1. Who am I ?

   I am Janelle Butler a 27 year old Black African American young woman who is the youngest sibling of 3 which I am called the brat who was born and raised in Los Angeles, Ca. I was raised by a single parent that taught me many things how to value myself, be strong and independent, have integrity, and to love others the way God loves us.

2. Who do I pretend to be ?

   I pretend to be a person who has everything together and never needs help from others because I don't like to ask for it and I am strong so I could never feel weak no matter what I go through. I pretend to be this person that never folds or has bad days that can motivate others because I have all the answers.

3. Who do people think I am?

   People think I am this strong woman that is outspoken with so much confidence that nothing is wrong. They think I am a God fearing woman that does the right things and has a good head on my shoulders that is successful and can do anything I set my mind to.

4. Who do I wish I could be?

   I wish that I could be a God Fearing woman that accepts people with open hands, that loves herself unconditionally without doubt. I wish to be successful in my life and be consistent in everything that I do to prove to not just people who doubted me but to myself that I will be who I am supposed to be and serve my purpose. I wish to be a helping hand to the younger generation for young girls who suffered things that I did to be a role model to share my life so they know they aren't alone.

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

   I Believe that my responses aren't directly connected to my race or ethnic identity. I do believe that just being a Black African American woman raised by a single parent that I had to work harder to show who I am and not live by the statistics.

Theme 2: First Experience With Race Activity

1. What was your first experience with race?

   My first experience with race was when I was younger playing outside with the neighbor 

2. How old were you?

   I was about 6 years old I would never forget 

3. What emotions do you associate with the experience?

   The emotions that were associated with the experience were happiness, love and enjoyment. I felt these emotions because we were outside playing , she was so nice , I felt like she loved me. We sat and had a lunch date and we also had the same name. 

4. Have you ever talked about the experience?

   I really never talked about this experience maybe because no one has ever asked about it or I never thought about it. 

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

   My early experiences with race shaped my worldview in a very positive way and I typically don’t look at race because I am a loving person I look at who people are and how they treat others. What I can say is that I’ve noticed that every race has a statistic.

   Theme 3: Positive Sense of Self Brainstorm

   I think that someone who has a negative view of their sense of self may have a positive sense of ethnic identity because just because of a low self esteem someone has doesn’t make their full view of ethnic identity negative they can be proud of where they came from how they were raised but not happy with self made decisions. On the other hand one may have low self esteem because of the way that their race has been treated over time which can also be connected to the way they view their ethnic identity. I believe that a person who positively identifies as African American may not like the way that their ethnic identity can be perceived from others because as I identify positively as an African American woman there has been many statistics on how we are viewed and how we act because of the way people see us. So we have to work harder and take things differently because of the way we are viewed.

Theme 1: Ubuntu 

1. I do believe that the spirit is alive and well today in African American culture. My reasoning is because there are so many things that communities do to help one another and make people feel like they are appreciated and seen. Being an African American woman and in church I am a part of the community outreach program and we give away food, we do backpack give away and more which not only helps people but let people know that they are not alone and we are one. I decided to be a part of this to be able to share with those who may not have it so that they don’t go without because of their circumstances. Related to Ubuntu is a form of kindness, caring and trusting. Doing things to support each other and really show people that we care shows kindness and builds trust. For example , we recently had a picnic and people from the neighborhood that my church is in came out and we had free food, games, and we all were dancing having a good time just showing our care and the love we have for people and it turned out amazing.

2. When comparing and contrasting African culture and African American culture I can say that they both rely on community for the most part, it may not be in the same ways but they come to the same belief. Ubuntu in African culture states and emphasizes that people are truly connected with one another and in African American culture they lean on each other and their communities through family, gatherings, and more. For example, all of my life in the neighborhood families relied on one another because some parents worked night time and other parents would step in and help by having their children over for dinner and to do homework with other children their ages to just help the parents out while they were working that's replying on community and helping each other when times get hard.

Theme 2: 7 Concepts of Afrocentric Psychology 

1. In the African American community Human Authenticity which means genuine and sincere is what I have experienced the most. I have experienced Human Authenticity in many ways For example, there were many people in my neighborhood that were African American people and they would all come together and have cookouts on the block and invite others over and go food the homeless all the time. For me in order to do these things you have to have a genuine and sincere heart to want to help others and fill them with joy during any time. As for me I always help people and love to make sure people are in a safe space. I don’t hesitate to go out of my way to do things for people. 

2. The concept that I feel that is least present in the African American community is Spiritness which means to be full of life. I feel this way for people in the African American community. Even with me it’s hard to be full of life and want to do things when we had to endure poverty, slavery and having to work harder than others. So it’s hard for us to smile, understand joy because of the survival we have to have. For example, I would say growing up I would always think that my mom was mad or frustrated because that’s how it seemed when she got home from work but it wasn’t just that my mom was a single mom she had to work a lot and take care of me alone. She wasn’t able to live to her full potential because of how raising me alone affected her being able to be joyful and go out to have fun. 

