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The Trump Effect — Is this administration a present danger to the Black psyche?

NNPA NEWSWIRE — “Vast segments of the psychiatric community, including the editorial staff of Psychology Today, and the eminent Yale psychiatrist Bandy Lee, have expounded on the potential harm of the Chief Executive’s mental fitness, on our collective psyche. That said, we have reached out to a cross section of (non-White) mental health clinicians to get their take on the man in the Oval Office and his impact on people of color in these United States.”

Published

5 years ago

September 28, 2019

Oakland Post

“We can’t let Los Angeles, San Francisco and numerous other cities destroy themselves by allowing what’s happening.” —President Donald J. Trump interviewed by USA Today aboard Air Force One, en route to California. (PHOTO: Donald Trump speaking at a rally in Fountain Hills, Arizona. / Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia Commons)

Chief Executive visits the Southland, discusses Skid Row

By Gregg Reese, Our Weekly News Contributor

“Today, more than 150 years after the end of the Civil War, America is again divided, by geography, party, ideology, economics and race.”
—From “Is America Heading For Another Civil War?” By Austin Sarat on July 30, 2019.

The debate over the merits of Donald John Trump’s presidency continue with no sign of closure in sight. The constituency that elected him has remained steadfast in its support, as the marginalized and ethnically diverse who oppose him, stay at odds with his policies and (in their view) offensive rhetoric.

Vast segments of the psychiatric community, including the editorial staff of Psychology Today, and the eminent Yale psychiatrist Bandy Lee, have expounded on the potential harm of the Chief Executive’s mental fitness, on our collective psyche. That said, we have reached out to a cross section of (non-White) mental health clinicians to get their take on the man in the Oval Office and his impact on people of color in these United States.

A rudderless community in the wake of a storm

“Radical” is the word conjured up by Dr. Sandra Cox, the head of Los Angeles’ Coalition of Mental Health Professionals, when confronted with the name Donald Trump. For decades a custodian and shepherd to the needs of the South L.A. community, Cox now serves a largely Black and Hispanic clientele. The specter of fear cast by the man in charge is apparent to both demographics.

Immigrants with little or no command of the English language (who, in turn, are likely to have questionable legal status regarding their residency in this country), are reluctant to openly express an opinion about the man or his policies. Those with more legitimate, stable footing, feel slightly freer to talk about the relative merits of the current administration. Native-born Blacks demonstrate an erosion in self-esteem as well.

“In my opinion, the state of the African American consciousness is lower now than it has been in the last fifty years,” she said. “My greatest fear is the impact of racism has increased exponentially. That has led to self-hatred and denial of one’s African roots.”

As a seasoned activist who was nurtured in the progressive advocacy of the mid-20th century, Cox regrets the loss of commitment and idealism of subsequent generations.

“Some of these brothers have got their heads in the sand, and they have no idea on the impact this is having on their lives and their children…” she declared.

Being forced to ‘man up’

Stoicism is defined as the endurance of pain or hardship without the display of feelings and without complaint.

“The stigma of ‘looking crazy’ and ‘acting dramatic’ is a profound one. In many ways, the Black population is told that this is not something that ‘we’ do. We don’t have the luxury to ‘revel’ in our emotions.”
—By Britt Julious from “I am not OK: Stoicism, mental health, and the Black community,” from WBEZ Blogs, Chicago Public Media, Inc., March 15, 2013.

“Simple” is the word conjured up in Alisha Woodall’s mind when the name Donald Trump comes up. By this she means the comparative lack of “polish” Trump has compared to others in the political arena.

Within six months of the Trump election, therapist Woodall, who maintains a private practice in a suburb of Houston, Texas, noticed a new, previously underrepresented demographic seeking her services: Black men. What makes this unique is the fact that this group generally refrains from utilizing psychiatric treatment because of cultural stigma within the Black community, and the masculine resistance (found in all ethnicities) to open up about emotional issues.

Trump’s abrasive manner may be an impetus in bringing these issues to the surface. His lack of refinement brings to the surface all the anxieties, fears, and trepidations Black people have cultivated over the past four centuries of their residency in the Americas. In other words, the stress of the new administration has forced these people to
sidestep their trepidation of psychiatric treatment. Political observers of the past 30 years might advance that more skillful politicians with subtle charm, such as a Ronald Reagan, might pass questionable legislation that could be over-looked by all but the most “woke” constituents).

(Not) just us

“I believe Mr. Trump has hurt all Americans.”
—Joshua Cenido, who is completing his medical residency at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science.

“Fearful” is the word uttered by Dr. Joshua Cenido, a native of Cerritos. As a Filipino-American, he points to the duality of his culture, meaning that his community is by turns conservative economically and financially, but progressive when it comes to social issues, including tolerance of the LGBTQ lifestyle. Like Woodall, Cenido believes Trump’s crudeness can bring up buried emotions to those with a history of persecution (common enough in immigrant populations).

“Mr. Trump’s actions and language have justified many of the fears and concerns people of color face with regards to persecution, whether it is systemic or interpersonal. It also doesn’t help that he’s emboldened those who’re already inclined to mistreat and persecute people of color to exercise their prejudice,” he notes.

Cenido offered an opinion that might go a long way in explaining why the current office holder, a man who [“…consistently disregard(s) the expectations of integrity, dignity, and respect that many might expect…”] managed to secure the Presidency.

“I believe Mr. Trump has worked to align himself with individuals who are willing to confer power on him. Right or wrong, he has become a representative voice for certain marginalized groups who craved a voice.”

“As unpopular as he may be, he is popular enough to maintain the supports that continue to secure his particular position of leadership,” Cenido said in closing.

