1. Who am I - I am mother, a daughter, a secretary , postal worker, caregiver, friend to everyone but myself, a Good Samaritan, hard worker, home based chef , a business owner, a black woman in business , a crafter, I’m superwoman who isn’t perfect, a God fearing woman and a spiritual person, blessed and highly favored, respectful.

2. Who do I pretend to be- Someone who has it all together, a person who grows money on trees lol, a person who is ok all the time, the strongest person on earth, a person with self doubt and who is always shy, someone who doesn’t struggle but I do.

3. Who do people think I am- Superwoman, not human, over nice and caring, a mother to everyone, irritated/annoyed, smart and talented, jack of all trades, someone in a motorcycle club, over worked and tired, confident, trustworthy, blessed , respectful.

4. Who do I wish I could be- Free from all care, a person who doesn’t let her emotions show, a person who believes in herself like everyone else does, sufficiently stable overall mentally, emotionally and physically.

5. How has race or ethnic identity play a role in any of these- They have shaped my attitude towards life in a positive way I’m not racist nor have I ever been and I get upset when people around me are. I have a dynamic group of friends from all races.

Theme 2

1. What was your first experience with race- I was officially in the 3rd grade and I was the only African American in my class.

2. How old were you- I was about 8/9 years old

3. What emotions do you associate with the experience- hate, disrespect, discrimination, jealousy, no manners, low self esteem

4. Have you ever talked about the experience- Yes, I have I’ve told the stories plenty of times considering endured it for a long time I’m talking years. I was also the only African American in my building growing up.

5. How have your early experiences with race shaped your world view- I am an amazing person when it comes to race, I make friends with all nationalities, I feel everyone is equal and just come from different backgrounds but all share the same goal. We all eat food breathe the same air, buy clothes from stores, pay bills, work, have families, we all are equal in my eyes despite the world’s differences.

Theme 3

Do you think someone who has a negative view of their sense of self can have a positive sense of ethnic identity? Would you assume that a person who identifies positively with African American Psychology might have a stronger or weaker sense of self or ethnic identity- I am in between, I believe someone can be negative within self but have positive feelings and emotions with someone other than themselves. I also feel that if your mind set is negative sometimes it’s hard to be positive for anyone. No, I wouldn’t assume because negativity can change in a person's mind on a day-to-day base. Today they are negative and tomorrow their positive or even in a couple of hours can change it.

1.) Do you think the spirit of Ubuntu is alive and well today in African American Culture?

Yes, I do believe the spirit of Ubuntu is still alive today within African American culture. When entering most African American homes/establishment you are offered /asked if you're hungry, can I get you anything to drink. This is an example of Ubuntu, the offering of respect towards visitors.

2.) Compare and contrast in detail and provide examples of any parallels/ similarities that have been able to identify between African culture and African American culture.

Comparing and contrasting time between African and European culture shows that in Africa time is consider the past, the present and the future. Euro culture consider time as being bought and sold. African American uses time more flexible way, on the other hand European Americans uses time in more of a mathematical way. Out of 36 countries broke down into 3 groups of 12 showing long term/short term and time orientation (neither long/short) that Africa and the United States is categorized as short-term orientation.

Theme 2

1.) Define and provide an example of concept that you feel is most present in the African American community.

I feel Veneration of the person is most seen in today's times considering losing loved ones are very common and in society most Americans goals is to keep the spirit of a deceased person alive daily.

2.) Define and provide an example of the concept that you feel is least present in the African American community.

For me I'm choosing Human Authenticity, reason is because now a days in America there's barley any authenticity. According to African culture without authenticity one doesn't know who to trust or rely on. In today's time the majority of the country states they don't know who to trust as far as people, nor do they want to rely on the government.

Theme 3

Choose one of the 7 principles of Nguzo Saba and define it. Then explain why it resonates with you and how you feel you have seen this value.

Imani- means faith

Imani resonates with me because I've had to use it and have it my entire life. Faith is something majority of the world has, especially within spiritual beliefs. When anything goes wrong or doesn't seem to be working out, majority uses prayer which requires your faith and believing this will work out for ones higher good.

1. Natal Measures

   In this category I chose the following: Birthplace- I was born in California and have always lived here. My first time outside of California was when I was 21yrs of age.

   Grandparents- My grandfather taught me a lot about love, respect and family (values and meaning). My grandmother taught me about faith and kept me in church every Sunday.

   Natural Parents- My parents taught me about life from heartache to having all the strength in the world.

   Extend Family- This would be my stepfather he taught me stability, supportiveness, responsibility, and most importantly how to love a child that nots yours.