Theme 3: 7 Principles of Nguzo Saba 

The principle that I chose is Ujima which means collective work and responsibility that can build and maintain a community together. This principle resonates with me because I value when as a community we work together and fix issues rather than complain about things and nothing gets done. For example, I currently live in Long beach and I met someone with a non profit and part of the things that the guy i meet does is beach clean ups, mentor and other things. In April of this year we did a beach clean up so we posted flyers and posters all over Long Beach for people to come out and help clean up around the beach because the beach is supposed to be a place where people come and are able to have a good time with their families and friends and the community of people where African American people who came together to make this event happen it wasn't just about cleaning it was about having people come together to work on making the beach cleaner

3.1 MULTIDIMENSIONS OF ETHNIC SELF IDENTIFICATION

1. Under the category of Natal Measures I choose natural parents and siblings and I decided to choose them because they helped raise me and bold me into who I am today not only by raising me but by seeing the decisions they made which helped me grow to who I am today. For example when my mom was not around my sister watched me she helped me with homework and made sure I was doing the right things not falling into patterns that shit fell into when it comes to ditching school and other things.

2. Under the category of Behavioral Measures I chose Friendship and acquaintance affiliative patterns. I decided to choose this because it’s very important in who you spend time with outside of family and who you let influence you and who you influence. For example, I did not make choices on who I hung out with in high school. I was very nice to everyone and never just based on people who were the same ethnicity as I was. Even though in high school I hung out the more people from my same background I also made sure to learn about other cultures and have acquaintances.

3. Under the category of Subjective Measures I chose Real and aspired self-concept. This helps me understand what’s real and what I am happy about within myself. For example, the real issue I have is that people label me as a loud person which I am but it’s because I am passionate about everything I do and aspire to be passionate but show it in a more calm way. 

4. Under the category of Situation-contextual Measure I choose community and Home- Family because they both taught me on my racial identity, taught me things about my culture and how to not live up to the world's expectations. For example, my mom would share many stories about holidays and the way we celebrate them and our values while the community helps me see people in leadership roles and mentoring others where my racial identity and I can be in higher places.

3.2 MULTI-GROUP ETHNIC IDENTITY MEASURE

1. My Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure score is 31. 

2. To me this score means that I need to learn about my Ethnic Identity more on a deeper level because I don’t have much history about Black African American people outside of the norm that was taught to me in school, which is really hurt full because I am proud of who I am and I stand on my Ethnic Identity and I love my Families history and the culture things that we do but I don’t know all of the history when it comes to slavery, racism and things in that nature.

3. I think that this means that I have a weak bond with Black African American culture because I don’t know about the history of who we really are and the value that we hold in society. 

4. I am very surprised that I don’t have a strong attachment to my own Ethnic group and that I don’t understand the clear meaning of who I am when it comes to the history and how hard people have fought for the rights that I have today I am a bit disappointed in myself to be honest there are many things I need to learn. 

3.3 ROSENBERG’S SELF-ESTEEM SCALE

1. My Rosenberg’s Self Esteem Scale score is 13. 

2. My score means that I have some areas that I need to grow in because I am having many doubts within myself and where I am at in my life. I understand that my self esteem is low and I need to gain more love and respect for myself. I have to get out of my own head and understand that I am human and everything won’t be perfect or that way I want it to be.

3. I believe that my score is in the area of needing growth because of the choices that I have made in my life. For example, I work in the corporate world and politics are everything its about who you know not what you know and who likes you not your work ethic and I’ve always had this attitude on me that I could never shake and I realized it to late that I needed to change because I was fired from my previous job before I could get my attitude together and I beat myself up about it all the time because Financially I should be in a different place. Another example would be that I am always comparing myself to who I believe I should be in my life by now and that’s not healthy at all I shouldn’t let my pride beat me up about where I should be and change my mindset to push hard to get where I want to go and love myself through the process. 

3.4 RACIAL IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT

1. The stage of Racial Identity Development I am in as a person of color is the Internalization stage. 

2. I think that I am at this stage because I am secure in who I am even though I am not 100 percent on the history of my racial identity. I love who I am and where I came from no one can change the way I feel about my racial identity or offend me in any way about the things that I go through and no one can get me out of character about calling me names or making me work harder than the next person because it’s what I have dealt with my whole life. I accept everyone for who they are without having to minimize who I am. 

3. The way I passed through the other stages weren’t always easy especially being a person of color and only learning how hard it was for us through teachings because my parents didn't really talk about things at home because they wanted to see a change in me and not have to live by the world view of people that looked like me.For example I never really had a hard time with making friends with other races so I made it seem like racism really didn't exist because I didn’t deal with it first hand until I noticed that others only hung out with me in middle school because they thought that I was going to be mean and aggressive to them if they didn’t hang out with me which was a form of racism because of the angry aggressive not nice stereotype that people put on Black African American girls which wasn’t who I was so I didn’t see racism in that. For Encounter stage I remember I had to realize that the way I was treated was unfair in the class because I was really smart an A student and a girl that had a different racial identity than I had said “ Oh Janelle isn’t as dumb as other monkeys that look like her because her grades are good”. Which I would never forget because I got upset and almost acted out because of what she said and almost gave her the satisfaction to say more racial things to me or live up to the things she thought about me that was not true so I simply spoke with the teacher and left it alone and made it a goal to learn more about racism. Lastly, the Immersion/ Emersion stage I had to learn about my culture from music to food to paying attention in history to understand the trials and tribulations that people had to go through to make a difference for people of color. I was so angry about the way we were treated, sold and talked about that I wanted to do something about the past but I couldn't. I had to live boldly in who I am. 

