1. Who am I?

   I am a Thirty one year old African American woman who is a mother of handsome boys. I am a kind hearted person by nature and I am God's child.

2. Who do I pretend to be?

At times I pretend to be a person who does not care what others think of me when really I care too much.

3. Who do people think I am?

People think that I am someone who has it all figured out when I am actually learning day by day like everyone eles.

4. Who do I wish I could be?

   I wish I could be more confident in myself. I do not wish to be any other person.

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

   Ethnic identity has played a role in my responses because I am of a darker skin tone. Being a little black girl of a darker skin tone was not easy. I was called names and treated poorly by my peers. Also, pertaining to the media, it was not many women that looked like me being called beautiful or even put on a pedestal.

Theme 2: First Experience With Race Activity 

1. What was your first experience with race?

If I can recall correctly my first experience with race was when I started a new school in Lakewood that was predominately Caucasian.

1. How old were you?

I was around 7 or 8 years old.

1. What emotions do you associate with the experience?

The emotions that I associate with that experience is feeling inferior, ugly, and uncomfortable.

1. Have you ever talked about the experience?

I do not recall a time where I have talked about this experience and how it effected me except now.

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

My early experiences with race has unfortunately shaped my worldview negatively. I am kinda embarrassed to admit that I still feel uncomfortable and inferior around Caucasian people.

Theme 3: Positive Sense of Self Brainstorm

After contemplating the first two prompts and our unit content, what connections can be made between having a positive sense of self and our experiences with identity and race? Brainstorm regarding your thoughts on how these concepts are connected. For example, 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? Please explain why. 

The connection I have made is that my early experiences with race shaped my world view negatively. Those experiences made me feel as if I was inferior, ultimately taking a hit at my overall confidence which I still have issues with today. In regard to a person being able to have a positive sense of ethnic identity while simultaneously having a negative view of their sense of self, I believe there is some gray area. I think that it is possible to have a positive sense of ethnic identity however it may not be to the extent that it could be without going to therapy or working through those issues. I would assume a person who identifies positively with African American psychology has a stronger sense of self and ethnic identity. Being able to identify positively with African American Psychology means that you are secure within yourself.

1. The concept of Ubuntu is uniquely African. After reading the assigned reading and analyzing the short video by Dr. Nelson Mandela, do you think that the spirit of Ubuntu is alive and well today in African American culture? Explain your answer and give an example as to why you have chosen your position. 

Personally, I think that the spirit of Ubuntu is alive in the African American community in some ways however it is not well. Ubuntu is the the practice of respect, helpfulness, sharing, community, caring, trust, and unselfishness. As Dr. Nelson Mandela said, living by Ubuntu does not mean you should not take care of yourself, but rather do so in order to be a better version of you so that you may be of service to your community. I have chosen this position because I there are some instances where I see us helping one another and being unselfish however as a community we have a lot of work to do. In my community, in Compton, the people orchestrate back to school drives, toy drives, getting all the kids new tennis-shoes, and most recently they are getting a Black History Month event together. On the other hand when the police murder African American people for no other reason than them being black, as a community we may speak out, we may march and or boycott however it does not last for long. The Church is probably the only place where Ubuntu is expected to be practiced but there is a lot of our community that do not trust the churches and for good reason.

2. Compare and contrast in detail and provide examples of any parallels/similarities that you have been able to identify between African cultures and African American culture. Has this concept of Ubuntu changed your worldview at all? Explain.

Some of the similarities that I have identified between the African cultures and the African American cultures are; helpfulness, caring, and community.

As I stated above I have seen my community come together and look out for one another. Giving back to the community, especially the youth is practicing helpfulness. As they say, the children are our future. This also shows that they are caring as well because we as a community is taking time out of our lives and money that some may not really have to give towards a bigger picture. The concept of Ubuntu has definitely changed my worldview by being able to look at the bigger picture. Although we have some of the same practices of Ubuntu, I can see that it is on a smaller scale than Africa's. If more of us took the time to practice this concept I believe that the world would be a better place. We have to start with us, becoming a better version of yourself not only benefits you, it also benefits your community because your higher version will instinctively was to be in service of your community.

THEME 2: 7 Concepts of Afrocentric Psychology

1. Choose and define the concept that you feel is most present in the African American community. Provide an example of how you have witnessed the concept you have chosen.

