Who Am I?
My name is Cha'Arveay Ivra. I’m 28 years old, born and raised in Compton, California. I have an identical twin sister, and my birthday is March 13. I’m also 17 months sober from alcohol and currently working toward becoming a substance abuse counselor. I’m someone who values growth, honesty, and helping others heal.

Who do I pretend to be?
I pretend to be someone who has it all together and can do anything. Sometimes I act like I'm strong and fearless, even when I feel overwhelmed. I put on a brave face to keep pushing forward and to motivate myself to stay on track.

Who do people think I am?
People see me as strong and resilient, especially since I got sober. They think I can handle anything life throws at me. While I’m proud of that, sometimes it feels like people don’t see the struggles I still face internally.

Who do I wish I could be?
I wish I could be a successful, confident woman who proves that real change is possible. I want to show everyone who doubted me that all it takes is one big step, followed by consistency and heart. To me, success means being mentally strong, financially stable, and in a position to help others.

How has race or ethnic identity played a role in any of these responses?
Honestly, I never really thought about how my race or identity affected my self-image until now. But looking back, being a Black woman from Compton has definitely shaped how people view me and how I’ve had to work harder to prove myself. I think that’s part of why I push so hard to break stereotypes and create a new story for myself.

Theme 2: First Experience with Race Activity

What was your first experience with race?
I was at a friend’s house when I was around 9 years old. We went to the store together, and because she was Hispanic, someone told her in Spanish that she shouldn't be hanging out with me and that she should stick to her own kind. They didn’t realize I understood everything because I speak fluent Spanish.

How old were you?
I was 9 years old.

What emotions do you associate with the experience?
It really hurt my feelings. We were just kids wanting to hang out and have fun. I felt confused, sad, and a little embarrassed. I didn’t understand why race had to matter so much.

Have you ever talked about the experience?
Yes, I talked to my aunt and grandma about it. They explained to me how racism exists not only with white people but sometimes between different communities of color too. Even then, I didn’t fully understand it, but I appreciated their honesty.

How have your early experiences with race shaped your worldview?
That experience taught me that people will judge you for things out of your control like the color of your skin, but it doesn’t mean you have to respond with hate. I learned that there are good and bad people in every race. Now, I try to treat everyone with respect, no matter who they are.

Theme 3: Positive Sense of Self Brainstorm

I believe having a positive sense of self and a strong ethnic identity are deeply connected. When I struggled with addiction, my self-esteem was low, and it was hard to feel proud of my culture. But embracing my identity as a Black woman and maintaining my sobriety have helped me build confidence and strength. Connecting positively with African American Psychology also strengthens self-esteem and cultural pride by showing the resilience and beauty within our community.

I believe the spirit of Ubuntu is still very much alive in the African American community and it lives within me personally. Every weekend, I go out and help feed the homeless. Twice a month, I organize BBQs where we give out burgers, hot dogs, hygiene products, and offer free haircuts while playing music and building community. I do it because I was raised to help others, even if it’s your last. I’ve been through tough times myself, including a struggle with alcohol addiction, and I know the power of kindness and community. Ubuntu means lifting each other up and that’s what I strive to do. I see many similarities between African cultures and African American culture especially the strong sense of family and community. In my family, Sunday dinners have always been a tradition. It’s how we reconnect. During COVID, I helped deliver food to elders, worked with churches to prep meals, and even helped create a delivery app for people who couldn’t leave home. That’s Ubuntu in action serving others because we are all connected. Learning about Ubuntu gave me language for the life I’ve already been living. It reminded me that we rise by helping one another, and that being human means being there for each other.

THEME 2: 7 Concepts of Afrocentric Psychology

I see Ma’at as one of the most present concepts in the African American community. It is the foundation of a lot of our values fairness, truth, and doing what is right. For example, in community organizing, food drives, or mentoring programs, we’re constantly trying to restore balance and justice in places where we’ve been historically underserved. When I go out and serve the homeless or give back to kids before school starts, I feel like I’m helping bring harmony and justice to those who need it most. I would say Veneration of the Person, I think this concept is sometimes lacking in how we treat one another, especially with how social media can tear people down instead of lift them up. Sometimes, people are quick to judge or cancel others without offering compassion or understanding. We need more upliftment, respect, and acknowledgment of each person’s worth especially within our own community.