2. Behavioral Measures

   Within this category I chose music because it means something to me spiritually, music helps set the tone of my day alongside with prayer. I'm a neo soul and r&b kind of girl I feel this kind of music brings sweet harmony and peace with my soul.

   I also chose Food Preferences I love food to start and I love to cook. Cooking is my passion I enjoy making things fresh and when I am in the kitchen cooking, I feel the closets to my ancestors.

   Clubs, I chose this one because I have been a part of a motorcycle club for about 10yrs, I have held titles as Secretary and /Sgt @ arms. The club has taught me a lot from dysfunction, charity, unconditional love, and most importantly about Brother/Sisterhood.

3. Subjective measures

   In this category I chose Self Identification, I believe this has to do with me growing and learning in my life. Understanding who I am and where my ancestors come from. My mother was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, adopted and never knew her biological parents, my dad is mixed with a mother who was German, and her roots are from Louisiana, and grandfather was a creole man, and his roots are from Vela Desto, Georgia. My father was born in Compton, Ca. I identify as an African American mixed woman, I understand where my birthplace is and who I am becoming, and who I would like to be.

   4. Situation-Contextual Measures

      Within this category I chose the following: Home and family sculpted me it taught me patience, helpfulness, love, compassion, understanding, worry, stability, tension, open door policy, respect, empathy, responsibility, and accountability.

      Work has taught me maturity, structure, social connection skills, strength and time. Education has taught me how to survive panic moments importance of focus, expansion, encouragement, achieving more, teachings, care and most importantly how to be an educator and not settling for less.

      
      

      3.2 Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measures:

      
      

      1. My Multigroup ethnic identity measure score is 33.

      2. To me this score means that I have some self-understanding.

      3. I Think that this means that I have a strong bond with the mixed ethnic group because I feel I have some sense of direction, I have ideas of where I would like to explore more about my cultures.

      4. And surprisingly I learned I identify as both of my parents' ethnic background.

      
      

      3.3 Rosenburg Self-Esteem Scale

      1. My score is a 22

      2. This mean I believe/love myself more than I thought, it means I have good self-esteem.

      3. I feel my score is that way because I at one point wasn't so highly of myself and I use to make sure everyone around me was ok before myself. Now I am currently working on myself more, pouring more love into.

3.4 Racial Identity

I am in the Identity Foreclosure stage. I'm also in the Integrative Awareness stage, reason being I am way pass thinking whites are above African Americans. I believe we are all equal no matter of the race or skin color.

3.5 Find Racial Identity Resource

https://youtu.be/3SqimgirMS0?si=2aeJLzWTUM6Wq_uj

Mya Angelou "Phenomenal Woman" speaks to me because I have been through storms, and I bare the weight of the world on my shoulders and rise to the top always with style and grace, I'm Phenomenal Woman just like my ancestors.

1. What is the imposter syndrome?

   
   

   The inability to absorb one's accomplishments and the persistent fear that one will be exposed as a fraud.

   
   

2. How does the imposter syndrome affect a student in their educational journey and career experience?

   
   

   Their intelligence is tested, as they have difficulty believing in themselves after their growth being derailed during childhood.

   
   

3. How does the imposter syndrome specifically affect the self-esteem and mental health of American women in the workplace?

   
   

   This syndrome affects mental health of an African American women by making her feel less of or not enough. Makes her feel as she has no voice and is unseen. The imposter syndrome is made to make you feel like a failure and just a body in the workplace. This syndrome can make a woman feel crazy as there is no diagnosable condition for the syndrome that basically tells you, you're not enough. It can stagnate one if they allow to go unheard in the workplace.

   
   

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

   
   

   Race and gender can take a toll, as Men are made to feel superior to a woman in business. A woman literally will cold switch in the workplace meaning she'll speak and act one way at work, and once she's home she's her true self. African American women can be judge just on laughing too loud or eating a certain type of food, so most times she carries herself in costume until she's around people value and who respect her.

   
   

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

   Building accountability and holding men accountable for making women feel less than. Host more events for women of color in a welcoming space. Allowing then to share a platform with men who are just like them and also creating a platform for just women of color.

   
   

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. 

Something that stood out to me is how a 4yr old little boy of color was suspend and considered a threat to the students and teacher. Tony lost the game and because of it he threw a tantrum, instead of the educator taking the proper measures to calm her student she grabbed him. As a teacher she should have taken accountability of not handling her student properly and realizing she added to his problem.

Some psychological consequences are anxiety, low self-esteem occurs, feelings of anger arise. Self-validation can become confusing negative thoughts about self and others.

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

That a person of color is aggressive. They are thief's, are poor, cannot be trusted and are lazy. One of the biggest assumptions in the world, is that every person of color such as African American and or Latinos are criminals.