Inclusive metaphysical epistemology: When one uses both affective and cognitive syntheses of information as a way of knowing. Reality is not limited to what is understood by the five senses and rational logic is not the only way of obtaining knowledge.

I feel like this concept is most present in the African American community because every since I was a child, I was always told to go with my gut. Going with your gut feeling is being reliant on your intuition to tell you something that you mind may not be about to grasp just yet. Every one of my grandmothers always told our family, women in particular, when your intuition is telling you need to listen. They would say that our intuition is our spirit alarming us and that it is Gods gift to us.

I have witnessed this concept first hand this past New Years. A friend and I wanted to attended a New Years party. When we arrived the line was long but we wanted to attend so we stayed and waited for about 15 mins. We had notice the crowd getting impatient and upset so at 11:50 pm, we left because we had a gut feeling that made us start to feel uncomfortable. It kind of sucked that we could not get in and had to bring in the new year driving home however we both agreed that leaving was the right choice. The next day we woke up to the news that at same party, 2 people were shot and killed and a few others were injured outside of the event right around where we were standing to get in. God bless the people that lost their live and there families as well.

2. Then, define and provide an example of the concept that you feel is least present in the African American community. Also, provide an example.

Ma'at: A cardinal principle that governs the dynamic functioning of the universe and refers to balance and cosmic order. There are 7 cardinal virtues of ma'at; truth, justice, compassion, harmony, balance, reciprocity, and order. The more one practiced these virtues, the more developed one's self becomes.

I feel like ma'at is the concept that is the least present in the African American community because we do not have any order. The lack of order in our community leaves very little room for balance, harmony, truth, compassion, justice or reciprocity.

I will use the actress, comedian, superstar Mo'Nique as an example. When she initially spoke out about how Oprah and Tyler Perry tried to black ball her and Netflix was trying to under pay her, she asked the African American community to boycott Netflix as a way to flight for this injustice. She received a lot of unnecessary back lash from the very community that she was fight for, there was little to no reciprocity. She was telling the truth, almost no one had compassion for her experiences. The was no balance, the whole world seen how she was treated unfairly. When she went on interviews with African American host, there was no harmony. This is a sad truth in out community, that even when we are wronged and we choose to tell our truth, there is little to no support. There is no order.

THEME 3: 7 Principles of Nguzo Saba

1. Choose one of the 7 Principles of Nguzo Saba and define it on your Padlet. Then explain why it resonates with you and how you feel you have seen this value in action in the African American community. Provide an example. 

Kujichagulia (self determination): To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.

This principle resonates with me because I feel like it is important that we as a people define ourselves because as we know the world already has an idea of who they think we are and how they think we are. One thing I pride my about being African American is, we ARE the culture. We establish what is "cool" in societies eyes. I think that as a people we know this but lack to confidence to fully stand in it to ignite change. In my opinion, every race wants to be us until it is time to be us. They was the perks (being considered woke, cool)however when it is time to stand with us for OUR cause, their legs mysteriously loose their ability to function.

1. State your selections under the category of Natal Measures and also state why you chose them. Provide examples.

*Natural Parents

*Grandparents

Why: I chose natural parents and grandparents because in my early childhood development, they were prominent influences. Knowing that I was created by an African American mother and father, who was created African American parents, helped me identify myself.

2. State your selections under the category of Behavioral Measures and also state why you chose them. Provide examples. 

*Language use patters

*Music

*Clothing

*Food

*Participating in cultural and religious activities

Why? I chose these selections from the behavioral measures category for many reasons. Language use patterns contributed to identifying myself because African Americans talk differently than other ethnic groups. Words and sayings that are not in the English dictionary like "finna/finse to", "gonna", "boo-boo the fool", "you think that fat meat aint greasy." and newer ones like "standing on business" are platinum in African American households. Growing up, music like "Keep your head up", and "say it loud- I'm black and I'm proud" were played and sung to me to give me a sense of self-awareness while simultaneously giving me confidence in my ethnic identity. The way we dressed and the style we dressed in was different from other cultures. Growing up, in middle school, the "first day back to school" shoes for African Americans the all-white Air Force 1's or All white K-Swiss. Other ethnic groups wore shoes like Etines or vans regularly. Lastly, Food and participating in cultural and religious activities was chosen because this is a big part of my culture and they both go hand and hand with one another. Activities include church, and any celebration which can always turn into a family barbeque afterwards. The food consisted of Mac and cheese, potato salad, and greens to name a few of the main dishes.

