Black and Brown Women Fostering Authentic Activism in Counseling Programs Amid Social Unrest

• In Event: Creating Equitable Spaces: Improving Schools Through the Lens of Diverse Voices

Abstract

Confronted by the social challenges accompanying the COVID-19 pandemic, Black and Brown female scholars and practitioners continue to confront racial and gender inequities while also creating pathways for underrepresented minority students. The authors of the chapter reflect the complexity of diversity as Black and Brown educators and clinicians that recognize that the barriers that infringe our progress are the same systemic barriers that seek to disrupt the academic progress of underrepresented minority students. As authentic partners in the service of social equity, 2020-2021 was a year that required "other mothering" to students who were losing relatives or being impacted by COVID while navigating the challenges of being college students in a virtual learning environment with minimal resources. We extend ourselves to provide mentoring and support to students while consciously recognizing the emotional labor involved in our work that is often overlooked and undervalued when Black and Brown women perform. Recognition of this responsibility requires women to be proactive in taking care of themselves. One way to do this is by building collaborative relationships among women through support and peer mentorship. At the same time, we engage in service and scholarship to seek and demand social justice to prepare the next generation of practitioners to proficiently meet the needs of children, individuals, and families.

Authors

• Monique Willis, California State University - Dominguez Hills

• Jotika Jagasia, HealthRight360

• Ada Robinson-Perez, Binghamton University - SUNY