Black Men, Black Women, and the LGBTQ Community

Young Black Men Prefer Black Counselors

Christopher T. Freeman touches on some crucial points in his article on Counseling Black Men.  If only 2% of psychologists are African-American, this means that a lot fewer Black men are going to be willing to seek counseling.  In his article, Freeman pints out:  

"While some studies have shown that Black clients prefer a Black counselor to a White counselor, other studies have shown that a Black clinet's preference for race of the counselor is related to the client's stage of racial identity development" (p. 76). 

After reading this article, it does not appear to me that the majority of Black men have been able to gain a tight grasp on this area.  Either that or many are within a cultural framework that "discourages sharing personal family matters with a stranger" (p. 76).  With these components, it becomes inevitable that the necessity for more Black counselors is crucial in order to encourage more Black men to seek counseling if/when needed.  Although these psychologists may be strangers, they would share one thing in common - race.  To add on to that, for the counselors that are not Black, a strong sense of how to work with clients of color is huge in order to promote healthy and effective counseling for the Black community.  

Areas of concern for Black men include:  Anger from Racism and Oppression, Feelings of Invisibility, Issues Associated with Masculine Role Strain, Adolescents' Issues, Educational Issues, Employment Issues, Group Counseling Issues and Family Therapy Issues.  In just reviewing this list it's overwhelming to consider all of these areas.  Just knowing that these, and possibly more issues, are what Black men are facing creates a notion in my mind that more counseling and resources are so necessary.  Not at all saying, as Freeman states at the end of the article, that every Black man faces all of these issues, but awareness of these different issues does need to be made clear.  

__________________________________________________________

Self in Community:  African-American Women's Views of Self-Esteem

Before reading this article, I couldn't help but remember what I learned about minorities and self-esteem in my Adolescent Development course - "African-American girls have the highest self-esteem out of any ethnic group".  When I first heard this research finding, I did not believe it.  I had heard of the concept of "strong Black women" and understood that sense, but what self-esteem could be left when one's identity and culture are completely stripped away?  It seems to me that in comparison of African-American women and African-American men, the two genders have taken completely separate routes in identity development.  Although women in general are plagued by the media of images of what "beauty" or "normal" is, African-American women seem to be labeled as having the most positive self-esteem, even through this.

In the article, Victoria L. Defrancisco and April Chatham-Carpenter review a study that was done with 21 African-American women ranging from ages 21 - 69.  The study was composed of two parts:  1) In-Depth Interviews and 2) Follow-Up Focus Groups in which only 12 of the original women participated.  The two components of self-esteem for Black women found were social support and self-reliance.  Defrancisco and Carpenter found that other themes of pride, respect, positive outlook, and the use of self-talk emerged out of the two central themes.

In reviewing these two central themes, I realized that I grew up with many of what the women in the study discussed.  I, too, grew up with a strong foundation in church and prayer, neighborhood support whenever I played outside with friends, encouragement from church members to do well in school and that my possibilities were endless, and most importantly a strong sense that I must take care of myself, that no man will do that for me.  I can relate to much of what the women in the study were saying but even in having this relatedness or parallels, after viewing the video in class - A Girl Like Me, I had to ask myself about the other part of self-esteem that must be lacking and what exactly that is.

After viewing the video in class I realized that many of the color issues within the Black community that were dealt with in slavery are still at the forefront today.  The issue of light skin/dark skin is still an issue.  The doll test that was performed in the video was probably the most heart-wrenching scene when the Black girl was strikingly hesitant and even seemingly disappointed when asked which doll resembled her.  Having to choose the Black doll seemed to be a huge let-down for her.  This is where I have to question what is missing in the self-esteem of Black girls.

__________________________________________________________

Found:  85,000 Black Gay Households

Alan Dang and Somjen Frazer review the circumstances faced by Black same-sex couples in America.  Dang and Frazer hi-light the various was Black same-sex couples are hit harder than are White same-sex couples such as health care and home-ownership.  The authors aim to target anti-gay campaigns that target Black same-sex couples.  In refuting these claims by anti-gay organizations, the similarities between Black opposite-sex couples and Black same-sex couples are discussed.