3. State your selections under the category of Subjective Measures and also state why you chose them. Provide examples.

*Self identification

*Value preferences

*Role models

Why? I chose self-identification because there was a period of time where I went to an all-white school with very few black children. During this time, we live in a prominently white neighborhood. At home, it was hard to see myself in the world that was around me. My grandmother lived in Watts, Ca and I would spend the summer break with her. That is when I finally began to be able to identify myself, also gaining role models that looked like me.

4. State your selections under the category of Situation-Contextual Measure and also state why you chose them. Provide examples.

*Recreation

*Spirituality

Why? I chose recreation because as I stated previously, in the African American ethnic group, one thing we love to do is celebrate. There is no better way to do so than to get together and "throw something on the grill." we say. This was the recreation growing up for me. An opportunity to hear good music, eat good food, and play with your favorite cousins.

3.2 Padlet post: MULTI-GROUP ETHNIC IDENTITY MEASURE.

1. My Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure score is (state score).

Score: 45

2. To me this score means that (state your analysis.)

In my opinion, this score reflects that I am confident in my ethnic identity.

3. I think that this means that I have a (strong/week) bond with the (fill in ethnic group) because (state explanation.)

I think this means that I have a strong bond with the African American ethnic group because I am secure in my identity. I would not want to be a part of any other ethnic group than the one that I am. We are beautiful, we are intelligent, we are strong.

4. Explain anything that surprised you about this analysis?

The questions somewhat surprised me because at first glance they seemed to be self-explanatory. However, at times, I forget that everyone is not so proud to be black.

3.3 Padlet post: ROSENBERG'S SELF-ESTEEM SCALE.

1. State your score after taking the Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale. 

Score: 26

2. State what your score means to you and your understanding of your self-esteem.

In my opinion, this score reflects that I am confident in the skin that I am in. Also, to me it shows that I am confident in my abilities however there is room to grow.

3. State why you believe your score is the number that it is. Provide examples. 

I believe that my score is 26 because while I am confident in the skin that I am in, there are some insecurities that I have to work on. For example, on question number 1 it states, "I feel that I am a person of worth, at least on an equal plane with others." I chose I agree because if I am being truthful with myself, I do not strongly agree with this statement. Unfortunately, my race and how we are treated in the world has had an impact on why I feel this way. Not to mention my own person experiences contributes to this as well. It is a fact that Black people are racially profiled and targeted, so how can we feel like we are on an equal plane when everywhere we turn, we are reminded that we are not. We have to work twice as hard to achieve things that are given to other ethnic groups for free.

POST 3.4: RACIAL IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT PADLET POST

1. State your stage of Racial Identity Development (they are in bold on the summary document provided). Please do not state that you are in the "People of Color" stage because that is not a stage. Please watch the video above for clarification. 

Currently, I am in the Immersion stage.

2. State why you think that you are in the stage that you identified.

I think that I am in the Immersion stage because, I have a huge desire to surround myself with visible symbols of my racial identity. At times I actively avoid symbols of whiteness, however I am a big fan of some of their music. Also, I actively seek-out opportunities to explore African American history and I am a big supporter of peers from my own racial background. As Issa Rae once said so beautifully, "I'm rooting for everyone that is Black."

3. Provide an example of how you know that you have passed through the previous stages.

I know that I have passed the pre-encounter stage because before I had my first Encounter, I had no knowledge of the concept of race. In my first encounter, in elementary school, I was forced to see how different I was. I realized my race was looked at as less than and we were targeted.

4. State one thing that you learned from this process. 

One thing that I learned is that I am 31 years old, and I still hold a heavy heart to my first encounter with race. This has caused me to have a tainted view of the world and stagnates my growth as a person. As much as I would like to believe that I have grown, at times I may still operate from my inner child when the situation my cause for an adult version of myself. I have some work to do.

POST 3.5: FIND YOUR RACIAL IDENTITY RESOURCE

This was one of my favorite songs as a child. This song helped me to get a better understanding of my abilities and some of our African history.

https://youtu.be/RvVfgvHucRY

1. Please post a response to the audio clip above. What types of "isms" can you identify in the audio clip above? What types of racism did you notice in the audio clip? Give examples.

