1. Who am I? 

I am a young black Christian woman. I think my sense of self comes from my familial background. I am emotional , I am funny, I am understanding . I am a multi-faceted person who is still figuring out who I am and who I want to be in this world.  

2.  Who do I pretend to be?

 I pretend to be unbothered and sure of myself when in reality I have to be strong and confident because this world doesn't give black girls like me the space to fail and be vulnerable . I pretend to be a watered down version of myself to avoid judgment especially in spaces that lack people that look like me.

3.  Who do people think I am?

People think that I am strong and that “I always have it together” and that I'm a strong willed person who is hyper independent and kind. 

4. Who do I wish I could be?

I wish I could be unapologetically myself and not worry how I am perceived. I want to be confident enough in myself to be vulnerable. I want to be at peace and have a healthy balance between being okay and not being perfect but also be confident as well. 

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

My race has played a part in all of my responses being a black woman subject to an experience that can only be understood by black women. What it means to be a black woman and the stereotype that people have about me whether they realize it or not. Having to code switch in a promised white space or being aware of how much “space” I take up by just existing my identity is not just myself but generations of strength, struggle and faith. 

Theme 2: First Experience With Race Activity 

1. What was your first experience with race?

One of my first experiences with race actually wasn't an instance of me being “othered” but seeing someone being the minority. The elementary school was almost 100% black I never felt different because everyone around me looked like me until a new girl came and she was the first latino person i had ever met . And obviously I saw she was different from me and my peers but becoming friends with her showed me that she was just like me we like the same foods, and the same toys ,etc . however I also notice that my classmates often isolated her and I don't think it was intentional its understandable to be weary of someone who is different as a child. 

2. How old were you?

 I was maybe 5 or 6 years old .

3. What emotions do you associate with the experience?

At the time I remember feeling curious but also a little confused. I couldn't quite understand why they were so standoffish to her just because she was different. But now as an adult I can understand that they were just modeling what they saw from the adults around us. Often as black people we stick together to avoid being othered but sometimes we avoid to the point that it's a hindrance to ourselves instead of protection. 

4. Have you ever talked about the experience?

I don't remember ever bringing it up back then , I don't think I was fully able to comprehend race and the dynamic that it played in. It wasn't until I grew up and saw how race plays a part in everything. 

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

This experience taught me empathy and to be aware that race isn't just how I am being perceived but how other races are seen. Being a black woman it almost feels innate to pay attention to exclusion and inclusion because we know what its like to feel unseen and overlooked. It made me see how important it is to create a place for everyone to feel safe and included. 

Theme 3: Positive Sense of Self Brainstorm

After reviewing this unit and thinking about my own experiences with race it has only confirmed that race and self identity are simply two sides of the same coin. Being black we can't just turn off our blackness to be an individual we are seen as a collective because of how intertwined our racial identity is to our sense of self. Our history has shaped our community through our shared experiences and our cultural values like religion. If someone has a negative view of themselves it can be very difficult for them to embrace their ethnic identity because they don't feel grounded within themselves. For me the more I learn about my black history the more I feel strengthened in my blackness. 

1. In the video Dr. Nelson Mandela describes the word Ubuntu to mean “ I am because we are “. an African belief based in unity and humanity. After reading the assigned readings and watching the video on the concept of Ubuntu. I think Ubuntu is still alive today even though with the current state of our country makes it seem like it's not there is still people that see community as the most human part of us. 

2. In both African and African American while we do have many cultural differences we also have many similarities like respecting our elders; it's something that is drilled into every black kid when they're growing up. It was to respect them as wiser because of their experiences and to show appreciation because everyday they have been alive is a blessing worth respecting because everyone doesn't have that same fate. Also the importance of a village and how having a solid support system that you can rely on is the most beneficial way of living. Learning about Ubuntu has shown me that even with so many differences in African and African American culture we are forever connected. .  