THEME 3: 7 Principles of Nguzo Saba

Ujima is about working together and taking responsibility for the wellbeing of our community. This principle speaks directly to how I live my life. Every time I organize food drives, hygiene giveaways, or BBQs for people in need, I’m practicing Ujima. It’s not just about helping for one day it is about building something together with others that makes our community stronger. I have seen Ujima alive in the African American community, especially during times of crisis like COVID. People came together to deliver food, donate supplies, check in on elders, and support Black-owned businesses. That sense of unity and responsibility keeps us going and I’m proud to be a part of it.

1. Natal Measures:
   I was born in California at St. Francis Hospital. My family comes from Virginia, Louisiana, and California, with my grandparents having Geechee, Indian, and Irish roots. These connections to different places and backgrounds shape how I see my ethnic identity.

2. Behavioral Measures:
   I grew up listening to hip hop, R&B, and gospel music. My mom put me and my twin sister in bilingual classes from preschool until fifth grade, but we had to take them out because we didn’t know English well at first. I am a Christian and spend time with people from many diverse backgrounds. Family reunions are very important to me as a way to stay connected with my culture and relatives.

3. Subjective Measures:
   I personally identify strongly with my Black heritage and feel connected to the diverse parts of my family background. Respect is a core value I’ve learned from my culture. My mom is my role model because she has worked hard to support our family and taught me to be proud of who I am. I feel connected to my family and many different groups, even though sometimes I feel caught between cultural spaces. I appreciate that diversity as part of my identity.

4. Situation-Contextual Measures:
   My family gatherings help me stay connected to my culture. At school and in my community, I meet people from all kinds of backgrounds, which helps me appreciate different cultures. My Christian faith is very important to me and influences how I live and relate to others.

3.2 Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM)

My Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure score is: 44 out of 48. To me, this score shows I have a strong connection and pride in my ethnicity as a Black woman. I’ve always been involved in my community, whether it’s through cultural events, supporting others, or learning more about our history. My roots mean a lot to me, and this score just confirms that. I believe I have a strong bond with the Black community because I’ve seen and lived the importance of sticking together and lifting each other up. I’m always showing love and support whether that’s through food drives, helping the homeless, or just being present for people. What surprised me is how much my answers really reflect how I live my life. I didn’t grow up calling it “ethnic identity,” but I’ve always moved with purpose and pride in who I am and where I come from my ethnicity is African American, my father’s ethnicity is African American, My mother’s ethnicity African American/ Indian/ Geechee/Irish

3.3 Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale

My Score is 30 This score shows that I have very high self-esteem, and I fully agree. I’ve grown so much from the person I used to be. I’ve faced dark times, especially when I struggled with addiction, but I’ve rebuilt myself with strength, purpose, and self-love. I believe I scored this high because I truly know who I am now. I walk with confidence, I help others, and I don't let my past define me anymore. I’m proud of who I’ve become, and I make it a point to lift myself and those around me every day.

3.4 Racial Identity Development 

1. Stage of Racial Identity Development: Internalization-Commitment

I think I’m in the Internalization-Commitment stage because I feel secure and confident in my Black identity, and I use that to guide how I support and uplift my community. It’s not just about me it is about working for something bigger.

2. Why I’m in this stage:
I’ve gone through the earlier stages in my own way. At first, I didn’t really see how race affected me and just tried to fit in. Then, I faced events that made me realize racism is real and personal. After that, I distanced myself from white culture and dove deep into learning about Black history and community. Later, I stopped defining myself against whiteness and embraced my identity in a healthier way. Now, I’m using that identity to take action.

3. How I know I passed the earlier stages:
Each stage fits my journey from not seeing race as important, to awareness, to deep cultural connection, and finally to a balanced and purposeful identity.

4. What I learned:
Racial identity development is not a straight line. It is a personal, ongoing process that takes reflection and courage. Knowing where I am helps me understand myself and the community better.