Dang and Frazer educate their audience on these similarities by first off noting that Black same sex and opposite-sex couples face the similar sting of oppression.  The difference is that Black same-sex couples are hit much harder.  Similarities also include raising foster or adopted children at the same rate as Black married opposite-sex couples, raising biological children at about the same rate, be in long-term stable relationships with one another and serving the military.  Before reading this article I had no idea that Black same-sex couples were bearing these conditions.  Yes, I was aware of the struggle for equal rights among all same-sex couples and was aware of stereotypes that Black same-sex couples undergo, but the tons of other adversities they face are alarming.  This led me to think more critically and consider more about the Black gay community and their struggles.  I viewed an episode of the Tyra show some years back when the "Gay is the New Black" debate was emerging.  What are your opinions on this statement?

__________________________________________________________

The Choice to be Gay

After reading the compelling article by Leonard Pitts, it seems as if being Gay is not a choice.  This links strongly to the argument that it is a choice to be gay, and a sin that one should stop committing.  In the Black community oftentimes being "gay" is like a taboo.  It is frowned upon by possibly one of the worst things one can be, especially for Black men.  In Christianity, gay is probably one of the sins that is most despised and talked down upon.  The question then does appear - is it as simple as gay people ending their choosing to be attracted to the same sex?  According to Pitts, it is not that simple and being gay is not a choice.

__________________________________________________________

Understanding the Marginalization of Gay and Gender Non-Conforming Black Male Students

 

In my opinion, addressing homosexuality in the Black community is crucial after reading this article.  I was already aware of the taboo and stigma in the Black community against being homosexual due to conversation with friends and hearing about horrific hate-crimes or people being outcast.  McCready addresses issues that Black homosexual young men in particular experience and ways that teachers can combat these issues - awareness and implementation of that awareness. 

I feel that in addressing homophobia in the Black community, it's something that's going to take some time to evolve into a more accepting notion.  My brother considers himself bi-sexual and has for as long as I remember, tried to hide that from family and people in church.  To his friends, he is completely himself but to others he seems to close off a sense of who he really is.  Creating a space for homosexual gays to outwardly discuss and combat the issues they face can be a way to raise awareness of the gay struggle in the Black community.

As far as on college campuses, I think that a space is necessary to be created for Black homosexuals in order for them to be able to have a place to feel a sense of belonging.  Just like Asian-Americans can have clubs and organizations, and the swim team has their sense of belonging because they practice together and attend the same competitions, perhaps if the Black gay community had an organization where they could come together, voice their issues and brainstorm solutions, this would be helpful in educating the Black heterosexual community on these issues and ways to help one another.

__________________________________________________________

At Least I'm Not Gay:  Heterosexual Identity Making among Poor Black Teens

 

The abstract focuses on a study done in low-income areas among Black teens.  The synopsis holds a stance that heterosexuality is a way to become sort of superior, even in a low-income area, over homosexual individuals.  For African-American gay and lesbian teens this means that they are automatically placed in a threatening place since it is looked down upon.  Their sexuality is not considered the "norm", so they become targets.  Coming out for Black gay and lesbian teens would be extremely difficult, especially in Quadrant IV.  Froyum notes in her article that conforming to strict heterosexual roles in poor areas "allow[s] girls and boys to fashion themselves as moral, legitimate, and superior to others:  benefits they otherwise lack".  This means that heterosexuality is a way to place oneself at a higher privilege than those who live opposing lifestyles.  For Black gay teens, this means that even more odds are put up against them, already with being Black, but in Quadrant IV compromised of "culturally lost, maladaptive  behavior", coming out for homosexual teens can be an extremely threatening phenomenon.

I found a video that goes over the life of a young Black man who is homosexual.  In the video he discusses how it's not the easiest thing being gay, Black and living in a low-income area.  I noticed a lot of similarities in what was discussed in the video and what Froyum talks about in the article.

