):
The Collective Identity Mentoring (TCI) – a program in L.A. that supports Black girls through mentorship and cultural empowerment.why does it matter to me I love what this organization stands for. It’s all about uplifting Black girls and giving them space to be themselves. That really spoke to me because growing up, I didn’t always feel like I had that kind of support. Seeing something like this in L.A. makes me proud and gives me hope for girls coming up now.

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https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/philosophy-of-science/article/abs/race-biological-reality-or-social-construct/11EBF8B18F339D2A999C19D72022A926?utm_

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Template_ Racial Autobiography Outline (Kennedy Smith)

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Theme two: The Imposter Syndrome and Women of Color in the Workplace

1. What is the Imposter Syndrome? Impostor syndrome is feeling like you're not good enough or not educated enough, even when you are. It's like a guilt feeling even if you're the smartest person, you still don't feel worthy. It's about how you doubt yourself

2. How does the Imposter Syndrome affect a student in their educational journey AND into their career experiences? Impostor syndrome makes students doubt themselves, even when they’re capable. It can make them feel like they don’t belong, sometimes leading to burnout or dropping out. Later, it can affect their careers by holding them back from opportunities they deserve.

3. How does the Imposter Syndrome specifically affect the self-esteem and mental health of African American? Impostor syndrome affects African American women by lowering their self-esteem and making them feel unworthy of their success, even when they've earned it. It can lead to stress, anxiety, and self-doubt, which takes a toll on their mental health and overall well-being.

4. How do race and gender play into the African American woman's experience in the workplace? Race and gender make things harder for African American women at work. They deal with both racism and sexism, which can make them feel overlooked or like they don’t belong. It can really affect their confidence and hold them back from moving up.

5. State one strategy that you believe would be successful in addressing this issue and improving the workplace for women of color. One strategy to improve the workplace for women of color is to make sure there are equal opportunities for everyone. Companies should have counselors or check ins to make sure employees feel heard and supported. There should also be mandatory meetings and training on how to handle racism. Plus, companies need to take action by firing people who cause harm because those individuals are the problem. They should also set the example by showing zero tolerance for discrimination and creating a respectful environment.

6. State one thing that you learned or one thing that stood out to you from the unit required reading, optional reading or audio material in this unit. One thing that really stood out to me was how a lot of women of color deal with impostor syndrome. Even when they’re super qualified, they still feel like they don’t belong or don’t deserve their success. It made me realize how important it is to have support so people can get past those feelings.

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6.6 Two Page Racial Autobiography Paper Feedback Discussion

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6.6 Two Page Racial Autobiography Paper Feedback Discussion

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7.6 Intersectionality, Bias and Microaggressions

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7.6 Intersectionality, Bias and Microaggressions

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1. What would you say are the psychological consequences of experiencing subconscious racial slights as a person of color?Some psychological consequences that a person of color may experience from racial slights include feeling stressed and uncomfortable. These experiences can cause them to start believing negative things about themselves, like thinking they are not good enough. Over time, this can lead to imposter syndrome, where they feel like they don’t belong or aren’t truly capable, even when they are successful.

2. What stereotypes are perpetuated when racial micro aggressions are thrown around towards a person of color?Racial microaggressions push harmful stereotypes about people of color. Saying things like “Do you live here?” or “Can you afford that?” makes it seem like we don’t belong or can’t afford nice things. Comments like “Your hair is too big” or “Are you sure you know how to do that?” make us feel like we’re not smart enough or professional enough. Even asking “Are you buying that?” shows the stereotype that we’re suspicious. These small comments can really hurt and make people of color feel judged or out of place.

3. Considering Intersectionality, what other issues does this theme affect in the African American community? When you look at intersectionality, this theme affects more than just race. For example, Black women deal with both racism and sexism, and Black LGBTQ+ people face even more judgment. It makes things harder in jobs, school, and even healthcare. So it’s not just one issue it’s all connected.