3.5: FIND YOUR RACIAL IDENTITY RESOURCE

Why It’s Important to Me: This poem serves as a powerful reminder of resilience and self-worth. Having faced personal challenges, including struggles with addiction, Angelou's words inspire me to rise above adversity and embrace my identity with pride.

And Still I Rise  

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?

I have seen institutional racism in jobs and with police officers. A lot of times people with names for example like mine that do not sound white do not get the same chances when applying for jobs even if they are just as qualified. I have also seen police treat people of color more harshly than white people in the same situations. These things show how racism can be part of the system, not just about individual people being rude or disrespectful. I noticed this and still see it in low end areas like Compton. They barely want to give us money and treat us like we are different from others, which makes things way harder than they need to be. In education, for example, the textbooks we get are always old and never new from elementary all the way to high school. The first time I saw a brand new book was when I bought it myself.

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

I don’t think we live in a post-racial society, and honestly, I don’t think that will ever really change. Even though some things got better, race still affects how people get treated every day in jobs, schools, and with the police. The way the system works still makes it harder for people of color to have the same chances as others, so racism is still real.

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 mostly about where people come from and their background. But honestly, I don’t think race is based on biology or real science. Instead, it’s something that society created a social construct. Society made race into a way to separate and judge people, often unfairly. This idea of race has been changed over time and used to treat people differently, not based on actual differences, but on how people were seen or labeled by others.

4. Search and find one resource regarding race being a social or biological concept and post it to your Padlet. State its significance and if you agree or disagree with the resource based on your definition of race.

Resource:
I found an article called “Race Is a Social Construct, Scientists Argue” from Scientific American.

Significance:
This article talks about how race isn’t really about biology or science. It says race is something that society made up to put people in groups based on things like skin color. The article explains that these groups don’t have real scientific meaning, but they’ve been used to treat people unfairly.

My view:
I agree with this article because it matches what I think about race. To me, race is mostly about where people come from and their background. I don’t think race is based on biology or real science. Instead, it’s something society created to separate and judge people, and it’s been changed over time to treat some people differently.

 5. One Thing I Learned or That Stood Out From the Unit:

One thing that really stood out to me from the unit is that racism is not just about individuals being rude or mean it is built into systems. I always thought racism was just about how people acted, but now I understand that it can also be about how schools, jobs, and the legal system are set up. This made me think about why certain neighborhoods, like mine, get fewer resources and why it’s harder to succeed there. It’s not just bad luck it is part of a larger system. Understanding that helped me realize how deep racism really goes, and why just “being nice” isn’t enough to fix it.

What makes the Black family unique is the way we’ve always found strength in each other, no matter what we’ve been up against. From what my grandparents told me, and what their parents passed down to them, our families have had to be creative and resourceful just to stay together. During slavery, people were separated and sold, but they still found ways to create family through bonds with others on the plantation. That turned into something we still see today extended families that include cousins, grandparents, godparents, and even close family friends who we treat like blood. We call that fictive kin, and it’s real. I grew up around people who weren’t technically “family” but who were always there like they were. That’s a deep part of our culture and our survival.

2. What are the strengths and challenges of the Black family?

One of our biggest strengths is how resilient we are. We support each other through things that would break most people. Whether it’s financial struggles, racism, or being misunderstood by society, we always find ways to uplift one another. I’ve seen aunties step in to raise kids, and grandmothers hold the family together. Another strength is how much pride we take in our culture, our history, and where we come from.

But we do face challenges, too. A lot of policies and systems have worked against us. For example, my grandma talked about how welfare rules made it harder for families to stay together if a man was in the house. There are also judgment and stereotypes like the term “baby mama” that try to make our families seem broken, even though many of us are doing our best to raise and love our children, even when the parents aren’t married.

3. How does racial socialization affect parents and children in Black families?

Racial socialization is something that starts early in Black families, and I know this because I went through it. I remember having conversations about how I’d be treated differently because I’m Black. My parents wanted me to feel proud of who I am but also be prepared for a world that might not treat me fairly. That’s a heavy thing for any parent to carry. I can’t imagine what it was like for them to have to explain racism to me at a young age, but it was necessary. This is a big part of how Black families protect and prepare their children by teaching them to be aware, but not ashamed, of who they are.