__________________________________________________________

The Homophobic Test

In going through the questionnaire on homophobia located on the PBS website, I noticed a pattern in my responses.  I became more aware that while I don't mind having friends that are homosexual, which one of my closest male friends is, I am not exactly "in favor" of gay marriage.  This is just my opinion and what I noted after going through the questionnaire.  Homosexuals do not bother me, but I probably wouldn't be the first, or last, in line for a rally on the passing of homosexual marriage.  I believe that this links strongly to my faith in God.  I don't think that gay people are bad people at all, and I believe that God loves them equally as he does heterosexuals.  From the things that I've witnessed in my life, heterosexuals are guilty of so much more crime and hate than some homosexuals that I've encountered.  I believe they are all human just as much as anyone else is.  Homosexuality being a controversial topic, I don't necessarily agree with the lifestyle.  Just because I don't agree though, does not mean that I do not love or care about people who live that life just as much as I do about those who don't.  If anything, I strongly believe that homosexuals have been oppressed, especially in the Black community, in so many ways and this is unfair.  Something does need to be done about this. 

The State of African-American Relationships

In Audrey B. Chapman's article - "In Search of Love and Commitment:  Dealing With the Challenging Odds of Finding Romance", the multiple facets that are plundering Black relationships are addressed.  Chapman presents these issues head-on with various experiences she's encountered with Black women.  Challenges such as myths and stereotypes that plague Black men and women, a divide within the race and opposing forces are all mentioned in Chapman's article.  What are the solutions to this detrimental phenomenon?

I believe that media is the first start to shaking up the divide between Black men and women.  Media portrays Black men as possessing negative stereotypes such as "lazy", "deadbeat", and "non-trustworthy".  These portrayals, although negative and internalized, are accepted and bought into by popular culture.  The most popular artists in music today still continue to refer to women as "b****es" and "h**s" which makes both men and women look bad.  It's already one thing being called the "B" word, but placing Black in front of it sends a message that all Black women are this one-dimensional negative image that is not suitable for relationships.  In every Black movie or sitcom that sales, Blacks are not given the most positive of images.  In fact, these positive images become much more difficult to find even still today.  My suggestion is to have more media outlets where Blacks are portrayed positively, where Black marriages are glorified instead of quick "hook-ups".

Secondly,  instilling these values in Black communities through Black couples giving back is crucial.  I don't think Black couples who work towards making their marriages last realize how much of a value resides in witnessing that.  If these couples were to perhaps share their messages for making their relationships work to their friends, children, etc., a huge change could occur just from that.  Seeing the Obama's is one thing but hearing about their methods of making their marriage work is a completely different one.

Another option to resolving the issues addressed by Chapman is to perhaps hold seminars on marriage early on.  Instilling the value of marriage and these goals early on, perhaps starting even in high school could be a resolve for these issues.  Instead of glorifying quick relationships; teaching and instilling values of what a healthy and meaningful relationship can be so influential in reducing the detriment faced by Blacks in the field of marriage.

The article in the New York Times about being "Black, Female and Single" is completely relevant to today's times.  This issue was even brought up in class when talking about how Black women are waiting later to get marriage and values of 'finishing school' and 'getting a good career' are placed at the top of the list of goals before marriage.  I'm not at all saying this is a bad thing, but I think it definitely makes it easier to forget about the value of marriage.  Pressure put on by family members and friends also plays a major role because I have even been asked why I'm single or not in a relationship and I'm only 22.  These issues are very relevant and very real in the Black community.

Take a look for yourself. The below videos feature some of these messages that are imposed upon Black men and women.  These messages are not only exposed and often internalized within the Black community, but are accepted as the "norm" for how Blacks are around the world!

All in the name of "entertainment" right?  I think it's far more than that!

__________________________________________________________________________

 "African-American Women and the Male-Female Relationship Dilemma:  A Counseling Perspective", is an article by Bethea that goes over the various ways African-American relationships are impacted and gives solutions to counseling for these situations.  Bethea draws attention to similar points that Chapman reaches to hi-light.  Stereotypes that are believed by Black men and women about each other are the dividing factor between the two sexes.  Bethea notes that these stereotypes have affected the Black family because it's pinned Black men and Black women against one another.  These parasitic stereotypes have caused a rift between Black men and Black women by making neither one seem desirable.  

