Identity development is a critical process common to the human experience across all demographics. While everyone engages in identity development, the range of nuances in identity that need to be navigated makes the process more complicated. As children progress through adolescence, developing their unique identity becomes a vital task in which…

This article addresses the challenge of reclaiming higher education (HE) as a public good for building effective democracies. We use Bernstein's model of pedagogic rights and Fraser's model of social justice to develop a normative framework for discussing how universities in unequal societies might mitigate social injustice. Referring to recent…

An Afro-American woman discusses her experiences as an entrepreneur, describing the inspiration provided by her parents; the vision which enabled her to create a multi-million dollar business; the loss of her company through industrial sabotage; and her comeback as head of a seminar, speaking, and consulting firm. (JDD)

Through the narratives of North American slaves a vivid picture of their lives, struggles, hopes, and aspirations emerges. The slave narrative arose as a response to, and a refutation of, claims that blacks could not write. Slave writings were often direct extensions of speech. Through a process of imitation and repetition, the black slave's…

A Black U.S. sociologist views the issue of marginality in early socialization and career development. Analyzes his life experiences to provide data through which a dialectical model of marginalization and human development can be constructed. Concludes that emphasis upon either marginality or mainstreaming is a function of the complex interaction…

This article describes the design and implementation, within a culturally sensitive context, of a multiservice, community-based counseling intervention aimed at promoting personal and career development of urban, African American youth. Components of this program can be adapted in planning future developmental interventions with this particular…

Racism is the current sociopolitical climate, the central bacteria, in our society, which prevents the possibility of social cohesion. This personal narrative explores a child's early experiences of racism and the development of a coping strategy. It calls for helping professionals to engage in "a lifelong critique of identity." (EMK)

Focuses on the experiences of African-American women; and considers the interaction of sex and race in the development of sense of self, sense of self in relation to others, and ontology through interviews with 12 African-American women. Similarities among women across race are suggested. (SLD)

The author's experience of discovering his own ethnocentrism is described. Factors which helped him process feelings, learn from mistakes, and move forward are discussed. The challenge of dealing with various people, culturally different from oneself, who may react in different ways for different reasons is discussed. (EMK)

Maintains that many contemporary artists of color are not included in major art history textbooks. Describes how the author's two children designed a study to identify and interview three ethnic artists who have made contributions to U.S. society. Presents excerpts from an interview with J. Eugene Grigsby, Jr. (CFR)

The author recounts personal experiences with socio-politically structured racism, especially in education and religion; and the growth gained in confronting this nemesis. A career ranging from pastor to counselor to counselor educator has brought understanding of the link between religion, education, and counseling and a commitment to…

In a world where socially constructed categories of race are misconstrued as biological, the author, a light-skinned "Black," found herself unacceptable to both sides. From exploring her own Blackness to owning both her Whiteness and her Blackness, her story explores the biracial experience that goes beyond racial identity models. (EMK)

Racial identity is important in a person's identity. The author's experiences growing up a working-class White among Blacks and working on an all-Black project are recounted. What it is to be an ally in the racial struggle is discussed, and ideas for counseling students of color are provided. (EMK)

The society and the counseling profession are in a curious and confused period that envelopes a great racial divide alongside a greater racial understanding. Counselor educators want to be part of the solution. This personal narrative recounts experiences and understandings the author has gained of racism. (EMK)

Self concept is deeply intertwined with one's racial socialization. Two incidents are recounted as turning points in this counselor educator's self-perception as a person having a racial identity and to her career development. Coping mechanisms are described. A safe atmosphere is essential to the exploration of feelings about race. (EMK)