In regard to the audio clip and what "isms" I can identified, there were several. I identified classism, sexism, racism, and ableism. The types of racism I noticed included, old-fashioned racism, cultural racism, and symbolic racism. The first caller, Kahlila, shared an experience of what she took as a back handed compliment. The cultural and symbolic racism was presented as a complement with an undertone of micro-aggression. The ableism was displayed by the woman approaching Kahlila in what sounded like disbelief of her abilities to speak as well as she did. The experience all boiled down to the caller sharing her experience clear old-fashioned racism. The second caller, Sarah, shared her experiences dealing with classism and sexism. She shared that just because she looks a certain way, her sexual orientation is assumed. When people are making these assumptions of her, they are discriminating against her.

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

No, I do not believe that we live in a post-racial society because black people are still getting murdered by police for no legal reason. To make matters worse, the officers involved receive little to no punishment for their actions. While on the other hand, black people are likely given the max sentences for their crimes, even in non-violent cases.

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.

Personal definition of race: A fictitious idea put in place to systemically oppress black people.

In regard to whether I think race is a social construct, a biological construct or something else, it is a proven fact that race is a social construct. Race is not a not a real thing, it was made up by white people's European ancestors to push a superiority narrative.

4. Search and find one resource regarding race being a social or biological concept and post it to your Padlet.

https://youtu.be/926PqQUOVOg?si=OA2RMHWjNqsKmfeN

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.

One thing that I learned from this unit is that there are different types of racism. I knew of some of the concepts before the unit however with the learning material I was able to grasp the concept on a more personal level. The audio clip of Kahlila really stood out for me. There have been various times where I have been given a back handed compliment that had an undertone of ableism and Old-Fashioned racism. Some of the times were more obvious than others, however I was left with the same feeling of confusion. With knowing that I presented myself well, I was confused by why they were surprised. This ultimately left me feeling a bit inferior and I believe that this is a part of the cycle of racism.

There are a several things that make the Black family unique. One the things I saw in the reading was Hill stating that the Black family is characterized as an extended family. Per the reading, "The extended family is a network of functionally related individuals who reside in different households. The immediate family consists of individuals who reside in the same household, regardless of the number of generations within that household. Akin to the extended family is the notion of the augmented family." In my own experience, growing up, I was told that my grandmother's best friend was my aunt although there was no blood relation. Also, raising my children and nephews in the same household, they refer to one another as brothers although they are only cousins.

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

I think there are many strengths in the Black family including the "extended kinship" and having A grandmother in a household contributing to the upbring of the children in the home. "The extended family is a network of functionally related individuals who reside in different households. The extended family that the Black family provides ultimately is an added resource for the children. Per the text, "Grandparents also provide support that may help to increase cognitive competence of their grandchildren." The Grandparents in a Black family home is another area of strength if they are limited to contribution. When Grandparents are placed in the role of a parent, this can cause challenges in the Black family. Grandmothers that are singlehandedly responsible for their grandchildren due to their child being on drug, incarcerated, or deceased, are often stressed. This environmental factor affects the children who are then likely to have behavior issues at school.

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

I believe that foster care is one of the ways that racial socialization affects parents and children in Black families. As stated in the lecture, Black children are refered to the foster care system at higher rates than any other ethnic group. Depending on who is sent to visit the homes of Black families plays a major part in why this happens due to racial views. Some parents are fit to raise their children are unfairly stripped away from them. This can cause children to now be placed in a system where they can potentially get treated or cared for in worse conditions than they began with.

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

Per the reading, in 1939, Frazier thought social welfare measures to combat poverty negatively impacted the Black families. Per the text, "Families became dependent on welfare and handouts and did not achieve self-sufficiency." I can understand why he felt this way because providing resources to providing resources to people that are capable of proving for themselves, given the right circumstances, it can be enabling and hindering to possible growth. As stated in the reading, "At the same time, welfare programs that were intended to help African American families in poverty were, in fact, detrimental to the well-being of the African American family."

5. Search and find one academic resource that helps you understand this topic better and post it to your Padlet. State three main points from the resource and how it helps you understand this topic.

"Family Involvement with African American Youth During the Pre-College Years: From a “Psychology of Oppression” to a “Positive Black Psychology”

1. Researchers have found that family level poverty, low socioeconomical status, and residence in low economically advance neighborhoods, are all key factors that contribute to how a child develops.