The three areas of approach that need to be addressed in counseling African-Americans according to Bethea are Loss, Effective Communication, and confronting negative stereotypes.  Loss deals with the loss of a dating partner or physicality.  Communication is on the conflict-resolution piece of a relationship.  Stereotypes deal more-so with the negative thoughts that Black men and Black women carry about each other.  

In my opinion these are great methods to solving issues faced in the Black community in relationships.  I believe that mentorship, as mentioned in the first piece, is crucial as well.  Hearing positive things not just from a counselor, but also from peers and family members can help tremendously in altering relationships between Black men and women.

__________________________________________________________________________

"What Mama Couldn't Tell us About Love" by Richardson and Wade confront issues that link back to slavery.  Two that stood out to me were:  "I'm not good enough to be loved" and "I'll lose anyone who gets close to me".  These two stood out the most because I have had the most encounters with both whether directly or indirectly via friends and acquaintances.  

The "I'm not good enough to be loved" piece dates back to slavery because of the stripping of identity that happened then.  This denouncement of boldness, strength, culture and pride that has been happening since slaves were taken from their land, gives way to a lack of sense of self and culture.  This can lead to a crippling insecurity that one is at the bottom of all choices.

"I'll lose anyone who gets close to me" also links back to slavery because during slavery whole families were torn apart.  Husbands and wives were taken from one another, children were stripped from the hands of their mothers, and siblings were separated.  This can easily cause someone to believe that they are incapable of getting close to anyone.  

 __________________________________________________________________________

In "Being a Man About It:  Manhood Meaning Among African American Men", men in the study describe manhood as "an interconnected state of being", "a fluid developmental process", "a redemptive process" and "a proactive course".  

Manhood as an interconnected state of being means that manhood goes beyond the mean himself.  It's more of a meaning that ties in with family and others.  This leaves manhood to be more interdependent than independent.  Taking care of others and oneself as well is a big part of this.

Manhood as a fluid developmental process deals with the facet of manhood that is a continuum.  No culmination is ever reached but instead, an ongoing process of progression as a man is presented.

Manhood as a redemptive process means "redemption" from one's past and an ability to regain one's motives through positive action.

Manhood as a proactive course entails being able to anticipate a change that may offset the equilibrium and being progressive about solutions to these potential discourses.  

The top two themes emerging as prominent for men in this study were Responsibility-Accountability with 48.7% and Autonomy with 21.7%.  Responsibility-Accountability makes sense because men are hunters, from the beginning of civilization it has been this way.  The want to be responsible for self, family and others seems, in my opinion, appropriate as #1 for the male role.  Autonomy, as we saw in the video in class, seems very important.  The husband was extremely upset when he felt that his decision was discounted in the situation of his daughter being able to date or not.  Here the autonomy is seen because he wanted to be able to have a say-so in the decision making process.    

The Eligible Black Bachelors

"Living in a Class Apart" - Lawrence Otis Graham

The discussion in this article of differences within the Black community takes us all the way back to slavery.  Since the segregation within the Black race between "house slaves" and "field slaves", the light skin vs. dark skin battle has managed to thrive even today.  Graham points out that lighter-skinned slaves had access to education which lead to an impetus and accessibility to school, especially colleges and universities, which lead to "success" via well-paying and prestigious careers.  Graham's discussion of various organizations intended for the African-American elite is not left within the confounds of the article.  These organizations still exist today!  In High School when a good friend of mine asked me to be his escort in his Beautillion for Jack and Jill, I witnessed this first-hand.  I noticed that all of the parents held occupations of Doctors, Pharmacists or Business-Owners and as I grew to know more of the club members through all of the practices and meetings, I learned that they all had plans of attending either Hampton or Howard University.  When I was asked what university I planned on attending, I proudly responded - "UT".  Silence fell and I automatically felt like I had committed a sin in front of everyone for saying that.  It was the equivalence of saying I was a janitor in a room full of Brain Surgeons.  My institution of choice obviously stood as no match or comparison to theirs.  I found this very strange.  Am I saying these are bad people? No. Was I offended? Absolutely.  I shared this experience to say that much of what Graham addresses in his article very-well much still has an impact today.  The light-skin vs. dark-skin debate still continues. It may be a bit more hushed and discrete than it once was, but it still stands as a factor.  I've personally heard friends say "I refuse to marry a dark-skinned guy, I don't want black babies" and have dated guys who say they find some dark-skinned girls attractive, but would never be in a relationship with one.  While in my mind it's a completely ludicrous phenomenon that constitutes racism within a race itself, many people still stand behind this and see nothing at all wrong with it.  Below is a video that was viewed during an orientation at my internship.  The video features African-American teens discussing beauty and what it means to be dark skinned vs. light skinned. I initially found the video shocking and began to wonder how we got here, then realizing that these messages have been imbedded since we touched American soil.

