Theme 2: I experienced racism a few months ago by a lady who was Hispanic also. My mom sent me to the store closby my house to get a few things, as soon as I walked in the cashier and customer both locked eyes with me, I went to grab the things I needed and quickly got back in line. The customer that seen me when I walked in began to talk about me in Spanish to the cashier, at first I wasn’t sure if they were really talking about me but when they noticed I was right behind them, the customer says “she doesn’t even know what we’re saying” but I grew up speaking Spanish so I understood everything. I’m a very anxious person and in that moment, I felt my throat close and my hands began to sweat I was too stunned to even say anything.

Theme 3: what connections can be made having a positive sense of self and our experiences with identity and race? Do you think someone who has a negative view of their sense of self can have a positive sense of ethnic identity? I believe when one's self esteem is crushed, they lack confidence everywhere else in their life including a negative sense of ethnic identity. As w grow older we hear from our loved ones to not care what others may think of us because we are told to be proud of where we come from, the language we speak, and the food we eat.

Although “ubuntu” is not as commonly used, it still holds the power of faith. Ubuntu is the foundation of peace for Africans. Ubuntu will always be present in African and African American culture because of how deeply rooted Ubuntu is in african culture. The phrase “I am because we are” is an example of Ubuntu’s indulgence by providing a sense of security, its often expressed by community support and empathy.

THEME 2: 7 Concepts of Afrocentric Psychology

Matt is and Watson define spirituality as a “relationship with god spirits and humans causing sacredness and commitment to live life in virtue”.  Spiritless played a significant role in the Africa American community as it is woven in all aspects of life. Spirituality was letting the Africans see life through a positive worldview. As Linda James Myers’s studied psychology during determines that spirituality resulted in pace and happiness.

Veneration of the person was least considered in the African American community due to the “social environment context which labels Africa Americans as “low class” and “ghetto”” according to Na’im Akbar. Veneration is defined as the great respect of all living beings. Regardless the situation or circumstance a colored or white person is faced with, everyone should be treated equally with respect and dignity given to everybody else.

THEME 3: 7 Principles of Nguzo Saba

Imani means believing in oneself and everyone around along with the struggle for a better future. Imani plays a role in our everyday lives as rely on our parents to teach us these beliefs. African americas have Imani as it gives them a sense of strength during slavery. They maintained having hope even when faced with the unimaginable.

• within the category of natal measure I chose siblings, divorced parents, and grandparents on my moms side because they shaped me into who I am today.

• Within the category of behavioral measures I chose Spanish language and food because it’s like a learned routine that I’m used to and feel comfortable with.

• Within the category of subjective measures I chose my mom because she plays a significant role in my life. She influences my religion, the way I think, and who I am.

• Under the category of situation contextual measure I chose my childhood because I was constantly around them, I feel that was a key factor growing up because they were all a few years older which influenced me to behave the same way.

  3.2 multigroup ethnic identity measure

• My multigroup ethnic identity number is 31. To me this score means I have an understanding of my ethic orgin. I would say I have a strong bond with the Hispanic community because I try to practice Catholicism regularly which brings me a lot closer to my race and makes me proud of who I am .

  3.3 Rosenberg’s self esteem scale

• After o

3.4 racial identity development

• I started off with pre encounter because growing up my grandparents were terrified of immigration agent and this is a struggle for many. Families who came here for. “Better” life for their children and grandchildren. As kids we were never talked to about what was going on but we grew a sense of fear for them teaching us to be aware. As i got older i experienced an encounter with racism and it made my perspective of racism all over the world.

  
  

  3.5 FIND YOUR RACIAL IDENTITY RESOURCE

• https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov/

2-       I do not think we live in a post racial society. Racism is still all over the world, even in politics racial discrimination still exist.

3-       In my opinion race is part of your ethnic identity and who you are. It is defined by where you come from and your cultural background. Taco is considered a social construct due to psychical appearance, cultural traits or other social traits. These traits correspond with my definition of rave

4-       This post signifies the different social construct and the history behind it. My definition of race ad this article is similar because this article explains the history of enslavement ad what would happen if they were biracial

5-       I find the historical perspective intriguing. Psychologist were able to differentiate the categories within the biological and social construct.