4. State how these theories of intersectionality, racial micro aggressions, bias or white privilege affect one's understanding of "sense of self" or ethnic identity?These ideas like intersectionality, racial micro aggressions, bias, and white privilege have shaped the way I look at people because I’ve always felt judged. I’ve been dealing with microaggressions since I was a kid. White privilege is definitely something I’ve seen growing up. For example, my uncle married a white woman, and whenever I came over, she would only ask about my lighter-skinned, mixed cousin. But overall, these things haven’t changed my sense of self. They’ve just made me not want to be around people like that.

5. Search online for a resource that helps you understand this topic more and post it to your Padlet. State why the resource shines some light on a perspective of this https://frontiersjournal.org/index.php/Frontiers/article/view/367 This article shows how Black women face both racism and sexism through micro aggressions, even abroad. It helps me understand how these experiences affect identity and the need for better support.

6. State a strategy that you feel can be successful to address the use of micro aggressions especially when the offender is unaware of how their reactions affect people of color.It’s important to address micro aggressions directly and let people know their behavior is hurtful. However, it’s best to do this in a way that encourages understanding and growth.

7. State one thing that you learned or one thing that stood out to you from the unit required reading, optional reading or audio material in this unit. One thing that stood out to me is how micro aggressions are often questions that don’t and shouldn’t need to be asked, but they still have a big impact on a person’s sense of identity and self-worth.

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white woman looking at black woman shopping  thinking she is stealing 

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1.6 Who am I,First Experience with race & Sense of Self Brainstorm 

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1.6 Who am I,First Experience with race & Sense of Self Brainstorm 

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Theme 1: Who Am I Activity?

Who Am I?

My name is Kennedy Smith, and I am 24 years old. I am the youngest of four siblings, often affectionately referred to as "the baby" of the family. I was born and raised in Compton, California, by my mother, a resilient and dedicated single parent.

I attended Centennial High School, where I developed a strong sense of perseverance and community. After graduating, I enrolled at Alabama State University (ASU) to pursue higher education. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I was required to return home before completing my studies.

Currently, I work within my local school district, supporting students with severe disabilities. This role has deepened my passion for education and advocacy, and it continues to inspire my academic and professional goals.

2.Who do I pretend to be ?

I don’t pretend to be anyone but myself. Growing up, I often tried to fit in and went along with others to avoid standing out. As someone who struggled with confidence, it took time to fully embrace who I am. Now, I’ve learned to speak up, stand out, and be proud of my true self.

3.Who do people think I am ?

A lot of people who don't know me think that I am a mean person due to my resting face, and my size. I am considered above average in height for a woman I am told very often by starngers that I am tall and that can be intimidating for others. I love to laugh and have a pretty outgoing personality and the people who know me think that I am very sociable.

4.Who do I wish I could be?

I wish I were a more organized person, further along in my career, and in a position to start building generational wealth within my community.

5.How has race or ethnic identity played a role in any of these responses?

My race is always with me it's something I can't hide. The color of my skin and my height have shaped how the world sees me and how I view the world in return. Being Black is something I’ve always had to be mindful of, and it has played a significant role in my life. My race is a part of me and my story it influences how I move through the world and how I define myself.

Theme 2: First Experience With Race Activity

1.What was your first experience with race?

My first with race was when I was very young , I attended an elementary school where not many people looked like me, or advocated or people that look like me. I remember being dealing with racially motivated bullying as early as Kindergarten.

2. How old were you?

I was 6 years old

3. What emotions do you associate with the experience?

I associate that time in my life with feelings of helplessness and fear. I didn’t know how to stand up for myself, and I was afraid to tell my mom or any adult that I was being bullied. I feared that speaking up would only make the bullying and name-calling worse.

4. Have you ever talked about the experience?

I have not talked about the experience. It’s a time in my life that I try not to relive. I became really good at suppressing those emotions.

5. How have your early experiences with race shaped your worldview?

My early experiences taught me that not everyone will accept me because of my race, but I can still choose to treat others with respect. I don’t want anyone to feel judged or excluded because of me.

Theme 3: Positive Sense of Self Brainstorm

I think that a person with a negative sense of self may struggle with their ethnic identity, because it’s difficult to view yourself negatively without also viewing parts of your identity like your race or culture negatively. Your ethnic identity is a core part of who you are.