_____________________________________________________________

"What's Love Got to Do With It?" - Paul Offner

Offner's article goes over the various reasons why many educated Black women find it difficult to get married.  Pointing out factors such as a 2:1 ratio of Black women who attend college to Black men who attend college, the high incarceration rate for Black men and the image of Black men wanting to be with women who will take care of them, Offner gives various reasons as to why the state of the Black family is in crisis, or lacking.  As discussed in class on Tuesday, women today are encouraged to "focus on education" first before marriage" and many more women are going for PhD's.  This is not an over-night process. A Doctoral degree can take 10+ years to obtain and oftentimes after that, people are focused on building their careers in whatever fields they choose.  This is another reason unmentioned in Offner's article - time.  Black women are definitely climbing the ladder of education more quickly than Black men.  Once careers are started, it takes time and a lot of focus to build that career.  A friend of mine once said, "I don't want to be that woman who is so focused on her career, looks up 20 years from now and is still single with no husband or kids".  I simply brushed the statement off by saying something to the extent of, "Then don't be, the fight guy will come at the right time".  I shrugged my shoulders and didn't think it was that big of a deal.  This article, and other documentaries on this issue, have opened my eyes to my friend's concern.  Therefore, time and attention are other reasons that I would add to Offner's explanations.

Offner mentions single-parent households in the second half of his article.  What he doesn't mention is the potential danger that it presents in the Black male's perception of male-female roles.  I automatically connected this to the picture Offner first talks about of the main character in Baby Boy - Jodi.  Jodi was raised in a single-parent household by his mother.  Whether we'd like to admit it or not, who we're raised by and in what environment heavily influences our mindset for the future.  Black men raised in single parent homes may not always receive the male role-model that is necessary in informing them about education and how to be men.  The only picture they receive is from a woman taking care of them, and I've heard men say before "I want to marry a girl who's just like my mama". WHY? A mother is nurturing, yes, but her role is to take care of her children.  This can easily be perpetuated into - "my girlfriend/wife is supposed to take care of me".  This doesn't come off, to me, as a very appealing image.  No career, no relationship.  That's the stance for many women who are educated.  

_____________________________________________________________

"Successful Women who are Childless" - William Raspberry 

The Raspberry article ties into majorly with the Offner article.  Raspberry enlightens his audience on the detrimental trend in not only Black men furthering their education, but childless Black women who are educated.  Raspberry writes that only 29% of African American women who earn $55,000 or more are married (ages 28-55).  This is a striking percentage.  In addition to this low number, Cornel West notes the trend in African-American Harvard students.  While he claims that in 1970 the male/female ratio was pretty even among Black students, today the ratio is 9:1.  These changes are a great improvement for Black women but for various factors Black men seem to be left far behind.  This article compares to Franklin's article on The Black Family because it perpetuates the disconnect that has happened over the years.  Just as 100+ years ago, 70% of Blacks were married and now they're not, we're given more reasons as to why this is happening in Raspberry's article.  With fewer children being reproduced because of fewer marriages, this places the Black family in even more of a downturn due to the lack of marriages taking place today.

_____________________________________________________________

"Plight Deepens for Black Men, Studies Warn" - Erik Eckholm

In his article on the sate of Black men and employment, Eckholm reveals various statistics and studies that show how Black men have taken a hard hit in the education/job realm over the past years.  Eckholm brings up two factors that are the cause of Black men being placed in the category of highest unemployment rate.  Eckholm's reasons, via Mr. Holzer of Georgetown, are incarceration rate and enforcement of child support.  The sum of Eckholm's article shows that Black men are leading in percentage of imprisonment which leads to an automatic lesser likelihood of employment.  Incarceration = a record for life which makes it much harder, especially in an economic downturn, to find a job.  Secondly, the stance on child support presents that a higher-paying job means a larger chunk of that money going to mothers to support their children.  Therefore, traceable income becomes less favorable for men who have to pay child support.  