• Due to the experiences African Americans faced, it created unique strengths, belief, and value. According to the chapter, hill (1971) presents five strengths that are superior to other ethnic groups because of the challenges African Americans faced.

2- What do you think are the strengths and challenges of the Black family? Please state why you think so and provide examples.

• African Americans biggest challenge was poverty and unemployment because they were racially discriminated against.

3- How do concepts such as racial socialization affect parents and children in Black families? Please explain.

• Parents use racial socialization to teach their children to be aware of their social identity. Racial socialization creates higher self esteem and support.

4- Based on our reading, what factors do you think have impacted Black families the most since slavery and why?

• I think black families being separated was a negative impact especially when it isn’t happening to other races’s. They must have felt targeted.

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.

 https://www.childtrends.org/publications/100-year-research-black-families

• A few research points I found important in the 100 years of research in black families.

-              In the 1960 programs were put in place for African Americans to retrieve opportunities and resources.

-              In 1970 opportunities began to open for black middle class.

-              I the 200’s during Pearl Harbor, almost 2 million u.s military men and women were deployed

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.

 https://www.cnn.com/2010/US/05/13/doll.study/index.html

I did my reading on the optional reading provided The doll test theory stood out to me because it created desegregation of American schools

• Imposter syndrome is defined as the inability too absorb one’s accomplishments and thee persistent fear that one will be exposed as a fraud.

2.    How does the Imposter Syndrome affect a student in their educational journey AND into their career experiences?

• Imposter syndrome is another way of discrimination that can negatively affect your childhood all the way up to your work life.

3.    How does the Imposter Syndrome specifically affect the self-esteem and mental health of African American women in the workplace

• Imposter syndrome can out you in distress by putting you against yourself by not believing in yourself and affecting your self esteem.

4- How do race and gender play into the African American woman's experience in the workplace?

race and gender can impact the workplace still till this day. - This can be a negative outcome according to an African American woman who stepped down from the White House due to agonizing behavior from people's judgment inside the White House. who resigned her position due to the agonizing

5- State one strategy that you believe would be successful in addressing this issue and improving the workplace for women of color.

• In my opinion the person in charge at a workplace should never be a racist or discriminate against anyone,it should be free of racism.

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

• Imposter syndrome stood out to me because anybody can have it. I try to stay away from people who are this kind of judgmental

• Experiencing subconscious racial slights creates psychological dilemmas, causing them to feel excluded, abnormal and untrustworthy.

2.    What stereotypes are perpetuated when racial microaggressions are thrown around towards a person of color?

• An example of racial microaggression would be when a person of color walks into the store and the cashier gets suspicious and watches him throughout the store.

3.    Considering Intersectionality, what other issues does this theme affect in the African American community?

• Considering intersectionality, according to the video African americas also face diverse issues like work place dynamics ad legal system issues.

4.    State how these theories of intersectionality, racial microaggressions, bias or white privilege affect one's understanding of "sense of self" or ethnic identity?

• Intersectionality, racial microaggression, bias or white privileged affect ones understanding of ethnic identity due to the psychological trauma caused.

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 issue.

https://mhpcolorado.org/blog/intersectionality-mental-health

• I found this resource with statistics of mental health in African Americans society. 17% of African Americans experience mental health illnesses in less likely to receive help due to shame, cultural differences, or insurance issues.

6. State a strategy that you feel can be successful to address the use of microaggressions especially when the offender is unaware of how their reactions affect people of color.

• Successful and microaggression, especially when unaware would involve gentle, confrontation, micro aggression can sometimes be unintentional for example saying “you don’t sound autistic” can be very harmful.

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. 

• The reality of racial trauma stood out to me because research shows about 20% of African-Americans are more likely to report psychological and mental illnesses compared to white Americans. African-Americans experience, harassment and police brutality due to racism.