4. In this process I learned that I need to learn more about who I am as a person of color and that I really made an excuse on why people act the way they act towards one another without knowing the level of maturity they have when it comes to racial identity development and I have more development to do. 

3.5 FIND YOUR RACIAL IDENTITY RESOURCE    

The resource I choose would be  https://www.ted.com/talks/the_plight_of_african_americans?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare

The reason I choose this one is because it helps understand the odds against my racial identity. The way people view who we are through discrimination the things that still happen to this day that people worked hard to change in the earlier days. He also helps with how things can make a difference if people try. Which helps me understand how people are not aware of their racial identity development.

1. Institutional racism and Individual racism is a form of racism that I have seen in the world.I have seen Internalized racial superiority, Internalized racial inferiority and Structural racism.     

2. I do not believe we live in a post- racial society. The reason I feel this way is because racism is still here; It's just pushed into a different way honestly and its not as brutal as it was back in the day. For example, I have a friend she wears her hair natural and she has been looked at a different way at work being questioned if the way she dresses and wears her hair is professional for the work that we do and I have not seen or heard anyone else besides her or me get questioned when we wear our natural hair the comments are like really hurtful and unpleasant because they are more focused on the way we appear rather than our work ethics and this is a way that racism is hidden in a lot of work places.   

3. The way that I personally define race is the way that the world can separate people by appearance meaning the color of their skin, hair, and other personal effects but also based on history and status. It’s something that influences how people see one another before they know them but ties into generations of people who share the same struggles and strengths. For me it's a bit complicated because it can be based on culture and judgement and stereotypes.  I believe race is a social construct because the way people see me is shaped more by society than by biology. I’ve noticed that people often make quick judgments based on appearance, and those judgments come from stereotypes that have been passed down through history. For me, race it’s about the social meaning attached to differences.

4. The resource that I will be using is www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jul/23/black-student-violent-traffic-stop-police-florida?CMP=share_btn_url The significance of this event really hits me on a personal level because it shows how quickly a routine situation can turn dangerous for someone simply because of their race. Reading about William McNeil Jr. being beaten during a traffic stop makes me feel both angry and frustrated that people of color still face violence and fear in everyday life. It’s upsetting to see how racial bias can affect how someone is treated by those who are supposed to protect them, and it makes me realize how much work still needs to be done to make society fair and safe for everyone. I agree with this article because it’s a real example of how social constructs around race can have devastating, life altering consequences. It wasn’t that he did anything wrong, society is just unequal.

5. One thing that really stood out to me is that race is socially constructed, not biological, but still shapes people’s lives. Thinking about stories of people treated unfairly because of skin color made me realize that racism isn’t just about individual acts, it’s built into systems and everyday rules. This matters to me because it reminds me to notice unfair treatment and speak up for fairness in my community.     

1. What makes the Black family unique in my eyes is the way we find strength in traditions and togetherness. For example, in my family Sunday dinners are very important because they're not just about eating, they're times when everyone comes together and somehow I always end up hearing stories from older relatives that make me feel more connected to our past and how they were raised. I’ve also  noticed that humor is another thing that keeps us strong even after a stressful day and or any hardship in our lives because after we tell about our day and go through the motions someone will crack a joke and suddenly everyone is laughing again like the moments before or what we are going through doesn’t really matter which I love so much because it helps us escape our reality for a moment with joy. Music is also a big part of what makes us unique, because in my family it isn’t just background noise, it’s how we celebrate, heal, and bond because we dance, sing, rap the lyrics and so much more. The little things from food to laughter makes me feel like being part of a Black family is something powerful and special.

2. The biggest strength I see of the black family would be how we always support each other when times are hard. If someone is struggling, we figure it out together, whether that means watching each other’s kids, helping financially, cooking for each other, lending things or just being there to talk. Another strength is creativity. I've seen family members make something out of nothing, finding ways to get by even when resources were tight. For example, my sister lost her job and had a hard time so she found her a side hustle doing hair and being a notary public until she was able to find her a new job she never gave up and pushed herself using these creative skills she learned she was able to stay afloat until she found a new job. But I’ve also seen challenges which were sad. For example, I’ve watched family members deal with health problems that got worse because they couldn’t get the best care right away. Doctors and nurses didn’t work as fast to assist. I’ve also seen how stereotypes sometimes make us feel like we have to prove ourselves at school or work, which is exhausting but also makes us push harder. Even past trauma that’s passed down from generation to generation.