_____________________________________________________________

"Bring me Home a Black Girl" - Audrey Edwards

Edwards gives readers an uncut view into her experience raising her son to marry within his race.  In her article she goes over her reasons and justifications as to why she is adamant about her son marrying within the Black race.  Another parent mentioned in the article gives the reason for wanting her son to marry a Black women is "I want grandchildren who look like me" (p. 179).  Sex therapist Gwendolyn Goldsby comments on interracial marriage as being "annihilation through integration, a weakening of the culture and economic resources of the Black community" (p. 178).  Annihilation through integration is, explained by Edwards, plays into the denial of one's own culture and acceptance of the dominant culture.  Edwards sternly pushes her views that Black children early on to love themselves, to accept their race, and enlightening them on their culture will encourage them to marry within the race.  This relates to the Black marriageability index today because according to Professor Gilbert, interracial marriage is one of the "intersecting factors" that lower this rate.  With the already present threat of incarceration and decline of the pursuit of education faced by Black men, interracial marriage adds to the mix.  I don't fully agree with Edwards, because if a Black man does not want to marry a Black woman, then it certainly shouldn't be forced.  I do however, agree with her principles of instilling values of one's culture in children.  The first two factors, in my opinion, should be tackled much more heavily than forcing someone to marry within their race.

African-American Families A Historical Note by John Hope Franklin

Reading this article opened my eyes to the shocking and awakening facts about Black families throughout history.  Blacks currently have the highest rate of single-parent homes, which was not the case 100+ years ago.  In Franklin's article he briefly goes over the dynamic of the Black family during slavery, after reconstruction, and today. 

According to the article, White slave owners had no impetus for keeping Black families together and in fact they were often separated.  Although these slave owners were attributed the label "gentlemen" because they claimed to not break up Black enslaved families, this was FALSE.  These families were meant to not be kept together; of course the significance of this is the stripping of strength or purpose (Nia) and unity (Umoja) which could have lead to possible rebellion.  Black families in fact, often times escaped their plantations in order to be reunited with their wives/husbands and children.  Slaves would marry often and frequently were encouraged to do so by their owners; the result being more children which increases their commodity of slaves.  After reconstruction, many Blacks began the search for their family members, only to find that spouses had remarried due to the lost hope of reunion, some had died, and some were not re-traceable. 

Even through the dehumanizing conditions of slavery and harsh treatment, Black families were determined to stay together.  Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was uncommon for Black children to be in single-parent households.  The only reason for absentee fathers were because of death of being gone off to work. 

Reading this article constantly forced me to raise the question - "Why are Black families facing the crisis of brokenness today?"  I could not understand how or why Black families could survive a strong system of oppression and slavery and stand unified, but be completely broken today when racism does still exist, but definitely not in the same facet as it once did.  Franklin gives reasons for this such as "ghettoization", lack of jobs for Black men, government policies and "other social forces".  Dr. Walter Williams, in the below 2011 interview, holds similar views in talking about how Welfare has "destroyed the Black family".  His statements in the interview place much of the blame on Black families, depicting them as lazy and depending too heavily on welfare.  He also blames the governemt for having a system set up where Blacks will avoid "looking for jobs".  I do not wholeheartedly agree to his stance because it does come off a lot as victim-blaming where a system of oppression has obviously been created to trump upward mobility,  but some of his points do coincide with Franklin's.  Watch the first three minutes of this video in order to hear Dr. William's arguments.

Do you agree/disagree and why?

In addition to this video, in the U.S. 2011 Census I found striking results in the state of marriages among Blacks vs. Whites, Asians and Hispanics. 