On the other hand, a person who identifies positively with African American psychology might have a stronger sense of self and ethnic identity because it allows them to better understand, value, and embrace their cultural history, resilience, and community. This connection can build pride, confidence, and a deeper appreciation for their identity.

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9.5 Discussion: Thesis, Direction and Resources for Critical Analysis Project

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9.5 Discussion: Thesis, Direction and Resources for Critical Analysis Project

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Kennedy smith  Resources and Questions for Critical Analysis Project 

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STRENGTHS

One of the biggest strengths of Black neighborhoods and communities is their strong sense of unity and support. Even when resources were limited, people found ways to come together and uplift one another through churches, local businesses, and cultural pride. Over time, this communal spirit has helped many Black families survive systems that were built to keep them down. African American neighborhoods have also been known for producing creativity, leadership, and resilience. The strength comes from a shared understanding that the community is more than just a place it’s family. That sense of belonging and shared identity has kept the culture alive through generations.

WEAKNESSES:

One major weakness in many Black neighborhoods is the lack of investment in schools, housing, and healthcare. This neglect didn’t happen by accident it’s the result of redlining, racism, and years of unfair policies. These disadvantages have led to cycles of poverty and limited opportunities for young people. A possible solution is to increase funding for Black-led community programs that focus on education, financial literacy, and youth development. When people in the community have the tools and knowledge to build wealth and confidence, it helps break those cycles and strengthens the neighborhood from within.

THREATS

1. Gentrification continues to push long time residents out of their neighborhoods, erasing culture and breaking apart support systems.

2. Ongoing crime and over-policing can create fear and mistrust, which weaken the sense of community.

3. Media stereotypes that label Black communities as “dangerous” or “poor” can make residents internalize negative beliefs about themselves and their neighborhoods. These threats can slow down progress if they’re not challenged through education, unity, and policy change.

RESOURCE

The History of Redlining and Its Lasting Impact on Black Communities (YouTube)
This video explains how government policies like redlining kept Black families out of certain neighborhoods and limited access to wealth and opportunity. It connects to this unit because it shows how history and public policy shaped where African Americans live today and why certain communities still face economic challenges. It also highlights the importance of community-based solutions and why equity-focused reforms are needed to rebuild strong, thriving neighborhoods.

REFLECTION

What stood out to me most was learning the difference between a psychological and physical sense of community. It made me think about my own neighborhood how even without the best resources, people still come together and look out for each other. This unit really showed me how strong that connection is and how history still shapes the way Black communities live today.

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1. State the most important thing that you learned from this unit's readings and how it has deepened your understanding of Black male and female interpersonal and close relationships.

The most important thing I learned from this unit is how much outside factors like racism, history, and culture shape the way Black men and women connect in relationships. It helped me see that our relationships are not just about love or attraction but also about understanding, healing, and support. I learned that many Black couples and friends build strong bonds by leaning on shared experiences and resilience, even when facing challenges like stereotypes or inequality. This deepened my understanding because it showed me how love in the Black community is often rooted in strength, patience, and unity.

2. How do long-standing stereotypes in the media of African American females being portrayed as property (i.e. in rap videos etc.) affect the psyche of those seeing these images and the African American woman's dating prospects?Long-standing stereotypes in the media make it hard for African American women to be seen for who they really are. When women are portrayed as property or overly sexualized, it damages self-esteem and shapes how others view them. These images can lead to disrespect in dating and make it harder for Black women to find genuine love and appreciation. Over time, this can also make some women question their worth or feel pressured to live up to false standards.

3. What factors are contributing to the rising number of single Black unmarried females?Some factors contributing to the rise of single Black unmarried females include economic challenges, limited partner availability, and higher education or career goals. Many Black women are becoming more independent and refusing to settle for unhealthy or unbalanced relationships. This shows strength and self-respect, even though it adds to the growing number of single women. It also highlights how Black women are redefining love and success on their own terms.