3. Racial socialization has shaped me a lot because of the lessons I learned growing up. I can remember my parents encouraged me to push myself harder in school, because my family reminded me that I might not get the same opportunities as everyone else if I didn’t. At the same time, I was taught to be proud of who I am. Which was hard on my parents because they knew that just because of my skin tone I would be treated a way when our ancestors worked hard to be able to change these things and they aren’t fully changed. Another example is my parents teaching my siblings and I how to take pride in our appearance. My mom always said “Always leave the house looking presentable” wasn’t just about the clothes I put on it was about survival and challenging stereotypes to make sure people were wrong about the way they felt about black culture. I used to be confused about why she would say that until I  understood that these  lessons were a way of protecting me from  a society that often judges unfairly.

4. In my opinion, one of the biggest impacts on Black families has been economic inequality. I’ve seen in my own family how hard people worked but weren’t able to pass down wealth the same way others could, and that still makes life harder today. I’ve also seen the effects of mass incarceration. Even though these challenges are real, I’ve also noticed how Black families, including mine, stay strong through cultural traditions, church, and community gatherings that keep us hopeful. To me it truly shows both the damage that started with slavery and the resilience that has kept Black families going.

5. The Academic source I chose to use is: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/share/3FGFHDH75Z9QDQKXZ6QJ?target=10.1111/jora.12948 

1st  Main Point : This study looks at how Black mothers adjusted their racial-socialization practices after the heightened visibility of police killings during the pandemic.
2nd Main Point: It identifies parental protective factors that help buffer children from emotional harm in the face of public and personal trauma.
3rd Main Point: The research shows that ordinary daily stressors plus sociohistorical racism both matter not just big headline events. It explores how African American families use cultural legacies and family unity to cope. 

6. I was shocked by the marriage rate among African American women which hurts me the most because I am an African American woman and I want to be married one day and I don’t want to live with that. Another thing that I learned was Community network because growing up my church family was really family to me. I would learn so much and spend time with them and they helped me grow.

Resource Feedback

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11291859/

I chose this source because the article provides evidence to support my reflections, demonstrating how society misconceptions about race can shape individual experiences and identity formation. It’s helps the importance of understanding race as a social construct and its implications on personal and collective identity.

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

1. What is Imposter Syndrome? 

For me, Imposter Syndrome is that constant feeling that you are not good enough as if  you don’t deserve to be successful and one day people will eventually realize you don’t belong. Even when you have worked hard to achieve something and you struggle to believe it’s because of your own ability and being able to do the work to be where you are.

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

As a student, Imposter Syndrome can make you second guess your knowledge or worry that you’re not as capable as your classmates. It might make you avoid asking questions or seeking help because you don’t want to seem less intelligent. Later on this feeling can hold you back from pursuing new opportunities or speaking up, limiting your growth because you are scared to not be good enough.

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

This part feels personal because as an African American woman, I’ve experienced how Imposter Syndrome isn’t just about doubting myself it’s also about how others see me. There are moments when I’ve walked into a room and felt like I had to prove I belonged there not just because of my role but because of my skin complexion. The pressure chips away at self-esteem because you start internalizing the idea that you’re “lucky” to be there rather than deserving. Mentally, it can be exhausting to constantly second-guess if you’re being judged for your work or for stereotypes people may carry about Black women. This can show up as stress, anxiety, and sometimes even isolation in the workplace.

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

Being both African American and a woman means facing a double set of challenges. There can be stereotypes or assumptions about your abilities, and sometimes you’re the only one in the room who looks like you. This combination often means you have to work harder to be seen and heard while also managing the emotional toll of these pressures.

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

Creating safe spaces for open dialogue where women of color can share their experiences without judgment would be a great step. This helps build community and support  and can also educate others in the workplace about the unique challenges these women face.

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.

What stood out most to me was realizing that Imposter Syndrome doesn’t mean someone is weak or unqualified, it often shows up in people who are actually very capable. That flipped my perspective because it made me think that the feelings of doubt I sometimes carry aren’t proof that I don’t belong, but proof that I’m pushing myself into spaces where growth is happening.

1. What would you say are the psychological consequences of experiencing subconscious racial slights as a person of color?

For me, the hardest part about dealing with microaggressions is how they quietly eat at your confidence. When people say things it might seem small, but over time, it makes me feel like I’m being constantly questioned or judged. It’s like having to prove myself in spaces where I already belong. Just like mentioned in the reading, these daily slights can cause stress and anxiety. I’ve felt those moments when I walk away from a comment replaying it in my head wondering if I’m overreacting or if it was actually offensive. That confusion and frustration build up and can affect how I see myself and how safe I feel in certain spaces.

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

When people make certain comments like being “surprised” that I speak well or assuming I’m from somewhere else, it reinforces the idea that people of color don’t belong or aren’t intelligent enough. It’s that hidden message that we’re outsiders or exceptions to the rule. I’ve noticed that these moments make me hyper-aware of how I act or speak, as if I have to overperform just to challenge those stereotypes. These small remarks might not come from hate, but they keep alive old ideas that say success or intelligence doesn’t fit with being Black or Brown.

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

Intersectionality hits hard because being Black already comes with certain assumptions, but being a Black woman adds another layer. Sometimes I feel like I’m not just dealing with racial stereotypes but also with the way society views women like being “too assertive” gets labeled as “angry” or being confident gets misunderstood as attitude. In the African American community, that double pressure can make people hide parts of themselves just to avoid judgment. It also affects how we talk about mental health, success, and even beauty standards. It’s tiring, but it’s real, and reading this piece helped me realize how these overlapping struggles shape everyday life which isn’t fair because people have fought for things to change and they haven't changed. 

