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Grace M. Brown
COUN 633 Multicultural CounselingDr. Theresa J. Govan, LPC
October 14, 2010
AFRICAN AMERICANS
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DEFINITION
y An American ofAfrican, and especially black
African descent.
1. Descendents of involuntary immigrants.
2. Voluntary immigrants or descendants of thosemigrating fromAfrica, the Caribbean, and SouthAmerica.
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Who are African Americans?
y Citizens or residents of the U.S. who have origins inblack African populations.
y Direct descendents of captive Africans surviving theSlavery Era.
y 41.1 million, totaling 13.5 % of U.S. population (2008Census).
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African American - Historical Events
y Slavery Era
y Reconstruction of the African Americancommunity
y Segregation
y The Great Migration
y The Civil Rights Movement
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Demographics 2008 Census
y 41.1 million
y 13.5 percent of U.S. population
y Largest population of 3.5 million New York
y 1 million+ LA, GA, MD, SC, AL, DC, CA, FL, IL,MI, MS, NJ, OH, PA, TN, TX, VA
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Demographics 2008 Census
y MS - 38 % black population, larges of any one state.
y 24 states in which blacks were the largest minoritygroup AL, AR, DC, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, ME, MD, MI,MN, MS, MS, NY, NC, OH, PA, SC, TN, VA, WV, WI.
y 30% younger than 18; 8% 65 and older.
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Demographics 2010 Brookings InstituteThe State of Metropolitan America
y 58% live in metropolitan areas (2000 Census)
y 28-countyAtlanta is now the leading state with AfricanAmerican residents
y Atlanta 1960s reputation; welcoming of blacks,
specifically with higher education levels
y PG County nations most affluent African Americancounty (2009 Census)
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Family
Structure
Marriage
Family Formation
Extended Families
Social Networks
Parenting Styles
Grandparent Roles
Sibling Parents
Spirituality
ChurchAffiliation
Race & Ethnic Pride Coping Strategies
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Social Issues/ConcernsPast & Present
y Poverty
y Homelessness
yMarital Stress
y Out-of-wedlock births & teen pregnancy
y Divorce; Single mother single mother households
y Poor Health
y High crime / death ratesy Psychosocial adjustments & social identity
y HIV & AIDS
y Cultural Mistrust
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Counseling Considerationsy Cultural Mistrust
y Spirituality and Religion
yCommunication Styles
y Authenticity and Interpersonal Connectedness
y Balance Historical Perspectives and Stereotypes
Limitations ofEuropean psychological thought andinterventions on this minority group
Holistic Approach Individual, group identity, traditions,
historical patterns, family structure and universal theories
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Cultural Mistrust History ofsuspiciousness in
medical/mental
health; least to seek
mental health
Segregated
psychiatric
hospitals
Careful not to
misinterpret reactions
and behaviors and
misdiagnose (e.g.
paranoia)
Spirituality & Religion African traditions andpractices
Church
counseling
ministries and role
of support
Shared beliefs
between counselor and
client
Communication Styles Affective, Direct EyeContact
Focus on strength,
wisdom, and faith
Leverage resiliency
Authenticity & Interpersonal
Connectedness
Unconditional
empathy
Warmth, trust, and
respect
Family, Extended
Family, Social
Networks
Balance of Historical
Perspectives
Respect cultural
differences; Not
stereotypes and
generalizations
Understand
limitations of
European theories
on race
Care in dividing issues
into affective,
cognitive, and
behavioral factors
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