1. STRENGTHS: What are the strengths of Black neighborhoods and communities and how have they manifested over time?

Researchers have studies African Americans strengths and can determine great teamwork, preserverane, creativity, love, humor, fairness, and self regulation African Americans have manifested the pursuit of freedom.

2. WEAKNESSES: What are the weaknesses of Black neighborhoods and communities and state one solution to an issue you have raised?

African Americans weaknesses come from stereo types thrown around. Mental health can be affected due to feeling so different. Due to segregation African americas were affected by gentrification, inequality of education and opportunity.

3. OPPORTUNITIES: What are three ways in which Black neighborhoods and communities could play a role in the progressive movement of the Black community?

Black communities and neighborhoods play a crucial role in the progressive movement by advocating for their civil rights, women’s rights and to improve labor conditions and social justice.

4. THREATS: What are three ways in which Black neighborhoods and communities could have a detrimental effect on the progressive movement of the Black community?

African American neighborhoods created. Challenges for the progressive moment and expierenced extreme racism, poor mental health, and gentrification.

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.

Although you have to subscribe to watch the rest of the video, it signifies the importance of the progressive movement and highlights the impacts black neighborhooods and communities have faced

https://study.com/learn/lesson/video/progressive-era-issues-leaders.html

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.

Listening to how public housing began stood out to me because of the way African Americans must have felt hearing that there were marked territories indicating where African Americans lived and kept the segregated

In this case, it’s easier for African-Americans to bond because of the similar traumatic experience they faced.

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? 

Black girls being portrayed as property stems from slavery. The media historically affected black women by normalizing sexualizing them and dehumanizing them.

3.    What factors are contributing to the rising number of single Black unmarried females?

Single black unmarried woman is common due to educated black men dating out of the race. Black women are more likely to marry within their race.

4.    Why is there a stigma in the African American community against the LGBTQ community?

African-American culture has been LGBTQ community due to racism the historically faced and their social and cultural factors.

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. 

Resource because it breaks down the importance of interconnected impacts of race, sexuality, and community within the LGBTQ

1.    What is the difference between Standard American English and Ebonics/African American Vernacular English? 

• Standard American English (SAE) is the version of English most often taught in schools, used in professional settings, and expected in formal communication. Ebonics or African American Vernacular English (AAVE) is a rule-governed dialect developed within African American communities, with its own grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary. While SAE is seen as "proper," AAVE is equally valid linguistically but often unfairly viewed as incorrect or less educated.

2.    How is speaking in Ebonics/African American Vernacular English in the educational classroom traditionally viewed?

• Traditionally, speaking AAVE in the classroom has been looked down upon. It's often seen as a sign of poor language skills or lack of intelligence, even though it follows consistent linguistic rules. This negative view can lead to students feeling alienated or misunderstood in academic spaces.

3.    How can the strengths of dual language speakers be utilized to empower students in the classroom?

• Students who speak more than one language or dialect bring unique cultural and linguistic knowledge. Educators can empower them by valuing and including their language in discussions, lessons, and writing assignments. This helps students feel respected and engaged, boosting confidence and participation.

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. 

• [Code-Switching: Teaching Standard English in Urban Classrooms (Lisa

Delpit) ]

This article/book explores how teachers can honor students' home language while also helping them succeed in environments that demand Standard English. It sheds light on the importance of balance

5.    State one strategy that you think could be implemented to counter the negative stereotypes associated with speaking Ebonics or African American Vernacular English as identified in the video and reading.

•   A strong strategy would be incorporating lessons about language diversity into the curriculum.

Teachers can explain the history and structure of AAVE to help all students understand that it is a legitimate dialect. This promotes respect and reduces stereotypes.

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 stood out was how language is deeply tied to identity. Dismissing a student's way of speaking can harm their self-esteem and connection to school. Valuing different dialects encourages inclusion and equity in education.

1.    State at least three similarities that you can identify between African American religious practices and African religious practices.

·      Both use music, especially call-and-response singing, as a key part of worship.

·      Both traditions believe in a strong connection between the spiritual and physical world, including communicating with spirits or ancestors.