4. Why is there a stigma in the African American community against the LGBTQ community?There’s still a stigma in the African American community against the LGBTQ community because of traditional religious beliefs, cultural expectations, and fear of judgment. Many people were raised to see it as wrong, which has caused rejection and silence for those who identify as LGBTQ. Even though change is happening, there’s still work to do to build more love, understanding, and acceptance within the community.

5. Find one resource that helps you understand these themes and post it to your padlet. State the resources' significance to this unit's material

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/672123/black-love-matters-by-jessica-p-pryde/

This book is important because it highlights the beauty and challenges of Black relationships while pushing back against negative stereotypes. It connects to this unit by showing how love, identity, and culture all shape the way African Americans build and maintain relationships.

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Factors Influencing Dating Experiences Among African American Emerging Adults

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This study examined sociocultural factors that impact dating and sexual experiences of heterosexual African American undergraduate college students attending a historically Black institution in the Southeastern United States. Specifically, mate…

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11.5 Padlet Discussion: Cognition, Language and Learning

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11.5 Padlet Discussion: Cognition, Language and Learning

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1. What does it mean to code switch and how does this affect an African American's success in life?Code switching is when you change the way you talk, act, or even carry yourself depending on who you’re around. For a lot of African Americans, it means switching between how we naturally speak and Standard English to be taken seriously or to avoid being judged. In Chandra Arthur’s TED Talk “The Cost of Code Switching,” she talked about how her ability to switch literally saved her life. That really hit me because it shows how code switching can open doors and even protect you, but it also gets heavy. It can feel like you have to hide parts of who you are just to be accepted or seen as “professional.”

2. How does expecting code switching threaten diversity?Expecting people to code switch basically tells them that who they are isn’t good enough. It makes diversity feel fake because people are forced to sound or act a certain way to fit in. Real diversity means letting people show up as themselves, including the way they talk.

3. How do the effects of code switching intersect with a persons' mental health?Code switching all the time can really mess with your mental health. It’s draining having to keep switching up depending on where you are. After a while, it makes you feel like you can’t be yourself anywhere, which causes stress, anxiety, and even self-doubt.

4. Resource that helped me understand this topic more: https://daily.jstor.org/black-english-matters/This article helped me see that AAVE isn’t “broken English.” It’s a real, structured language that’s part of our culture. It showed how society’s problem isn’t the way we talk it’s how people judge it. That really gave me a new perspective on how language connects to identity and equality.

5. A strategy to address the misconceptions about code switching: I think schools and teachers should start teaching about AAVE and language diversity instead of trying to correct it. If more people understood that AAVE has its own rules and history, it would change how they view African American students and how they communicate.

6. One thing that stood out to me: stood out to me the most was how much emotional energy it takes to code switch. It’s not just about changing your tone it’s about survival and wanting to be respected. It made me realize how much strength it takes to move through the world as yourself while still trying to be accepted.

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12.5 Religion and Spirituality Theme two: The Yoruba Faith

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12.5 Religion and Spirituality Theme two: The Yoruba Faith

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1. What is the significance of the Yoruba Orisha faith also known as Santeria?The Yoruba Orisha faith, also known as Santería, is important because it keeps African spirituality alive in a world that often tried to erase it. It started in West Africa but spread to the Caribbean and the Americas through the slave trade. What makes it powerful is that it gave enslaved Africans a way to hold on to their beliefs, even when they had to hide them behind Catholic saints. Today, the faith still teaches people how to connect with their ancestors, nature, and spiritual energy. It’s about balance, purpose, and remembering who you are.

2. How does this faith provide a connection back to Africa for those African Americans choosing to join the faith?For African Americans who join the Yoruba faith, it’s a spiritual homecoming. The songs, rituals, and stories all come from African traditions that were passed down for generations. Joining this faith helps people feel connected to their roots and gives them pride in their heritage. It also brings a sense of community and understanding, like belonging to something much bigger than yourself. Many people say it helps fill the gap of identity that was lost during slavery, giving them a deeper sense of self and purpose.