4. State how these theories of intersectionality, racial microaggressions, bias, or white privilege affect one’s understanding of “sense of self” or ethnic identity.

Understanding microaggressions and intersectionality has changed the way I see myself. It made me realize that my identity isn’t just something I define, it's also something constantly shaped by how others see me. When I was younger, I used to internalize comments or stereotypes thinking maybe I was too sensitive or reading into things. Now I understand that these experiences are part of a bigger system of bias that tries to make people of color question their worth.and who we are. Knowing this helped me find strength in my identity instead of hiding it, not being afraid to be who I am no matter what, being able to walk into who I am with no care of how people view me. I’ve learned to take pride in who I am even when others can’t see past their assumptions.

5. Search online for a resource that helps you understand this topic more. State why the resource shines some light on a perspective of this issue.

I found a 2024 article titled “The Role of Social Support in Disarming the Effects of Racial Microaggressions” by Uttara Manohar and Susan L. Kline, published in Communication Research (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00936502231151740). This article helped me see how important emotional and identity-affirming support is for people of color dealing with racial microaggressions. It focuses on how having people who validate your experiences, friends, family, or community can actually protect your mental health and strengthen your sense of self-worth. What I loved most was how the study showed that empathy and encouragement can counteract the harm caused by bias. Reading it gave me hope because it reminded me that while microaggressions can wound deeply, connection and understanding can help us heal and stay grounded in who we are.

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.

When someone says something that feels like a microaggression, I’ve learned that staying calm and asking questions can open the door for real conversation. For example, if someone asked me, “ Are you from the valley?” I say, “I'm not from the valley, actually I’m from South Central LA, what made you ask that?” It’s not about embarrassing them but making them stop and think just because I can look a way and act a way doesn’t mean I’m from that area they’ve seen people act the way I do. Most people don’t realize how their words come across, so creating awareness without anger can be more effective. I also think education, especially in schools and workplaces can help people learn what microaggressions look like so we don’t always have to be the ones explaining it.

7. State one thing that you learned or one thing that stood out to you from the unit required reading.

What stood out to me the most is how invisible microaggressions can be to the person doing them but how heavy they feel to the person receiving them. That part really hit me. I used to brush off certain comments or jokes to keep the peace but after this reading, I realized those moments actually stayed with me. The text helped me name what I’ve been feeling for years. I learned that calling out or even acknowledging microaggressions isn’t about being overly sensitive, it's about standing up for yourself and protecting your peace.

1. Strengths: There are many strengths of Black neighborhoods and communities and how they have manifested over time some of the ways are through mentorships, role models , and community networking. For example, many black neighborhoods and communities have elderly people, teachers, churches and more to help and mentor the youth with navigating challenges and help them build confidence and more.  Growing up in my neighborhood  we would have block parties to just have a good time with one another and the whole community would come to the block that is having a block party that day we would eat,play games, dance, talk and more. This was an example of us celebrating together because we were like family. We would all go to church and really be a part of things to support one another. Over time, things have changed. It's like pride and joy has been taken away from the things that had us connected with one another because many things have changed but the Church keeps people connected. Over time, we have gained many things such as Juneteeth is now a holiday that Black communities come together and share history and more. 

2. Weaknesses: The weaknesses that I have noticed are the lack of mental health support, economic struggles with job access, mistrust of institutions. The lack of mental health support has always been a hard topic in black neighborhoods and communities. Many people were raised and have this idea that we should deal with our issues quietly or nobody cares about how we feel that we are strong and we don’t need help. The economic struggles with job access Many people have hard times finding a job because of the lack of education or have to work  multiple jobs just to be able to live comfortably which takes time away from other things.  The mistrust of institutions in black communities and the trust within the police or local schools because they have seen so many unfair things happen within the system for many years. The lack of school supplies and help that children don’t receive like other schools is big also.

3. Opportunities: 

1. Strengthening local leadership and Developing youth leadership programs

2.Partnering with schools and colleges

3.Promoting health and wellness

4. Threats:

1.Crime and safety concerns

2.Lack of investments in education

3.Division within the communities 

5. Resource: The significance of the resource that I used provides history of how black communities were shaped which helps the challenges that are faced as well as currrenr ones. https://www.epi.org/publication/the-color-of-law-a-forgotten-history-of-how-our-government-segregated-america/

6. Takeaway : what stood out to the most about this unit is how strong the black neighborhoods and communities are through the rough and rough times we find a way to cope with things. The unity is there, we just have to take it to the next level. 

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

The most important thing that I learned from this unit’s reading and how it has deepened my understanding of black male and female interpersonal and close relationships is how history continues to shape the dynamics between black male and female. The way I realized how many of our relationships struggle with communication, trust issues, the lack of emotional intelligence literally has come from generational pain, survival and trauma that's passed down because it has not been confronted and fixed. Learning about slavery I saw how it broke families apart and how systemic racism created pressure all the time on Black households made me take a moment to look at modern relationships in a deeper way. It’s more than just a black male and female trying to get along. It's about unlearning what was taught or seen because of the way survival made it. This made me look at black love and how important it is especially now because despite all the trails and the barriers, we find ways to look past them and connect, support, and love one another genuinely.

