The Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity, AAMFT, notes

The lecture panel is from five black panelists: Four with PHD’s. Definition: What is black? Most families can only go back four generations. There is not one way to think about black families. There is different cultures, food, music, and fashion which has been connected. There is a history of being Kings and Queens - all is part of a society. Where are you from? The blackness of what is expressed. You can be born in the U.S.A., raised in Africa and return to the US. What is important is self definition. Real representation is in the individual person. What is the value of diversity? Resiliency of black love - falling in love and staying married. What is taught in school is not enough. Diversity is also about diversity - clinically - to let people explore themselves. What connects black people to one another? There is hope against all odds that connect black people. One panelist commented that you don’t normally hear white people say it is going to be alright. It’s a sense of community which connects black people. There is a history of oppression. Creativity, hope and pain connects them. It’s about being seen. One panelist said that her child is bi-racial with curly hair. She gravitates to books where she looks for the same. Is there a representation for everyone in the black family? Are there some, more under represented? What about those who are silent and no one helps them? One panelist studies black fathers. What does fatherhood look like? Black men and black fathers - some are over represented. Full representation fully matters. There have been people who have never had anyone to model. One therapist said he wanted to see other people like him, for him to see. To see black success is important - to hear that story. Yes, I can do that too. As a therapist, others can say, I can do that too. Distinction Canadian vs American? The US focuses on Black history. What is the history of black people in the States who moved to Canada? The way slavery was liberated was not afforded to America. What is it like to be American? Hope - can be just to reconnect with families. Thoughts and prayers today are with the people in Miami. At this point there are 159 people still missing. Four have been found dead.