4. What factors have impacted Black families the most since slavery and why?

Slavery tore apart our families from the beginning. My grandparents talked about how people were sold away from each other, and families had to find each other again or form new bonds. That loss didn’t stop with slavery it carried on through Jim Crow, through welfare policies like the "man-in-the-house" rule, and through mass incarceration. All of these things made it harder for Black families to stay whole. But even with all that, we’ve continued to build, support, and love one another through generations.

5. Academic Resource: Cartman (2016)

Three main points:

1. The term “baby mama” is often used in a disrespectful way that overlooks the reality and strength of many Black mothers.

2. A lot of co-parenting conflict comes from emotional immaturity or lack of communication, not from the family structure itself.

3. We should focus on making real commitments to our children, whether we’re married or not, and treat parenting as a serious responsibility.

How this helped me understand the topic:
This reading really spoke to what I’ve seen growing up. There are so many strong parents doing their best, even if they aren’t in a traditional relationship. It made me realize that parenting is more about intention, respect, and being present than about fitting into a specific mold like marriage. It also helped me rethink some of the judgment Black families face.

6. One thing that stood out from the unit readings or media:

The concept of fictive kin stood out to me because I’ve seen it in my own life. I grew up calling people “auntie” or “uncle” who weren’t blood relatives, but they were there for me just the same. That’s how our families work we don’t just rely on who we’re related to, we create family through love, loyalty, and shared experience. It’s powerful to see that reflected in the readings and to know it’s something that’s helped Black families survive and thrive for generations.

This poem serves as a powerful reminder of resilience and self-worth. Having faced personal challenges, including struggles with addiction, Angelou's words inspire me to rise above adversity and embrace my identity with pride.

1. What is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter Syndrome is when someone doubts their skills, achievements, or intelligence and feels like a fraud, even when they are actually capable and qualified. It is like feeling you don’t belong, even though you've earned your spot.

2. How does it affect students and their careers?
For students, it can show up as fear of speaking up, avoiding challenges, or constantly feeling not good enough. Later in their careers, it might lead them to turn down opportunities, overwork to prove themselves, or struggle with confidence in leadership roles.

3. How does it affect African American women’s self-esteem and mental health?
African American women often feel like they have to work twice as hard to be seen as equal, which adds pressure and stress. Dealing with both racial and gender stereotypes can lead to anxiety, burnout, and low self-esteem, especially in spaces where they feel isolated.

4. How do race and gender play into their workplace experience?
Race and gender combined create unique challenges. African American women may face microaggressions, lack of mentorship, and fewer opportunities to advance. They are often overlooked or expected to "prove" themselves more than others.

5. One strategy to improve the workplace for women of color:
Creating mentorship and support networks specifically for women of color can help. Having someone who understands their experience and can offer guidance makes a huge difference in confidence and career growth.

6. One thing that stood out to me from this unit:
What stood out to me most is how common Imposter Syndrome is even among successful people. Hearing real stories helped me realize that feeling this way doesn’t mean you’re failing it just means you’re human.

WEAKNESSES:
A big issue is that many Black neighborhoods don’t get enough funding for schools, healthcare, and safety. One way to fix this is by investing more money into education and health programs that actually meet the community’s needs.

OPPORTUNITIES:

1. Building programs that celebrate Black culture and history to boost pride.

2. Supporting local Black-owned businesses to grow the economy.

3. Offering more mental health support that understands the community’s experiences.

THREATS:

1. Poverty keeps limiting what people can access.

2. Gentrification is pushing longtime residents out, breaking up communities.

3. Pollution and toxins in some neighborhoods damage people’s health.

Resource: Home - Alberta Association of Black Social Workers -AABSW
I found a resource that talks about how community programs help Black neighborhoods heal from trauma, which really connects to the ideas of Afrocentric psychology and the importance of community.