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

Judgement about the stability of African Americans, the workforce, and education field. The consider people of color illiterate and irresponsible.

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

It can affect someone's sense of self by tarnishing their dreams. If someone of color is put down and made to feel less than, they can potently internalize the negative said. This can cause self-destruct. When having a strong sense of self, you also have to have a good mental health as well it's very important.

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. 

This microaggression chart I found has helped me understand somethings I say that are Ascription of intelligence. An example is me asking a friend to teach me say something in Spanish or teach me how to make a certain food, I'm not realizing I am validating that they are different. Realizing majority of the world does it without notice or intentionally.

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.

Some strategies are taking a moment to breathe and process the information stated/received. Ask for clarity, then begin to proceed with a mature and respectful attitude. Enlighten the other person on your values and point of views, without making them feel like their feelings aren't valid.

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.

Something that stood out to me was "Learning that through evolution our feelings system was designed to react to individuals" quote taken from the Auto Pilot Bias

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

Some strengths within the Black community and neighborhoods are Community resource centers that are there to assist with groceries, find employment, finding housing, bringing mental health awareness to the neighborhoods. Every week there is a food bank somewhere in the community giving away food to families in need. You have Libraries in the neighborhoods that have free resources such as computer classes, resume builder workshops etc. Families’ strength is also shown within the community, there are a lot of extended family in black communities and neighborhoods.

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

Ignorance within the communities such as: Black on Black crime, Jealousy towards one another feeling like someone owes you something, Crimes within the low-income community and gun violence, Increase of homelessness. The violence within schools, for example my daughter texted me one day and said a student in her class showed them a video of another student stating he was going to bring a gun to school and shoot it up.

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 thing is to be more supportive and to stop passing judgement and continue to fight for unity within the communities. The second thing is recognizing the change that has occurred over the years and how far we came as black people, recognize where we came from “poverty” and realize when we get to where we are going not to abuse the new growth but to embrace it and use it for a new foundation. And the third thing is to always give back to the community with keeping in mind there is someone struggling more than you. Everyone can use some kind of support even if it’s a smile or a thank you every day. There are more jobs openings

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?

I feel one way is a lack of communication and understanding between the community and government. The black community is seen as aggressive and overly loud, when there are community events there is always commotion and because of commotion from the black neighborhoods they make it hard for their opinions to matter they sometimes feel like the black community is incompetent and will just settle for less. Another way is over abusing the resources available to us, some people within the community will take more if aloud with the fear of being without considering the price of survival is higher than what one person can gross in a month or year, and this causes funds or items to run out. Housing is another thing in the low-income community the housing being built is either being abused and run down or it’s made uncomfortable for living and not safe. Or not knowing your tenant rights and how to speak up for themselves

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. 

Analyzing SWOT of Black Community in GAAS 200 Program - Course Sidekick

This post gave me clarification as to the true meaning of SWOT within the black community. The information in this post is very relevant to our communities today.

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.

Two things that stood out was, there is a lot of grand theft auto on the crime maps and I didn't know that there are 22 Black owned banks.

Something I never realized was how an African American woman is considered to be more educated or smarter than an African American man.

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?

I feel it affect the image in a negative way. Women are seen with no respect and are then visualized in a sexual way. Some men think just because a woman sleeps with him, he owns her. Most of the times they are portrayed jezebel.

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

Gender relations, preferences of LGBTQ relationships, socialization and the lack of marriage education and understanding.

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

My guess would be it starts within home first and then next I feel it has to do with religion also. In most religions dating outside your sex/race can cause conflict and counts as them going against Gods wishes.

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.

As Proud of Our Gayness as We Are of Our Blackness - AAIHS

I didn't know about the NCBLG, and also learning about when the LGBTQ community show cased their identity about race and sexuality.

Code switching is when on uses two different languages in different settings/conversations some examples are work, school, home, church and the community. Code switching can create great success in one's life with introducing to proper education, creating growth/promotions in the workplace, and meeting some great people along the way.

2.How does expecting code switching threaten diversity?

This can threaten diversity by decreasing authenticity. Code switching can cause one to make cultural changes within their lifestyle.

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

The effects code switching can have on a person's mental health is personality changes. When code switching at some point mentally you become different people in different settings, this can become overwhelming for one's mental health and can cause anxiety, depression, stress, and self-isolation when switching in between two different worlds mentally. this can cause changes in a person's daily living.

4.Search online for a resource that helps you understand this topic more and post it to your Padlet. State why the resource shines some light on a perspective of this issue. 

Code-switching | Linguistic Benefits & Challenges | Britannica

This shines light on the "different" African American Language such as: African American Vernacular English, Black English, Standard Black English and Ebonics.

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.