2. How do long-standing stereotypes in the media of African American females being portrayed as property (i.e. in rap videos ect.) affect the psyche of those seeing these images and the African American woman’s dating prospects?  

The long-standing stereotypes in the media of African American females being portrayed as property (i.e. in rap videos ect.) affect the psyche of those seeing these images and the African American woman’s dating prospects in a really degrading and damaging way. The media has shown us black women in an overly sexual way or just something to look at with no meaning because of the way we are shaped. This made me understand more that images or videos not only influence the way men treat black women but it also affects the way we see ourselves. The false standard makes genuine relationships hard because people expect certain things or we see ourselves lacking self-love through comparison to the images or videos, self-doubt, and a pressure to fit into that image when we may not want to. It’s really sad and hurtful being a black woman that has watched these videos and seen images because it reduces our value to the way we should look rather than our minds and hearts when it comes to dating. 

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

Between social media, unrealistic expectations, and the pressure to “have it all,” dating has become more complicated. Some men feel intimidated by successful or outspoken Black women, and that creates tension before real connection can even start. On top of that, the lack of emotional vulnerability in today’s dating culture makes it harder to build genuine relationships. I think many Black women would rather wait for something real than settle for someone who can’t meet them halfway emotionally. Also another factor would be we are changing the focus from wanting to be married to just anyone not saying that’s what happened before but we are taking the time to get to know who we are working on self-love .

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

There is a strong stigma against the LGBTQ community within some parts of the Black community, not all of them. A lot of it comes from deeply rooted religious beliefs and traditions passed down through generations, especially in families where church is a priority . But it also comes from fear of judgment, fear of being “different,” and sometimes the idea that being LGBTQ somehow challenges Black masculinity or “weakens” the community. Reading about it made me think about how painful that must feel for people who are already dealing with racism on top of rejection from their own people. It opened my eyes to how important it is for us to create safer, more loving spaces where everyone feels accepted. I believe real strength in the Black community comes from unity and compassion, not excluding people for being who they are or loving who they love.

5. https://www.pewresearch.org/race-and-ethnicity/2023/02/16/black-americans-firmly-support-gender-equality-but-are-split-on-transgender-and-nonbinary-issues 

The significance of this article is: -This source offers data on how Black Americans view gender equality and transgender issues, which connects to both the topics of interpersonal relationships and stigma in the LGBTQ community.

-It helps show the context in which Black men and women operate: how society perceives gender roles, rights, and identities.

-With this kind of backdrop, you can reflect on how those perceptions might affect close relationships (between Black men and women) or dating prospects for Black women, or internal dynamics in the community.

1. What does it mean to code switch and how does this affect an African American’s success in life? 

Code switching is when someone changes the way they speak, act or even dress depending on where they are or who they are around. For me, I understand it as trying to fit into spaces where your natural way of being might not “match” the dominant culture. Watching the video, I realized this is something many African Americans have to do just to get ahead in many things that they do at work, school or other situations. Code switching can sometimes help us succeed because it allows us to fit into environments that might not understand our natural way of speaking or being. It can open doors in school or at work and even social settings but it can take a toll on you. Constantly adjusting who you are to make others comfortable can be exhausting and it can make you feel like success depends on masking who you are which doesn’t feel fair at all.

2. How does expecting code switching threaten diversity? 

Expecting people to code switch isn’t very genuine at all; it means people are expected to change who they are just to fit into a system that wasn’t built for them. This kind of pressure threatens real diversity because it stays, “ you can be here, but only if you act the way we act, not like you would act around other people.” Diversity isn’t just about having different faces in the room, it's about letting people show up and be who they are authentically and have their own ways of being valued.

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

Code switching can be mentally and emotionally draining as far as I can see and I know. Having to constantly change how you talk or dress can seem small but it’s a big deal that can wear you down over time. For example , I’ve noticed that when this happened to me at work having to change the tone of my voice and dress a certain way because of being in the corporate world it got a little stressful and I sometimes got burned out when I had meetings and/ or had to talk all day. It’s hard to feel confident or grounded when you're always worried about how you’re being perceived. It makes you feel like you have to have a perfect tone and outfit just to be able to do a job. There is a story in the video about interacting with authority figures that made me think about how high the stakes can be. I can see how this could make someone feel intense, disconnected from others or like they're carrying a heavy weight all the time.

4. Search online for a source 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 source that helps me understand this topic more is https://youtu.be/bq2mlaYFzAw?si=JIQ5n8CvkXTgA4CW this video gives me a very clear and easy to understand explanation of what code switching is and gives real life examples of how one can change the way they speak, act or present themselves depending on the situation. Watching this video helped me that code switching isn’t just about fitting in but it’s a strategy people use to navigate social expectations and cultural norms. I really liked how the video highlighted different contexts and experiences, which made it easier to understand how code switching can affect identity and mental well being. Overall it helped me connect the concept to everyday life. 