·      In both African and African American religions, group worship is important. People come together to pray, sing, and support one another.

2.    State at least three differences that you can identify between African American religious practices and African religious practices.

·      African religions often involve multiple gods or spirits (polytheism), while most African American religious practices are based on Christianity, which focuses on one God.

·      African religions use native languages, sacred objects, and rituals tied to their culture. African American religion uses Christian symbols like the Bible and the cross, often in English.

·      African traditions may involve spiritual healers or tribal priests, while African American churches usually have pastors or ministers trained in Christian doctrine.

3.    Give an example of how the history of slavery affected the religious practices of African Americans.

·      During slavery, African people were often forced to convert to Christianity. However, they blended Christian teachings with their traditional African beliefs, creating a unique form of worship that emphasized liberation, spiritual resilience, and hope. For example, enslaved Africans used spirituals (religious folk songs) to express their faith and resistance, often encoding messages of escape and freedom.

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.

·      Analysis: In this classic work, Du Bois explores the “sorrow songs” (spirituals) sung by enslaved African Americans and argues they are a direct link to African heritage and a foundation of Black religious identity. He views these songs as deeply spiritual, artistic, and a form of coded resistance.

·      There are differences because of unfair treatment in the healthcare system. Some doctors still believe false ideas like Black women have a higher pain tolerance or are exaggerating their pain. Because of this bias, African American women are often ignored or not believed, and they don’t receive the same amount of pain medicine as white women in similar situations.

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?

·      Black women often aren’t listened to or treated with care. Many African American women don’t have nearby hospitals or prenatal services. Constant stress affects the body and can cause problems during pregnancy. Conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, which are more common in Black communities due to inequality, can make childbirth more dangerous.

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?

·      Train doctors and nurses on racial bias so they treat all patients fairly. Hire more Black birth workers, like doulas and nurses, to help mothers feel safe and understood. And Offer better prenatal care in Black communities so moms can get help early in pregnancy..

4.        Find one resource that helps you understand this theme and post it to your Padlet. State the resources' significance to this unit's material.

·      The Black Mamas Matter Alliance – www.blackmamasmatter.org This group focuses on protecting and supporting Black mothers. It teaches people about the issues they face and pushes for changes in laws and hospitals. This fits with the unit because it connects directly to the problems African American women face and gives real solutions to help fix them.

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.

·      One thing that really stood out to me was how even wealthy or highly educated Black women are still more likely to die during childbirth than white women. That proves this problem isn’t just about money or education its about racism and unfair treatment that’s still happening today.

a.     Black panther movie

2. Type the three themes that have been identified in the film watched below that positively or negatively affect the African American community: (help to identify themes)

A.   The film explores what it means to know your roots and take pride in your African background.

B.    African Americans get to see Black leaders, scientists, and warriors in powerful roles.

C.    The tension between Wakanda and Killmonger reflects real-life struggles between African Americans and Africans, and how unity is needed.

3. State explicitly how  you plan on describing the trajectory of the status of the African American community? (Do not give us the plot of the film, you are to analyze the themes present in the film in comparison to the African American community. Do they weaken or strengthen the AA community?)

A.   one of anger and revenge (Killmonger) and one of peace and progress (T’Challa). I’ll show how choosing healing over hate can strengthen the African American community.

B.     I’ll describe how the movie encourages African Americans to take control of their own future by investing in their communities, educating the youth, and reconnecting with their roots.

C.     I will show how Black Panther changes the way people see Africa—not as poor, but as powerful and full of potential. This helps African Americans feel proud of where they come from.

4. State explicitly how you plan on synthesizing the effect of the identified themes on the psychological/mental state of the African American community? (Do these themes result in a stronger or weaker sense of self and worldview? How will you address the intersectionality of these issues since no issue stands alone?)

A.   I’ll discuss how the trauma and anger shown by Killmonger represents real mental pain caused by racism and separation from African heritage—and how healing that pain makes the community stronger.

B.     I will connect these themes through intersectionality—by showing how racism, class, gender, and identity all overlap. For example, Shuri shows how being both Black and female doesn’t limit her power—it adds to it. I’ll explain how solving one issue (like racism) helps others (like sexism or classism).