2. For a child to be successful, they need to be influenced by at least one person in their early life who believe they are special.

3. A family's parenting style is also essential to how to a child's development.

These main points helped me understand this topic because the family in which you are born and raised plays a major part in the way you develop. As important as these things are, we are not able to choose which family we were born in and do not have control over our development as a child. Understanding this offers me insight to educate my family and extended family. Also, I can make a conscious effort to be an adult that makes a child feel special so they may be successful.

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

One thing that stood out to me from this unit is the dynamic of the Black family and its uniqueness. It makes me think about how on Tik-Tok there are several videos explaining the extended family and how it works. When you grow up in this reality it is a normal concept for you until you read the comments of confusion from other ethnic groups. This is significant because it shows how unique the Black family is.

Date: 2/28/2024

Psych 110

       I. Introduction Paragraph: Definition of Race

1. Introduction Statement: A professor once asked me, “What is your personal definition of race?” My reply was, “A fictitious idea put in place to systemically oppress black people.”

   
   

2.  Is race biological or social?:  The concept of Race is not a not a real thing. Race was created by white people's European ancestors to push a superiority narrative. Thus, proving that it is merely a social construct.

     II.          Body Paragraph 1: Self Assessments/Scores/Analysis

2. Main point 1: The first Assessment that I took was called the “Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure Assessment.”

   1. Supporting Detail: In this assessment I received a score of 45 which is reflective of my high self-confidence.

   
   

   Main point 2: The second assessment that I took was titled, “Rosenberg’s Self Esteem Scale.”

   1. Supporting Detail: Having a high self-esteem and confidence in my abilities contributed to the score of 26 that I received.

    III.          Body Paragraph 2: Summary of Stages of Racial Identity Development & Life Examples

Main point 1: At this point in my life, I have passed through the pre-encounter, encounter, and immersion/emersion stages of racial identity development.

3. Supporting Detail:  I know that I have passed the pre-encounter stage because before I had my first Encounter, I had no knowledge of the concept of race.

   
   

4. Main point 2: I am currently in the Internalization stage of my racial identity development journey.

   1. Supporting Detail: After doing some self-reflecting, I realized that I see racism as the enemy, and I desire to have more control over who I want to be.

   2. I have come to find that being in this space is very empowering.

   IV.          Body Paragraph 3: Post Racial Society Critical Analysis

4. Main point 1: It is hard for me to believe that we live in a post-racial society.

5. Supporting Detail: Currently, black people are still getting murdered by police for no legal reason.

   
   

6. Main point 2: To make matters worse, the officers that are involved receive little to no punishment for their actions.

   1. Supporting Detail: While on the other hand, black people are likely given the max sentences for crimes they commit, even in non-violent cases.

     V.          Conclusion Paragraph

5. Summary statement: Society may look at me and my skin color and form their own conclusions.

   
   

6. Closing Statement: I will not let a social construct and a fictitious idea put in place to systemically oppress my ethnic group define me.

Identity resource

Teacher to teacher: How racial identity work makes us better advocates for our students (understood.org)

1. What is the Imposter Syndrome?

The inability to absorbed one's accomplishments and the persistent fear one would be exposed as a fraud.

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

There is a correlation between how imposter syndrome can affect a student in their educational journey as well as their career experiences. Imposter Syndrome can directly affect your self-esteem causing you to have feelings of being out of place, or simply like you do not belong, which can ultimately affect your performance.

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

Imposter Syndrome specifically affects the self-esteem and mental health of an African American person can make it challenging to believe in yourself and your abilities. It can cause you to have low self-esteem that can lead to depression and other mental health issues.

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

In a workplace, African Americans may be the minority, and if you are an African American woman, you may be a double minority. This environment can make you feel like you have to "code switch," meaning, you have to welcome the prepotent culture while at work and switching back to your real self when around family and friends. This experience can cause feelings of Impostor Syndrome.

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

A strategy that I believe would be successful in addressing this issue is more women of color speaking out about Impostor Syndrome and the correlation between how it can affect a student in their educational journey as well as their career experiences. Education is key to making any improvements and if more women of color shared their experiences, something can be put in place to empower us in these situations.

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. 