Reflection:
What stood out to me most was how history and policies have shaped where Black people live, and how important it is that the community stays connected and supports each other through it all.

2. Media stereotypes of African American women
The media’s portrayal of African American women especially in some rap videos often reduces them to sexual objects or property. I think this really damages how society views Black women and how Black women view themselves. It can make people internalize those messages, leading to lower self-esteem and fewer expectations for respect in relationships. Over time, these portrayals shape how both men and women interact, making it harder to form genuine, equal partnerships.

3. Factors behind the rise in single Black women
Several factors contribute to the increasing number of single Black women, including differences in education and income levels, high incarceration rates among Black men, and shifting attitudes toward independence and marriage. Many Black women are choosing to focus on careers and personal growth instead of settling for unhealthy relationships, which shows empowerment but also highlights the ongoing social and economic challenges within the community.

4. Stigma toward the LGBTQ community
The stigma toward the LGBTQ community in the African American community really stood out to me because I am a lesbian, and I personally relate to this topic. I’ve seen how strong religious beliefs and fear of judgment can make it hard for people to come out or feel accepted. It can be isolating, especially when you’re seeking support from your own community. This unit made me reflect on the importance of inclusion and how necessary it is to create safe spaces for everyone, regardless of sexuality.

5. Resource and its significance
Resource: Collins, P. H. (2004). Black sexual politics: African Americans, gender, and the new racism. Routledge.

Significance: This book connects directly to this unit by explaining how race, gender, and sexuality all intersect to shape relationships within the Black community. It helped me better understand why certain stereotypes and stigmas exist, and how they affect both identity and connection. It also offered hope by showing how awareness and open dialogue can lead to stronger, more authentic relationships.

2. How does expecting code switching threaten diversity?
Expecting people to code switch pretty much tells them that their natural way of speaking is not “good enough.” That kills real diversity because it forces everyone to sound the same just to fit in. When we talk about diversity, it’s not just about how people look, it is about how we express ourselves, too. If people can’t be their full selves, including the way they speak, then we’re not really embracing true inclusion.

3. How do the effects of code switching intersect with a person’s mental health?
Code switching can be stressful. You are always aware of how you sound and worrying about how people might perceive you. I’ve felt that before, like I have to “turn on” a certain voice in some spaces, and it’s honestly exhausting. It makes you question if people would respect you the same if you just talked how, you naturally do. Over time, that kind of pressure can wear you down mentally and emotionally.

4. A resource that helped me understand this more:
🔗 “The Cost of Code-Switching” – Harvard Business Review
This article really hit home for me because it shows how this issue shows up in workplaces every day. It made me realize that so many people deal with the same thing having to change how they talk or act to be accepted and how that comes with real emotional and professional costs.

5. A strategy to address misconceptions about code switching:
One way to change the misconceptions is by teaching people that "African American Vernacular English" is a legitimate dialect, not “broken English.” Schools and workplaces should create spaces where people do not feel like they have to switch up to sound professional. We need to celebrate different voices instead of judging them.

6. One thing I learned or that stood out to me:
What stood out to me the most from this unit is how language is tied to identity and culture. The way someone talks is a part of who they are, and no one should have to hide that. This unit made me think more about how I speak and how I’ve been made to feel like I have to “tone it down” to fit in and now I see how unfair that expectation really is.

1. What are the significant differences in terms of religious and spiritual practices of the African American community compared to the larger community?
From what I’ve learned, the African American community is overall more religious and spiritually active than the larger U.S. population. Most African Americans identify as Christian, and a lot are connected to historically Black Protestant churches. Compared to other groups, they tend to pray more often, go to church more regularly, and have stronger faith in God. I’ve learned about this before, and it always stands out to me how big of a role the church has played in bringing people together and providing hope through tough times.

2. Why do Black Millennials exhibit different religious habits compared to older African Americans who more traditionally attended historically Black Protestant churches?
Black Millennials are definitely more religious than other Millennials, but they are not as traditional as older generations. Many of them still pray and believe in God, but they do not always go to church as much. I agree with what the article said that younger people are more focused on personal spirituality instead of organized religion. I have seen that in people I know too, where they still believe but express their faith in their own way rather than always through church.