% Black Women age 18+ Never Married	42.6

% Black Men age 18+ Never Married

50.9

% White (non-Hispanic) Women age 18+ Never Married

19.8

% White Men (non-Hispanic) age  18+ Never Married

26

% Hispanic Women age 18+ Never Married

29.9

% Hispanic Men age 18+ Never Married

40.4

% Asian Women age 18+ Never Married

22.1

% Asian Men 

age 18+ Never             30.5

Married

___________________________________________________________________

What do you think of the contrasting differences in percentages of Black people who never get married compared to Whites, Hispanics and Asians? 

These and other facts about the breakdown of families in America can be found in the U.S. 2011 Census at http://www.census.gov/population/www/socdemo/hh-fam/cps2011.html. 

What strategies could be compounded today in order to ressurect the unity of the Black family that was once alive before, during and after slavery? (If this is not feasible in your opinion, why not)?

History of African-American Families

The PBS time-line (http://www.pbs.org/wnet/aaworld/timeline.html) is rich with African-American history dating from slavery.  The whole time-line, in my opinion, is extremely influential in informing viewers on this history.  The impact, if this and more Black history were added into the educational curriculum, could be influential in raising awareness of the uprising of Blacks despite the many disparities they've faced. Additionally, awareness of these events could be used to educate Black families, as well as other races, on how Black Family Life has formed into what it is today.  The following are events that stood out to me in having an impact on the dynamic of Black Family Life.

 --------Era 1--------

1758:  "The African Baptist or "Bluestone" Church is founded on the William Byrd plantation near Bluestone River, in Mecklenburg, Virginia, becoming the first known black church in North America".

Comment:  This event was influential in a space being created for Black families to worship together.  The church is still a popular place for Black families to gather together and worship together today.  The first Black church was also a way to organize the community as well during this time period.  Blacks didn't really have a church of their own, so this had an impact in being able to meet as one body for Black slaves.  This creates unity and cohesiveness in the Black community, which leads to the ability to depend on one another for resources, advice, encouragement, etc. With this, it's easier to stand together.  

1787: "Free blacks in New York City found the African Free School, where future leaders Henry Highland Garnett and Alexander Crummell are educated."

Comment: This was influential in Blacks being able to gain knowledge.  Here for the Black family, upward mobility is created through the ability to attend school and be educated, which was something that was denied before this, and long after especially in the South.


1821:  "The first black black theater company in the United States, the African Company, is founded in New York."

Comment: This is another example of a positive image for Blacks and Black families.  This provides encouragement and examples for Blacks, despite the racial discrimination, slavery, and other harsh circumstances.

Nguzo Saba:  (1) Umoja (Unity) - "To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race".  We see Umoja in this example because Blacks had to have stood together in order to form this first theater company and make is successful.  (2) Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) - "to build and maintain our own stores, shops and other business and profit from them together".  Ujamaa is present here because Blacks were able to make a profit and to have something established that would benefit the race.

1827:  The first African American newspaper in the U.S., Freedom's Journal, is published in New York by John Brown Russwurm and Samuel Cornish. 

Comment: After reading this I was immediately inspired by what could have possibly taken place in the Black Family dynamic.  Having an African-American newspaper in the U.S. was the start of the movement of the Black press, and printing substance just for Black people. 

Nguzo Saba:  (1) Umoja (Unity) - "To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race".  Unity - Blacks dispersing press about themselves.  This brings people together and forms a stronger community.  (2) Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) - "to build and maintain our own stores, shops and other business and profit from them together".  A business is established here, where Blacks can profit.

1829:  "In his pamphlet "Appeal to the Colored Citizens of the World," African American activist David Walker of Boston calls for a national slave rebellion."

Comment: This is an example of unity in the Black family, and for Blacks in general.  In order to have a national slave rebellion, participants of the rebellion must stick together.  This could have been pivotal in bringing the Black families closer as well as Blacks organizing events that assist in freedom and equality.  

--------Era 2--------

1867:  "Five all-black colleges are founded: Howard University, Morgan State College, Talladega College, St. Augustine's College, and Johnson C. Smith College. There will be more than 100 predominantly black colleges by the middle of the next century." 

Comment: This is remarkable in Black family life because it adds on to the first Black school created in New York, also creating a space for Blacks to be educated in different parts of the country.  For the dynamic of Black families, this creates a space for earning degrees which adds on to more positive role models.