The one thing that stood out to me was the act of code switching. It is something that I have always been aware of because my mother and grandmother have always had a superior position in the workplace, and I would notice them changing their voice when talking a work or to co-workers than when at home with her family or friends. As a child I remember my siblings and I would jokingly tell my mom that she sounded "White" at work and on her voicemail message. She would explain to us that in her workplace environment, she was expected to speak with proper English and that talking properly it is not "talking white." I recently spoke with my mother, and she shared her experiences of having Impostor Syndrome.

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.

   A strategy that I feel may be successful in addressing the use of microaggressions toward myself is communication. Especially if the offender is unaware of how their reactions affect a person of color like me. Expressing the experience to give the offender a better understanding may help with educating them on what can be seen as offensive so that they would be carful in the future to how they communicate with a person of color.

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

   The thing that stood out the most to me this week was the "Implicit Bias and Microaggressions: The Macro Impact of Small Acts" video. The speaker explained this topic beautifully capturing so many of my own experiences. It is so often that as a woman of color I experience these things. So much so that I have become somewhat numb to them, and it is almost expected. Depending on the day I may help by educating a person that may be unaware they are offending me, however I do not have the time or energy some days. I pray that one day society will be so educated on this issue that we can all just respect one another's existence.

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

   The strength of the Black neighborhoods and communities include, having an informal institution, having community groups, becoming educated, and defining all odds against you by creating generational wealth. Informal institutions are a way that the community helps raise its children. The saying "it takes a village" manifests over time and having positive influences in the community increases the children's chance for a bright future. Community groups are also a part of the informal institution in Black communities that can offer support, information, and education. Becoming educated is in my opinion the biggest strength of the Black community. When a person is educated it offers them a different outlook on life and opens up more opportunities to become successful possibly creating generation wealth for their family and community.

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

   The weaknesses of the Black neighborhoods and communities include and division, crime, and negative generational trends such as the use and distribution of drug and seeing violence among other things. A solution to most of these issues is education. Furthering your education provides an individual with a broader world view, better understanding, and also more career opportunities to generate more income. This would lower the crime levels and provide a positive generational trend. Give the next generation a better head start will lead to a positive impact on the Black neighborhoods and communities and will turn into a strength because it would then be the norm and the standard.

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

   1. Building community groups.

      Building community groups offers support and information. Supporting one another can play a huge role in the progressive movement of the Black community. Community groups may be able to off information about programs and resources that may help you succeed.

   2. Being involved in city decision/voting.

      Black community members being involved in decision making as it pertains to your city offers progressive ideas for the community that you live in. Also, voting helps a great deal because laws, funding, and bills that contribute to the progression of your community may be passed and can ultimately help meet the essential needs of the community. Making your voice heard matters.

   3. Education yourself.

      As I stated in the previous questions, education yourself is one of the best ways any person can contribute to the progression of the communities and the neighborhoods they are in. This is especially true for members of the Black community because our community is on the lower end of generational wealth. Although there are a lot of things that contributes to this like systematic oppression, education on these things will offer a different perspective and awareness so that we may be able to come together to make much needed changes. Voting on laws and creating bills that can help the Black community requires understanding and knowledge of our history and education will help.

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?

   1. Division.

      Division among the Black neighborhood and communities are a detriment to the progression of the black communities. Some members of the Black community have a "crabs in the bucket" or an individualistic mindset. There is strength in numbers, and we are stronger together than we are a part. Gangs also play a role in this because they were originally founded to help the Black communities and neighborhoods, a lot of them are causing the crime and violence that are a detriment to the Black community's progression.

   2. Crime

      Crime in the Black neighborhoods and communities contribute to the negative stereotype that is placed on us. This is detrimental to the Black community because while some of the community is fighting to wards progression and against this narrative, others are proving the oppressors right. However, by no means is it okay to treat members of the Black community poorly because again, a lot of these things are a result of systematic oppression.

   3. Gentrification

      Gentrification can be detrimental to the progression on the Black communities because when this takes place a lot of us end up selling our homes. Selling your houses and businesses contribute to allowing gentrification to take place. An example of this would be the video from this week where Willa and Charles Bruce had their property illegally taken from them. Their decedents were able to retrieve the property back years later and the value was much more. Instead of keeping the property and building generational wealth, they took the money and no longer have the property.

   
   

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. 