3. How does attending church affect the mental health of African Americans?
I think attending church really helps with mental health for a lot of African Americans. It’s not just about religion it is about support, community, and finding peace. The church has always been a safe place to deal with stress, find encouragement, and stay hopeful. I agree that being part of a church community can help people feel more connected and less alone, especially when dealing with challenges.

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.
The article “Black Men Are Less Religious Than Black Women, but More Religious Than White Women and Men” by Kiana Cox and Jeff Diamant really helped me understand this topic better. It showed that even though Black men aren’t as religious as Black women, they’re still way more religious than most other groups. What stood out to me the most was how strong faith still is in the Black community overall, no matter the differences in gender. I’ve learned before that religion plays a big part in identity and community, and this article really supported that.

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 stood out to me was how much the Black church has always been more than just a place to worship. It has been a source of leadership, support, and strength for the community. I remember learning about this before in other classes, but it still really connects with me how much faith and community go hand in hand in African American culture.

A lot of it comes down to bias. Studies show that some doctors still believe false things like “Black people feel less pain” or that we are overreacting. Because of that, Black women often do not get the same level of care or pain medicine as others. It is frustrating because it is not about how much pain we are actually in  it is about how seriously we are believed. I always joke that my sister is super dramatic when she is in pain, but honestly, even she might not be taken seriously by a doctor because of her skin color, and that’s the sad truth.

2. What causes the higher death rates among African American mothers and infants during childbirth?

There are a lot of reasons racism in healthcare, stress, and less access to good care before and after birth all play a part. Black women also tend to have higher rates of conditions like high blood pressure, but even healthy Black women are still at higher risk because they are not always listened to or believed. Some studies even found that Black babies survive better when they have Black doctors, which says a lot about how bias and communication affect care.

3. What are some solutions to improve the experiences of Black mothers and the survival rates of their babies?

First, hospitals and doctors need to face their biases and get real training about how racism affects care. We also need more Black doctors, nurses, and doulas people who actually understand our experiences. Better prenatal and postpartum care should be available to everyone, not just people with great insurance. And the system needs to start holding hospitals accountable when Black mothers and babies keep dying at higher rates. Community support, like programs that help with housing, stress, and nutrition, can make a big difference too.

4. Resource to post on the Padlet

Resource: NAACP – “NAACP Calls for Urgent Efforts to Address Black Maternal and Infant Mortality”

 This article explains how racism and bias in medicine directly affect the health of Black mothers and babies. It also shares solutions like better training for doctors and more community-based support. It connects perfectly to what we are learning about race, health care, and how history still impacts people today.

5. One thing I learned or that stood out to me

Something that really stood out to me is that even rich or highly educated Black women still face higher risks when giving birth. That means this is not just about money or access it is about racism built into the healthcare system. It is crazy to think that someone who has done everything right can still be treated unfairly. That really opened my eyes and made me think about how serious this issue is.

2. How intersectionality affects the African American community
The video really showed how unconscious bias, lack of trust, no insurance, and low health education all overlap. African Americans often face providers who do not listen or dismiss their symptoms, and because of past mistreatment, many already distrust the system. When you add financial barriers and confusion about navigating care, it becomes extremely hard to get the help they need. All these overlapping issues push people away from the system until their conditions become serious.

3. Three strategies to improve these issues

1. Increase access to community clinics and affordable insurance, especially in underserved neighborhoods.

2. Provide real bias and cultural-competency training for health-care workers and increase diversity in the workforce.

3. Strengthen community health education, using trusted places like churches, barbershops, and schools to share information and build trust.

4. Helpful resource
I found “The Divide: Confronting Racism in American Health Care” useful because it explains how racism is built into the structure of health care not just individual attitudes. It helped me understand why these problems are so persistent and why real change has to happen at the system level.
5. One thing that stood out to me
What stood out most is learning that health disparities still impact African Americans even when they have good jobs, education, and insurance. That showed me how deep structural racism runs and how much the system itself needs to change.