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

One strategy I think could help address misconceptions about code switching is having more open conversations about it in schools, workplaces, and communities. By sharing personal stories and experiences, people can better understand why code switching happens and that it’s not about laziness or unprofessional behavior. I also think encouraging people to embrace different ways of speaking, dressing, and expressing themselves can make spaces feel more inclusive. When others see that authenticity is valued and respected, it challenges the idea that everyone has to conform to the dominant culture, which can reduce misunderstandings about code switching.

6. State one thing that you learned or one thing that stood out to you from the unit reading, optimal reading or audio material in this unit. 

What stood out to me the most is how deeply code switching affects a person's life. In the YouTube video Chandra Arthur’s example about her own experiences made it clear that it’s not about just trying to fit in socially, it can be a survival coping mechanism. It made me think about how often people have to balance being themselves with protecting themselves, and how much energy that takes. Now I have a new perspective on why this is an important topic in conversation about race and identity. 

1. What is the significance of the Yoruba Orisha Faith also known as Santeria? 

The Yoruba Orisha Faith is significant because of the power it has and it's not just about rituals or any gods specifically. It preserves ancient African spiritual tradition that survived through the times, giving people a sense of identity. It gives followers a direct link to their ancestral roots while offering spiritual guidance and a moral code centered on good character, respect, and balance. The religion honors the divine beings Orisha, which represents natural forces and human qualities, making spirituality feel personal and connected to everyday life. For African Americans this was more than religion; it's a way to connect with traditions that were almost lost over time; it's a form of cultural reclamation and empowerment. 

2. How does this Faith provide a connection back to Africa for those African Americans choosing to join the Faith? 

For many African Americans, joining the Yoruba faith provides a spiritual home that connects them to Africa in many meaningful ways. When Wesley Hurt spoke  about finding a spiritual path linked to Blackness, it made me realize how important it is to reclaim culture that history tries to take away. The music, the language and the rituals are ways of experiencing a part of Africa right in your home or wherever you go which is an amazing thing. It reminds them that their ancestors’ traditions didn’t just disappear or drift away through slavery the traditions have survived and can still guide them today.  This connection not only helps but gives African Americans peace to heal from the disconnection that slavery and racism created.

3. How does the Yoruba Faith treat health and healing in their religion? 

I was surprised and filled while listening to the podcast because learning about religion when it came to health and healing was amazing to me. In the Yoruba belief health is viewed as a balance between the physical, spiritual, and emotional parts of life while healing doesn't just involve medicine, it's also about prayer, rituals, and respect for one's ancestors and community. It made me think about times in my own life when I felt knocked off balance, such as losing someone close to me, and how taking time to reflect, pray, or spend time with supportive people really helped me heal through things. I see how this spiritual approach would help others because it helped me feel stronger and more connected. 

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.

While watching this video : https://youtu.be/-0LP05NJufI?si=CQcQtqGN79dothrA I learned so much about how deeply connected spirituality is to everyday life in the Yoruba tradition. What stood out to me most was the idea of the ori, or inner head, which represents a person’s destiny and purpose. I found it really interesting that this religion isn’t just about worship like most are, it's about maintaining harmony with your ancestors, your community, and nature. The rituals, music, and divination practices aren’t just symbolic; they’re ways of staying connected to the spiritual world and understanding yourself better. What I took away most from the video is that Yoruba spirituality teaches balance, respect, and self-awareness, showing that faith can be a living, breathing part of who you are every day.

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 really stood out to me is when Wesley said “ First, I was looking for God, but then I started finding myself.” This really sat with me because it reminded me that sometimes faith isn’t just about following the rules or rituals, it's about learning who you are and how you fit into what God has for you. I liked how this faith helped him grow spiritually and personally at the same time.

Padlet Prompt Option 2: African American Birth Discrepancies

1. 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?

One thing that really opened my eyes is how often African American women’s pain gets dismissed in hospitals. I’ve heard stories like this before, but learning more about it helped me understand the depth of the problem. A lot of it comes from implicit bias; some providers assume that Black women can “handle more pain” or that they are exaggerating, acting, doing too much , which is completely untrue. I have a low pain tolerance and I am an African American woman. Because of these stereotypes, Black women often end up receiving less pain medicine even when they are clearly asking for help, making their treatment less aggressive compared to women of other races.. Seeing how common this is made the issue feel very real to me because this type of bias affects how pain is assessed and treated. 

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?

There are several factors behind disproportionately high rates of maternal and infant mortality among African American families. Black women are more likely to have underlying health conditions like hypertension and preeclampsia, and they often live in areas with limited access to quality prenatal care. Racism in healthcare also plays a major role when it comes to Black women nurses or doctors have overlooked, ignored, downplayed, or misdiagnosed them. Stress from systematic inequalities, lack of provider diversity and inconsistent follow- ups from care providers all contribute to the higher risks faced during pregnancy and child birth when it comes to African American women. 

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?