THEME 2: 7 Concepts of Afrocentric Psychology

1. I feel as though spriteness is the most present in the African American community because spiritness is the belief that life has an outside spirit that guides us and that everything is connected; people, experiences , everything. It explains that our existence is more than superficial things we tend to focus on but its spiritual and this spiritual energy influences our identities , values and communities. I've seen spiritness take form in many different ways through music and the way we use our faith and hope as extensions of our strength. For me the church is the perfect example of spirituality. The gospel music is so soulful and powerful the music brings a presence that feels bigger than all things.

2. I think the least present in the African American community is Ma’at because in recent years there has been a major shift in black culture. Ma’at as a concept means justice, order, and harmony essentially meaning to treat each other with fairness and respect which I believe is still in the black community but we struggle maintaining balance this isn't our fault it is just the lasting effects of systemic racism , internalized division and economic hardships.

THEME 3: 7 Principles of Nguzo Saba

 I chose the principle Nia not only because it's my name but because I truly feel connected to it. Nia means purpose which is perfect for me considering my parents didn't plan on having me , my mom actually had her tubes tied and was 6 months pregnant with me before she knew my dad never wanted kids but somehow against all odds I am here today what else could it mean other than that I am here for a purpose. And its not just me so many of us have beat all odds because we have a purpose and not just personal but using our gifts to make a difference for everyone .

The audio identifies multiple types of “isms” noting racism, sexism, and heterosexism. The audio focuses on how racial  microaggressions play a part , its the subtle forms of racism that occurs on a day to day basis; it’s not blatantly obvious but still conveys bias and stereotypes against marginalized groups. For example when professor Sue describes the time when someone continuously asks him “where are you really from?” insisting that he had to be from a foreign place even though he stated that he was from Portland Oregon. The microaggression comes from the thought that a person of color has to be from somewhere else yet white people can just be white Americans. 

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

I personally don’t think we live in a post racial society even though racism might not be presented in the same way it was in the past. We are still experiencing racism just in a more “covert” way , microaggressions , systemic inequality , and biases are still very present. The audio makes it clear that “invisable” discrimination is just as harmful as blatant racism and affects people's mental and physical state which proves that race still matters and has an effect on all aspects of life. 

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.

I think that race is a social construct and at least the way race is viewed in America has only existed for as long as America has been a country. America's categorization of race divides people based on their physical traits. Genetically speaking as humans we are all one in my opinion. Yes there are genetic markers for specific physical traits for example black people often have broader and flatter noses due to genetic evolution because it was better for Africa's climate but that doesn't mean that every black person has that specific feature.

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.

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250417-biological-reality-what-genetics-has-taught-us-about-race

This is an article from earlier this year where a scientist examined the first draft of the human genome project 2025 where they essentially debunk some myths about race and how there are more genetic variations within racial groups than within them than between 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. State its significance.

From this unit I learned how I personally define race. I never really put into words what I thought race was. I had an idea of course but being able to articulate it and expand on my idea in an academic way.

The most important thing I've learned throughout this unit is the relationship dynamics between black women and men and how systemic racism , negative stereotypes , and generational trauma has influenced our choices and ways of communication. 

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?

Longstanding stereotypes in the media like in rap videos black women are portrayed as overly sexual and only valued for their bodies. This unrealistic idea of black women can limit other people's view of them as promiscuous instead of respectful long term serious partners 

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

There are many factors that result in the rising number of single black unmarried women like educational gaps , high mass incarceration rates resulting in a lack of eligible partners , and financial inequalities. Many black women are also prioritizing their careers, education and overall well being. 

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

The stigma against LGBTQ in the african american community comes from the deep roots of religion , and cultural traditions that have been passed down through generations. I think it really comes from a lack of understanding because black people have been discriminated against because of something they can't control (skin color) they can't understand why you would add to that and “choose” to be gay. 

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. 

I chose the tv series Black Love on amazon prime. It's a show that highlights black love and lets black couples share their relationship. 