I feel one strategy that may help is have educating workshops within the communities, shine some positivity on code switching, demonstrate the knowledge and spread the word. Realizing you are learning two different languages and can share what your language in your culture means to you.

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 a deeper understanding about code switching and how it can save your life in certain situations, I would say I also learned the importance of code switching in certain scenarios.

Theme Two: The Language of African American Vernacular English.

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

Standard American English is considered the proper way of speaking, this is what is used in workplace settings, schools, and in most communities. Ebonics/ African American Vernacular English is a dialect that has been known in African American history known as broken English.

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

   
   

   The languages are viewed as a controversy amongst the elementary classrooms. Learning that most children are more likely African American Vernacular English, as an educator it's not our job to strip them from what they know, but to teach them with compassion and nurture them within their learning. To teach them a better way of learning and understand what they know. In a sense we're teaching them code switching.

   
   

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

Dual language speakers are the greatest for classrooms. This will help assist with the children's learning and understanding one another. Some children have a difficult time with learning and understanding educators who cannot understand them.

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. 

Black English Matters - JSTOR Daily

Learning that most minorities use Ebonics

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

   
   

   One strategy that could be created for elementary students is an Ebonics dictionary and also implement the webster dictionary. You could also do an activity plan based on AAVE and SAE and visually show them the difference.

   
   

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 most children learn Ebonics as a first language.

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

Three similarities I noticed are: God is good- believing he will supply you with all you need. Belief in a supreme being- Believing in the highest, believing that with God all things are possible. The soul is immortal- Believing in life after death.

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

What I identified was, communalism- the only time you hear or see drums or spiritual gatherings is when there is an African or Carribean festival. Religion beliefs are different as most African Americans were raised as Christians and Africans just believe in the spirit of God. African Americans question life after death and Africans do not.

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

Slave owners led enslaved African Americans to believe that Christianity would save their souls and provide a good after life if they were obedient to them. As African Americans today, we believe if we do right in gods eyes, we will have a blessed after life. Enslaved African Americans used spiritual songs to give them strength and guide them to freedom. African Americans today use gospel to get through the day and hard times.

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.

Religious beliefs among Black Americans | Pew Research Center

I was unaware about the beliefs amongst "Black adults" and "US adults"

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

I didn't know the myth with Christianity and slave owners.

One disparity in the hospital is when a black patient speaks of pain to doctors and nurses they are made to feel as if they are delusional and or just craving a fix. There is a stigma on the African American people such as gas lighting expected mothers. Racism in the healthcare system that is an unconscious bias, and it affects the birthing experience of black women.

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?

   
   

   Apparently living in America as a black woman does something to your body naturally and can result in low birth weight, maternal and infant mortality. The stress of racism and not being heard as an expecting black mother can play a part.

2. What are some solutions that can be implemented to improve the experiences of African American mothers giving birth and African American infant survival rates?

Some suggestions of solutions can be ensuring prenatal care is started early and taken very seriously, educating healthcare providers on the importance of understanding the uniqueness of an African American woman expecting. Learning each black woman is different and every womans body is different. Realizing some people experience pain without actually feeling it and this can cause medical complications. Providing great social support, ensuring each woman is in a healthy housing situation and always has the proper nutrients needed for self and baby.

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

Working Together to Reduce Black Maternal Mortality | Women’s Health | CDC

learning that we should celebrate black maternal health during the week of April 11-17

2. 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 never knew just being a black woman in America can cause maternal health issues.

African Americans not being able to afford the proper healthcare. Most African Americans who do not work doesn't receive proper healthcare. Growing up Blacks inherited unhealthy eating habits from generations. In most African American communities there isn't many healthy eating options.

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

African American lack proper health treatments due to low finances and not being able to pay for their medicine. Low-income families are setup for major stressors which cause stress and unhealthy conditions.

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

Building funds for more community free clinics, finding Doctors and nurses who have time and don't mind giving back to the community. Find ways to help lower healthcare expenses. Have workshops on healthy eating.

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 Health Disparities Research? - NCI

Learning the different definitions of health disparities.

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. 

Something that stood out was learning that African Americans are really less educated on healthy eating.

Barriers to Mental Health

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.

   
   

   This Theme stands out to me because I see mental health daily and what it does to the community.

    

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

Anxiety can cause one to scream randomly or feel as they are being attacked and cause them to lash out on those around them. Depression can make one feel alone and can cause harm to themselves or others.

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

Workshops on Anxiety, coping methods, and home guides for families dealing with anxiety. Workshops on teaching families to learn early signs of depression and guides to shining light on those with depression.

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.

An Easier Kind of Health Care | Kaiser Permanente

I have personally attended kaisers group therapy for anxiety and depression.