Several solutions could help improve outcomes for African American mothers and infants. Hospitals can implement strong implicit-bias training to help providers recognize and correct harmful assumptions. Increasing the number of Black doctors, nurses, midwives, and doulas can also improve trust and communication. Expanding access to high-quality prenatal and maternity care especially in underserved communities would reduce risks. Community support programs, better insurance coverage, and stronger policies around maternal health can also help ensure Black mothers receive consistent and respectful care throughout pregnancy and childbirth.

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. 

https://www.kff.org/racial-equity-and-health-policy/five-facts-about-black-womens-experiences-in-health-care/

I chose this resource because it breaks down real statistics about how Black women are treated in medical settings, especially during pregnancy. What really stood out to me is how many Black women reported being ignored or denied the pain medication they needed. It connected directly to everything we’re learning in this unit about maternal health disparities. For me, this source helped put numbers behind the stories, and it made the issue easier to understand and harder to ignore

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 learned from this unit that really stuck with me is how common it is for Black women to speak up about pain or symptoms and not be believed. I always assumed that hospitals were places where everyone got treated the same, but after learning about these experiences, I realized how different the reality is. It reminded me how important it is for us to advocate for ourselves, but also how the system needs to change so Black mothers don’t have to fight so hard just to be heard.

The Theme I choose is Theme One: Minority Health Disparities 

1. What are the outcomes of institutionally racist policy choices that exclude the needs of low-income minorities in the health care system ? 

After watching the video, I realized how deeply institutionally racist policies affect low-income minority communities. These policies limit access to quality healthcare, which leads to people getting diagnosed later, living with preventable conditions, and receiving lower-quality treatment. I’ve seen this in my own community where people avoid care because they feel unwelcome or ignored. It reminded me that these outcomes aren’t accidents; they come from systems that weren’t built with minority needs in mind.

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 intersection of bias, distrust, lack of insurance, and low health education makes healthcare even harder for African Americans. These issues stack on each other, creating real barriers to getting proper care. I’ve watched family members avoid doctors because they didn’t feel heard or couldn’t afford it. When someone already distrusts the system and then faces unconscious bias from providers, it becomes easy to fall through the cracks. This combination makes staying healthy a challenge even when people are trying their best.

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

To address these issues, I believe we need better access, better training, and better community support. First, expanding affordable insurance would help more people get regular care. Second, healthcare workers need real training in implicit bias so patients are treated fairly. Finally, community health programs and education can help people understand their options and feel more confident navigating the system. Together, these strategies can start breaking down barriers that have been in place for generations.

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. 

https://youtu.be/VzyjDR_AWzE?si=at2cy0LAsRPz9_Mn

The video that really helped me understand this topic on a deeper level was “How Racism Makes Us Sick” by David R. Williams. As I watched it, I found myself thinking about people in my own family and community who’ve dealt with stress, discrimination, or just feeling unseen in the healthcare system. The video explains how racism doesn’t just affect how we’re treated, it affects our bodies, our stress levels, and our overall health. That really hit me, because it made sense of things I’ve witnessed growing up but never had the words to describe. It helped me see that a lot of the health struggles we talk about aren’t random; they’re connected to bigger systems and pressures that many of us live with every day. This resource really opened my eyes and gave me language for things I’ve personally noticed in real life.

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 from the readings was the idea of “intersectional invisibility.” It made me think about the women in my family who felt unheard or dismissed during medical visits. Learning that this is a larger pattern especially for Black women helped me understand why trust in healthcare is so low and why change is so necessary.

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

The role of the Black Church and the mental health of the African American community is to serve as a trusted place of emotional support, spiritual guidance, community belonging, and cultural identity. For many, it is the first place they turn when dealing with stress, trauma, or personal struggles, and it helps reduce mental-health stigma by creating a safe environment to talk about emotional issues. Historically, the church has been a foundation of resilience and collective strength, making it an important bridge between spiritual care and mental-health needs.

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?

Culturally competent care is vital to the success of the mental health relationship between the provider of clinical mental health services and the African American community because it helps the provider build trust and rapport with African American clients, who may already feel hesitant due to past negative experiences or cultural misunderstandings. When providers acknowledge spiritual needs beliefs, cultural identity, and the role of the Black Church treatment becomes more relatable, respectful, and effective. Without cultural competence, care can feel disconnected or dismissive, leading many individuals to avoid seeking help altogether.

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

The Three strategies that can address the issues include: 1. Creating partnership between Black Churches and mental-health professionals so clients can receive trusted, culturally grounded referrals; 2. offering mental-health education and training to pastors and church leaders so they can recognize signs of distress and connect people to proper care and 3. normalizing open mental-health conversations within church spaces through workshops, sermons, and support groups to reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking.

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.

   https://youtu.be/jZS-WHfFupM?si=Al0rqEPwwaUeHt5a

This resource highlights how Black Churches can actively support mental health in their communities by combining spiritual guidance with awareness of mental-health needs. It shows real examples of churches collaborating with mental-health professionals and creating safe spaces to discuss emotional well-being, which helps reduce stigma and makes mental-health care more accessible and culturally relevant.

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 is how strongly culture, racism, and lived experience influence mental health in ways that often go unrecognized in traditional clinical settings.