To code switch means to change the way you speak or present yourself when your are around other races or in a certain environment. Switching from AAVE to workplace speak depending on the situation. For some it feels necessary to navigate life while others see it as conforming to societal norms. 

2. How does expecting code switching threaten diversity?

Code switching threatens diversity because it implies that one way of speech is better than another especially since AAVE is used among black Americans. 

3. How do the effects of code switching intersect with a person' s mental health?

Code switching affects a person's mental health because they are constantly monitoring and adjusting their speech to fit in. This can become overwhelming and increase their fear of discrimination and the emotional exhaustion that comes with being unauthentically themselves. 

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. 

What is code-switching? The resource I found is “What is code-switching? Why Black Americans say they can't be themselves at work” this article shows how code switching is in real life ways . Code switching isn't just a linguistic phenomenon but it's a survival skill that many black professions find necessary.  

5. State a strategy that you feel can be successful to address the misconceptions about code switching that exist inside and outside of the African American community.

It is important that we make all speech dialects accepted instead of penalized. Encouraging open conversations and challenging mainstream behavior.  

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. 

From this unit I've learned that code switching isn't just a casual tool but an innate social survival skill. This holds emotional and psychological weight and comes with black people navigating a system that was built to separate black people in professional spaces. 

•  They both involve community and group worship with music and dances

• Both believe in omnipotent beings whether its deities , spirits or saints. 

• Religion is a source of strength and hope for both 

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

• African religions are polytheistic (more than on God ) and most black religions are monotheistic (one God)

• African religions focus on earthly fulfillments whereas AA religions focus on the afterlife and salvation. 

• African Americans religions are based in churches whereas Africans are not. 

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

Because of slavery black Americans blended their spiritual practices with christianity hiding their freedom and liberation in the mists of forced western assimilation.  Through song and dance especially. 

4. 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've learned that religion is more than a belief system; it's a way of life that keeps us centered with God, our community, morality , and nature.

Racial slights can subconsciously cause anxiety, stress, and self esteem issues that can lead to self doubt and emotional exhaustion. 

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

Microaggressions that can be used against people of color reinforce negative stereotypes like that people of color are "aggressive and/or dangerous” or that our natural hair is “unprofessional”. 

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

Intersectionality affects not just african americans but african american women , queer, disabled or low income face discrimination in a multifaceted way because they fit into more than one minority group. 

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

Experiencing discrimination can affect one's sense of self by altering their perception of their identity; this can pressure someone to hide or be ashamed of their culture and lack a sense of belonging. 

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. 

Racial microaggressions in everyday life this article goes in depth with clinical reasoning for the effects of microaggressions. 

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.

I feel the best way to address microaggression is by educating and open minded conversation especially if the offender is unaware of how they appeared it could be blind ignorance that can be changed with enlightenment and understanding on both sides . 

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. 

I've learned that microaggressions can be portrayed in many different ways and are often more harmful than blatant racism because the offender might not be aware of the harm they are causing.

Black neighborhoods and communities have strong community support , cultural pride , and are collectively resourceful. These strengths have manifested through having black business in the community as well as churches that act pillar in the community and culturally distinct places like beauty supply stores or barber shops. Having these institutions preserve our cultural identity and creates a safe place despite the systemic oppression we face daily. 

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

One of the main weaknesses in the black community is the structural barriers built to systemic break up of our communities for instance mass incarceration. Which leads to a cycle of broken homes , broken minds, and broken spirits which continues the domino effect of underfunding , limited financial opportunities , and housing discrimination. These issues lead to higher crime rates , less resources , and educational gaps . To help solve these issues we have to invest in our own communities . 

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

One way is supporting black business and circling money through our own communities  to build generational wealth . Another way is making sure we vote and exercise our civil liberties remembering that we have a say in who represents us. The third way is prioritizing education and youth programs that not only support them academically but mentally as well . 