   WHIEEAA-broch.pdf (ed.gov)

   I found this article, "Educational Excellence for African Americans" on the internet and after reading it, it helped get a better grasp of the themes related to this unit. Per the article, "...opportunities and experiences that help Americans attain good jobs that provide the means to succeed, care for a family and fully participate in a community. In the African American community in particular, high-quality education and developmental opportunities have helped us create jobs and new industries, and overcome income and social gaps, as well as other critical challenges..." The article went on to say that students from birth through adulthood deserve opportunities that education provides so that they may be successful and self-sufficient. Education is the key to providing progressive movements toward improving ourselves which ultimately improves our community as a whole. Also, when a member of the Black community lives in a Black neighborhood and they obtain success or resources, they are able to spread their knowledge to the neighborhood and the community members.

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 few things this unit from the required readings, audio material, and lecture. What stood out for me was that public housing was initially created for white "working class" families and it being the step before they were able to buy a permanent house. The intention was never to help the African American communities rather keep us in a particular area. Not approving home loans based off of race due to systemic racism contributes to our struggle of obtaining generational wealth.

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

   Per the reading, "Power of the Orishas: Santeria, an Ancient Religion from Nigeria, Is Making Its Presence Felt in Los Angeles" the text states, "The religion of the Yoruba recognizes one supreme being who created the universe, but it holds that God entrusted the orishas with watching over the world. Orishas are similar to the ancient Greek gods in that each represents both a force of nature and a set of human behavioral characteristics, or archetypes."

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

   The Yoruba faith provides a connection back to Africa for African Americans in the way of worship with music and black physicality. Per the audio clip, a lady stated, "They had the drums going, and the ladies were up dancing, and after a while, I was, hey, cause I was feeling it. I was feeling everything." Drums and dancing are some traditions that are rooted in Africa. Also, the faith can provide an African American person a sense of self by affirming their black physicality. Per the audio, " And it also allows them to affirm their black physicality in a place that has said that you represent anti-beauty in this culture. You know, it is this religion that comes and says, no, you look like the gods of Africa."

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

   To treat health and healing in the Yoruba faith, advice is given from a Santero to make regular offerings like foods, fruits, and at times live animals to the orishas. They are told to continue to receive orthodox medical treatments, and they begin to heal.

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.

   I found this source while researching more information on Yoruba. This Article was interesting to me because it focuses on the how important healing and health is to the Yoruba faith. This faith is one of the most studied theories of faith because of this.

   The Survival of the Yorùbá Healing Systems in the Modern Age - News (ufl.edu)

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 the most this unit was the similarities between the Yoruba Orisha faith and Christianity. It is said in the Yoruba faith that a person is in control of themselves while the spirit and soul is not under their control. This is similar to Christianity because it is said that people can make decision because of their flesh(body) or their spirit which is connected to the Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Per the article I found, "While the body is under the control and influence of man, the soul and the spirit are metaphysically controlled and are not within the realm of the mortal."

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.

   The theme that stood out the most to me was the loss of life expectancy for African Americans. This stood out to me the most because there are a number of factors that contribute to the statistics that African Americans have a shorter life span.

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

   The loss of life expectancy affects the African American community in many ways due to factors we they cannot control. From birth there is already a disadvantage due to health factors and the lack of proper medical care. Obesity is another issue that contribute to the loss of life expectancy due to the foods we consume. Heart problems are the leading cause of death in the African American community and are related to anxiety and stress.

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

   A strategy that could be useful to improve the loss of life expectancy in the African American community is gaining financial freedom. A great deal of the issues we face are related to a systemically racist society that we live in. A system that has set us up to lose our life in one way or another. Educating ourselves on these factors and gaining the finical ability to afford to eat better and healthier foods, have better medical care, and going to therapy to work out some of our anxieties and stress may be helpful in improving out life expectancy.

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. 

   Per the article, "Life Expectancy Proves How Far Black Americans Have Come," it is said that " Black Americans’ life expectancy declined to about 71 years old, six years lower than their white counterparts. National disparities in life expectancy can represent the permanency of racism..." the resource helped me understand the theme I choose because it explains racisms contribution to this issue. This article is significant to this unit's material because it highlights the causes of why the life expectancy of African Americans are so low.

   Life Expectancy Proves How Far Black Americans Have Come | TIME

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 stood out to me the most is the loss of life expectancy for the African American community. I have always known that our life span is said to be shorter however seeing the statistics helped gain me a broader perspective.