Black AF: An autoethnography of how six ethnically diverse counselor educators used community as a tool of decolonizing the academy

Abstract

In this autoethnographic heuristic inquiry, six ethnically diverse Black counselor educators examined their experiences and identities in historically white spaces, including clinical settings and academia. Findings included three themes: Black community as anchor, navigating the weight of oppression, and Black is not monolithic. Implications for the counseling profession are discussed.

Searching for Social Justice

“…Our findings reiterate the gap in the literature regarding foundational knowledge and standardization around effectively teaching multicultural social justice competencies in Master's level counselor preparation programs (Chapman-Hilliard & Parker, 2022;Wilcox et al, 2023). The normalization of academic racism theme further highlighted the intersection between white supremacy, academia, and counselor education (Ferguson et al, 2023;Hannon et al, 2023). That is, participants shared how the existing culture of academia is grounded in historical values that prioritize whiteness and discourage inclusion and effective social justice pedagogy.…”

“…Additionally, those who are intentional about this work, consequently, forge their own paths in building their competency in teaching this material secondary to social justice pedagogy not being prioritized within the counseling curriculum (Chapman Hilliard & Parker, 2022). Lastly, prioritizing social justice at the core of counselor identity and education requires risk because it goes against the status quo of the profession (Hannon et al, 2023, Ferguson et al, 2023.…”

“…Since social justice has a focus on eliminating oppression of all forms (Pieterse et al, 2009), it is often viewed as an issue affecting minoritized groups. As such, faculty of color are frequently called upon to teach these concepts and respond to issues of oppression within and outside of the classroom (Ferguson et al, 2023;Taylor & Trevino, 2022). This exacerbates the racial trauma that faculty of color experience, especially in historically white spaces (Ferguson et al, 2023;Taylor & Trevino, 2022).…”

Four theories to empower black men's existence: Meaning making in dehumanizing contexts

“…Between 2019 and 2020, hate crimes against Black men increased nearly twofold (Equal Justice Initiative, 2021). In addition, the isolation brought on by state-level COVID stay-at-home orders and self-imposed isolation also created a sustained period in which Black men experienced loss of community, support, and rituals significant for Black cultural pride (Ferguson et al, 2023). At the same time, awareness of continued acts of anti-Black racial violence has been amplified by media coverage and social media involvement to the extent that Black men can be inundated with images and media depicting violence and anti-Black commentary.…”