3. How does the Yoruba faith treat health and healing in their religion?In the Yoruba faith, healing is more than just treating the body it’s about healing the mind and spirit too. When someone is sick, it could mean that something is off with their spirit, ancestors, or destiny. They believe true health comes from balance between your body, your ori (spiritual head), and your connection to the orishas. They use herbs, prayers, rituals, and divination to restore that balance. I really like how this faith treats healing as something sacred and personal it’s about fixing what’s inside, not just what’s outside.

4. Please locate a resource that helps you understand this theme. Analyze the resource and state the most important thing you learned from it about this topic.I read “Ancient African Religion Finds Roots in America” from NPR. The article talked about how the Yoruba religion is growing in the U.S. and how many African Americans are turning to it to feel closer to their ancestry. The most important thing I learned was that Santería isn’t just a religion it’s a cultural connection and a way to heal generational wounds. It reminded me that faith can be a bridge between past and present, helping people find peace and belonging through their heritage.

5. State one thing that you learned or one thing that stood out to you from the unit required reading, optional reading or audio material in this unit. What stood out most to me from this unit was how deeply the Yoruba faith connects the physical and spiritual worlds. It showed me how important ancestors are in guiding and protecting their families. I also realized how powerful culture is when it comes to healing emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. The idea that your well being depends on balance between your spirit, body, and community really stuck with me. It made me see how faith and psychology can work together to help people grow and heal.

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13.4 Padlet Prompt Option 2: African American Birth Discrepancies  

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13.4 Padlet Prompt Option 2: African American Birth Discrepancies  

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1. After reading this Washington Post article, can you explain why there are disparities between the amount of pain medication an African American woman would receive compared to other women in the same hospital complaining of pain?From the video, I learned that a lot of the reason Black women get less pain medication is because our pain just doesn’t get taken seriously. The doctors and nurses assume we can “handle more pain” or that we’re exaggerating, and that’s crazy because we be saying something is wrong and they still don’t listen. The video showed how medical bias plays a big role, and how hospitals that mostly treat Black women don’t always have the same resources either. So even when we complain about the same exact pain as other women in the hospital, we’re not treated the same.

2. What factors are contributing to the disproportionate number of African American infants who die in childbirth and African American mothers who die in childbirth?The video broke down how it’s not just one thing it’s a mix of stress, racism, and not getting the right care on time. A lot of Black women said their symptoms were ignored until it turned into something life-threatening. Black women also deal with more pregnancy problems like high blood pressure and preeclampsia. On top of that, the “weathering” effect really stood out to me the idea that years of stress from racism literally wears down our bodies. And then you add in the fact that many Black communities don’t have good prenatal care or healthy living conditions. All of that together puts Black moms and babies at way higher risk.

3. What are some solutions that can be implemented to improve the experiences of African American mothers giving birth and African American infant survival rates?Some solutions from the video were things like training doctors and nurses on their own biases so they stop brushing off Black women’s pain and concerns. Having doulas and midwives, especially Black doulas, makes a huge difference too because they actually listen and advocate for us. Hospitals in Black neighborhoods need better funding, better equipment, and more staff so women can get real care and not be left waiting. And we need easier access to prenatal care so Black women can start getting checked early. The video also made it clear that fixing these issues means fixing the stress and conditions Black women live under, not just the hospital part.

4. Find one resource that helps you understand this theme and post it to your Padlet. State the resource’s significance to this unit’s material.I’m posting the PBS NewsHour video as my resource because it really broke everything down in a way that felt real and personal. Hearing the stories from Black women and seeing the statistics helped me understand just how serious this issue is. It connects perfectly to what we’re studying in this unit about racism, stress, health disparities, and the psychological impact all of that has on Black women and families.

5. State one thing that you learned or one thing that stood out to you from the unit required reading, optional reading, or audio material in this unit.The thing that stood out to me the most was that even rich or highly educated Black women are still more likely to die during childbirth than White women with way less. That really shocked me. It showed me this isn’t about money or education it’s about how Black women are treated in the system. It made me realize how much work still needs to be done to protect Black moms and babies.

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13.5 Film Analysis Outline  Kennedy Smith 