5. What 4 resources have you looked up to help you analyze the themes that were identified as improving or deteriorating the African American community? (You can use resources already on your Padlet if you like or from our course. Also, you will make 4 research questions from these resources that you will answer in your Google slide. You will be citing these four resources in MLA or APA format. Please see a tutor if you need help.)

Resource Citation: Black Mamas Matter Alliance. (n.d.). Black maternal health and wellness. https://blackmamasmatter.org

Research Question: How does strong representation of Black women in films like Black Panther influence real-life health and leadership outcomes for Black women?

ii. 

Resource Citation: hooks, bell. (2000). Where We Stand: Class Matters. Routledge.

Research Question: What does Killmonger’s character teach us about how class and poverty affect the identity of African Americans?

6. Type your one-sentence argumentative thesis statement for the direction of your presentation below that can be proven or disproven: (Get help writing your thesis)

Black Panther empowers the African American community by reclaiming African identity, promoting unity within the Black diaspora, and showing that embracing cultural pride and healing past trauma leads to a stronger sense of self and future progress.

Why do African Americans face higher COVID 19 rates according to the PEW Research articles?

·      Many Black people were more likely to have frontline jobs where they couldn’t work from home, making them more exposed to the virus. They also often live in crowded housing and face more health problems like asthma, diabetes, or high blood pressure.

How are the mistrust of the health care system and the general distrust of medical doctors during the time of COVID 19 affecting the African American community?

·      Mistrust in the healthcare system led many African Americans to avoid getting vaccinated or delay going to the hospital when they were sick.

State THREE strategies that you feel can address the issues raised in questions one and two.

A. Build trust through community-led health education, using local leaders and Black healthcare professionals to share accurate information.

B. Improve access to affordable healthcare in underserved neighborhoods by building clinics and mobile health units.

C. Include Black voices in public health leadership and policymaking to ensure the community’s needs are fully understood and respected.

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.

The CDC’s “COVID-19 Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities” page

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/health-equity/racial-ethnic-disparities/index.html

·      This resource clearly explains how social factors like where people live and work affect COVID-19 risks. It gave me a deeper understanding of how the system itself creates unequal outcomes, not just personal choices. It also highlights what can be done to improve health equity.

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 unit helped me see that improving health in the Black community isn’t just about medicine—it’s about fairness, history, and respect.

  What is the role of the Black Church and the mental health of the African American community?

The Black Church often serves as the first point of support for emotional and mental health needs, with many churchgoers turning to spiritual leaders rather than formal providers  

2.    How is culturally competent care vital to the success of the mental health relationship between the provider of clinical mental health services and the African American community?

Cultural competence minimizes misdiagnoses and reduces stigma—Black individuals often describe mental health distress through physical symptoms, which can be overlooked  

3.    State THREE strategies that you feel can address the issues raised in questions one and two.

Establish collaborative programs that integrate spiritual leaders with mental health professionals to provide culturally grounded care, reduce stigma, and improve accessibility  

Offer continuous education on racism’s effects, cultural humility, and communication styles to ensure providers respect and validate Black patients’ experiences 

Use trusted community hubs—like churches, barbershops, and social groups—to raise awareness, screen for mental health issues, and connect individuals with culturally sensitive providers .

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. 

Blank, M. B., Mahmood, M., & Fox, J. C. (2002). Alternative Mental Health Services: The Role of the Black Church in Providing Mental Health and Social Services in Southern Churches. American Journal of Public Health .

This peer-reviewed study demonstrates how Black churches in the South provide significantly more mental health and social services than white congregations of similar size. It highlights the church’s central role in mental wellness, healing, and bridging gaps with formal healthcare—deepening our understanding of faith-based mental health support.

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. 

I was surprised to learn that 30–40% of African American churchgoers turn to the church first for emotional and psychological support  . This emphasizes the influential role of faith communities in mental health and the importance of integrating culturally sensitive clinical services with these trusted institutions.