Nguzo Saba:  (1) Umoja (Unity) - "To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race".  Unity is seen here because being able to gain an education together at colleges and universities together signifies upward mobility as one body.  (2) Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) - "to build and maintain our own stores, shops and other business and profit from them together".  Ujamaa is present here because Blacks are also to produce an economic profit from this and keep that going through continuing education. 

1921:  '"Shuffle Along," with music by Eubie Blake, lyrics by Noble Sissle, and an all-black cast, opens on Broadway. It will become one of the greatest musical comedies in American history". 

Comment: For the Black Family Life, a play by Blacks put on Broadway is extremely influential in encouraging creativity in the arts.  This adds on to employment opportunities, positive images, as well as leadership is encouraged here for Black families.

--------Era 3--------

1954:  "In Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas, the Supreme Court rules unanimously against school segregation, overturning its 1896 decision in Plessy v. Ferguson".  

Comment: For Black families this adds on to the education piece that began back in the first era.  Ability to achieve the same education as Whites began here, despite the riots and protests against it.

1965:  "King organizes a protest march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, for African American voting rights. A shocked nation watches on television as police club and teargas protesters."

Comment: This is influential for Black family life because not only is Dr. Martin Luther King a positive figure in the African-American community, but here is a heightened sense of unity among Blacks.  So many people coming together to fight for equality creates a strong sense of coming together and working together.

--------Era 4--------

1984:  "The Cosby Show, starring African American comedian Bill Cosby, premieres on television. It will become one of the most popular sit-coms in history. It also departs from what had been the usual negative stereotyping of African Americans on TV by showing an upper-middle-class, professional, well-educated family." 

Comment: This is a great move for the African Ameircan Family Dynamic.  This shows Black families in a positive light, and as a whole.  With this positive outlook on Blacks it benefits the race externally as well because now with a positive entertainment outlook, other races see Blacks put in a positive light.

1992:  "Carol Mosely-Braun (D-IL) becomes the first female African American U.S. senator."  

Comment: This is another great addition to the list of achievements by Blacks that empowers African-Americans.  For the Black family dynamic, a voice is given in the senate not only for females, but for African-Americans. 

This entire time-line, from beginning to end holds setbacks and different ways Blacks have overcome them.  Many of these accomplishments add to the progress of the Black family, as well as the hardships still being faced by us today. 

________________________Part 2 | Nguzo Saba__________________________

I can see how Nguzo Saba principles were at play in fostering progress among Black Americans.  Throughout history, these seven themes repeat themselves.  Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith) each interplay in the foundation of Black Americans throughout History.  There's no way a slave rebellion, Black business, Black political leader, civil rights movement, and other Black progresses that have been established over the years, could have been made without these principals.  I don't believe that a few of these principals, without the others, could have sufficed in Blacks getting to where they are as a race now.  I am Black, and looking back on this history shows how important each element is in the building blocks of Black History as well as being essential still for Black Americans today.

_______________Part 3 | Nguzo Saba, Harvey and A Dynamic Duo________________ 

In Harvey's article on "Individual and Family Intervention Skills with African Americans", all seven principals from the Nguzo Saba are presented.  Harvey traces the root of these principals, which span back to the Kemetian ("Egyptian") culture.  Somehow, in between that civilization and present-day Blacks in America, those principals have been forgotten or disregarded.  Harvey argues that in order to effectively help Blacks, each of these seven principals must be recapitulated and adopted in African-American culture.  

Watson's article A Dynamic Duo, touches on an upper-middle class Black family that continues to give back to their community, strives to have community involvement as well a awareness and positivity about being Black.  All seven principals are presented in this example as well.  The Grahams promote Umoja in the Black community, Kujichagulia in their family, Ujima amongst themselves, Ujamaa through their success, Nia amongst their children, Kuumba and Imani in their other efforts to unite and give back to Blacks.  This example that Watson provides can be seen as a positive effort for Blacks in the upper-middle class to not just ignore other Blacks that are not within the same social status as them, but to continue to reach out to others and help Blacks of all socioeconomic statuses. 

.