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?

Gentrification is a major threat to black communities; it erases the culture in the community and negatively impacts long term residents by raising rent,  and forcing them out of their homes and communities. Another threat is the over policing in black and brown communities leading to a disproportionate amount of incarcerations that disrupt and weaken families. My last example is colorism. It is an issue within the community that stems from internalized stereotypes which divides our community and halts our collective progress.   

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. 

The Importance Of Black Safe Spaces In Building Strong Communities was the source that helps me understand the themes in this unit. The article is an easy read that expanded on the importance of having black safe spaces because of systemic racism and discrimination. 

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. 

I learned that our environment affects many aspects of our daily lives and identities, opportunities , and mental health are impacted the most . Even though in black communities we face hardships we still have pride in our culture and our communities

1. From this unit's material, choose one major theme that stood out the most to you. State the theme and why it stood out to you on your Padlet.

Theme: The impact of systemic racism on mental health across the lifespan. 

This theme in particular stood out to me because it shows how racism is more than just a social or economic issue it affects black Americans mental well being as well through childhood and adulthood. I was able to understand how generational trauma , discrimination and a lack of support for a person's mental health can alter the way they go about life. 

2. How does the theme that you chose affect the African American community? Give an example.

• Systemic racism can contribute to depression , physical manifestations of stress like hypertension , and increased anxiety. For example facing racial discrimination in school can cause stress to carry into adulthood, causing low self esteem and long term mental health issues. 

3. State one strategy that could be used to improve upon the theme that you have selected.

• One way that we could improve is making mental health service more accessible in schools and around our communities . And having professionals that understand racial trauma and black mental health. It is important to create safe spaces for black Americans can feel understood 

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. 

A resource that I found was the effects of racism on health and mental health?  Which explains the consequences that come from racism . I think this article connects perfectly with this unit because it gives more insight to patterns of inequality that were also discussed in the civil rights movement and other racial justice efforts. 

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 I have learned from this unit is how deep rooted racial trauma is in U.S history. Of course being a black woman I had a fair understanding but having the opportunity to learn about specific events and the patterns that have led to the mistrust that I have in institutions we still have today.

The outcomes of institutionally racist policy are major disparities in not only the quality of the care but the overall health of the black Americans that rely on the healthcare system. Having a system that relies on income, location ,or status directly affects black communities because they often draw the short end of the stick when getting care , like delayed diagnoses, lack of preventive care , and more likely to go untreated . 

2. How does the intersectionality of the unconscious bias, distrust in the healthcare system, lack of health insurance and lack of health education affect the African American community? 

The racial bias in the medical field is something all black Americans are familiar with . America's healthcare system has limited education of African American health . This system having a racial bias leads to minimizing symptoms , unequal treatment , and poor communication which makes black patients feel unseen/unheard. Along with America's history of medical malpractice against black Americans like Henrietta Lacks whose cancer cells were used without her permission to create a cell line that became a major source of medical research. Yet she was never told nor paid for her valuable contribution to the medical world.   

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

I feel like one way is making healthcare affordable and accessible through changing policies that improve insurance coverage , make preventive care accessible regardless of income. Also changing the healthcare curriculum to reduce implicit bias in medical providers by having mandatory training and a more diverse medical workforce. And the third is to teach the community and have health education programs that teach preventive care , managing chronic diseases , and how to navigate the healthcare system. 

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. 

Advancing Health Equity for Black Communities Through Insurance Reform is the resource that explains how insurance disparities directly affect black Americans and provides solutions for how to reduce gaps in healthcare. This article shines a light on the background of the problem and how race affects the healthcare system on a deeper level.  

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 is how racially bias the healthcare system this unit gave me a better understanding of why black people are so reluctant to go to the doctor.Growing up I was raised that you only go to the doctor when it's absolutely necessary because it is just commonly know that we aren't taken care of in the same way that none black patients are.