Nurturing the Soul: The Experiences of Three Black Practitioners in an Afrocentric Academy

Authors

  • Patricia Antionette Gray City University of New York
  • Nadjete Natchaba Services for the UnderServed (S:US)
  • Shawneladee C. Cole Gotham ENY Behavioral Health

Keywords:

impact, journey, specialized training, Afrocentricism

Abstract

Amid today’s racialized, radicalized, and polarized environment, Black professionals face unprecedented challenges in responding to the diverse needs of the Black community. This manuscript delves into our experiences as three Black practitioners who participated in a year-long program to become equipped with the necessary tools, knowledge, and understanding to enhance our practice while navigating the complexities of being Black. The program, rooted in Afrocentric principles, provided a space for reflection, replenishment, and transformation. We explore the program’s impact on our professional journeys through personal narratives, emphasizing the importance of cultural grounding and community-focused interventions. The reflections shed light on the need for specialized training for Black practitioners, addressing the gaps in traditional social work education. The manuscript advocates integrating Afrocentric perspectives in professional training to empower Black professionals in meeting the unique challenges faced by the communities we serve.

Author Biographies

Patricia Antionette Gray, City University of New York

Patricia Antoinette Gray, EdD, LCSW (she/her) is Doctoral Lecturer, Silberman School of Social Work, City University of New York, New York City, NY (212-396-7610, pg202@hunter.cuny.edu).

Nadjete Natchaba, Services for the UnderServed (S:US)

Nadjete Natchaba, EdD, LCSW (she/her) is Chief Program Officer of Behavioral Health Services, Homeless Services, and Veteran Services, Services for the UnderServed (S:US), New York, NY (natchaba@gmail.com).

Shawneladee C. Cole, Gotham ENY Behavioral Health

Shawneladee C. Cole, PhD, LCSW is Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor, Gotham ENY Behavioral Health, Brooklyn, NY (drcolequestions@aol.com).

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Published

2024-11-05

How to Cite

Gray, P. A., Natchaba, N., & Cole, S. C. (2024). Nurturing the Soul: The Experiences of Three Black Practitioners in an Afrocentric Academy. Reflections: Narratives of Professional Helping, 30(`4), 98–109. Retrieved from https://reflectionsnarrativesofprofessionalhelping.org/index.php/Reflections/article/view/2150

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