A word from our Commander-in-Chief

This week, of course, the president graced Southern California for a fundraising tour, with side trips to the Mexican border, along with a proclamation on how to end homelessness for once and for all. Just prior to this westward sojourn, his administration issued its “State of Homelessness in America” annual report, through The Alliance to End Homelessness. It advocates easing restrictions on construction of new housing for the poor and cracking down on derelicts sleeping on the streets.

Trump found fault with the manner in which local governments addressed the problem, suggesting the unfortunates within afflicted cities be turned away from existing shelters to encourage them to find housing on their own.

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IN MEMORIAM: Ramona Edelin, Influential Activist and Education Advocate, Dies at 78

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Born on September 4, 1945, in Los Angeles, California, activist Ramona Edelin’s early years were marked by a commitment to education and social justice. According to her HistoryMakers biography, after graduating from Fisk University with a Bachelor’s degree in 1967, she pursued further studies at the University of East Anglia in England. She earned her master’s degree before completing her Ph.D. at Boston University in 1981.
The post IN MEMORIAM: Ramona Edelin, Influential Activist and Education Advocate, Dies at 78 first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

4 weeks ago

April 3, 2024

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

Once upon a time, Black Americans were simply known as colored people, or Negroes. That is until Ramona Edelin came along. The activist, renowned for her pivotal roles in advancing civil rights, education reform, and community empowerment, died at her D.C. residence last month at the age of 78. Her death, finally confirmed this week by Barnaby Towns, a communications strategist who collaborated with Dr. Edelin, was attributed to cancer.

Born on September 4, 1945, in Los Angeles, California, Edelin’s early years were marked by a commitment to education and social justice. According to her HistoryMakers biography, after graduating from Fisk University with a Bachelor’s degree in 1967, she pursued further studies at the University of East Anglia in England. She earned her master’s degree before completing her Ph.D. at Boston University in 1981.

Edelin’s contributions to academia and activism were manifold. She was pivotal in popularizing the term “African American” alongside Rev. Jesse L. Jackson in the late 1980s.

Jackson had announced the preference for “African American,” speaking for summit organizers that included Dr. Edelin. “Just as we were called Colored, but were not that, and then Negro, but not that, to be called Black is just as baseless,” he said, adding that “African American” “has cultural integrity” and “puts us in our proper historical context.”

Later, Edelin told Ebony magazine, “Calling ourselves African Americans is the first step in the cultural offensive,” while linking the name change to a “cultural renaissance” in which Black Americans reconnected with their history and heritage.

“Who are we if we don’t acknowledge our motherland?” she asked later. “When a child in a ghetto calls himself African American, immediately he’s international. You’ve taken him from the ghetto and put him on the globe.”

The HistoryMakers bio noted that Edelin’s academic pursuits led her to found and chair the Department of African American Studies at Northeastern University, where she established herself as a leading voice.

Transitioning from academia to advocacy, Edelin joined the National Urban Coalition in 1977, eventually ascending to president and CEO. During her tenure, she spearheaded initiatives such as the “Say Yes to a Youngster’s Future” program, which provided crucial support in math, science, and technology to youth and teachers of color in urban areas. Her biography noted that Edelin’s efforts extended nationwide through partnerships with organizations like the National Science Foundation and the United States Department of Education.

President Bill Clinton recognized Edelin’s expertise by appointing her to the Presidential Board on Historically Black Colleges and Universities in 1998. She also co-founded and served as treasurer of the Black Leadership Forum, solidifying her standing as a respected leader in African American communities.

Beyond her professional achievements, Edelin dedicated herself to numerous boards and committees, including chairing the District of Columbia Educational Goals 2000 Panel and contributing to the Federal Advisory Committee for the Black Community Crusade for Children.

Throughout her life, Edelin received widespread recognition for her contributions. Ebony magazine honored her as one of the 100 Most Influential Black Americans, and she received prestigious awards such as the Southern Christian Leadership Award for Progressive Leadership and the IBM Community Executive Program Award.

The post IN MEMORIAM: Ramona Edelin, Influential Activist and Education Advocate, Dies at 78 first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Stacy M. Brown

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Tennessee State University Board Disbanded by MAGA Loyalists as Assault on DE&I Continues

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Recent legislative actions in Tennessee, such as repealing police reform measures enacted after the killing of Tyre Nichols, underscore a troubling trend of undermining local control and perpetuating racist agendas. The new law preventing local governments from restricting police officers’ authority disregards community efforts to address systemic issues of police violence and racial profiling.
The post Tennessee State University Board Disbanded by MAGA Loyalists as Assault on DE&I Continues first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

4 weeks ago

April 3, 2024

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

Tennessee State University (TSU), the state’s only public historically Black college and university (HBCU), faces a tumultuous future as Gov. Bill Lee dissolved its board, a move supported by racist conservatives and MAGA Republicans in the Tennessee General Assembly, who follow the lead of the twice-impeached, four-times indicted, alleged sexual predator former President Donald Trump. Educators and others have denounced the move as an attack on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) and a grave setback for higher education.

Critics argue that TSU’s purported financial mismanagement is a manufactured crisis rooted in decades of underinvestment by the state government. They’ve noted that it continues a trend by conservatives and the racist MAGA movement to eliminate opportunities for Blacks in education, corporate America, and the public sector.

Gevin Reynolds, a former speechwriter for Vice President Kamala Harris, emphasizes in an op-ed that TSU’s financial difficulties are not the result of university leadership because a recent audit found no evidence of fraud or malfeasance.

Reynolds noted that the disbanding of TSU’s board is not an isolated incident but part of a broader assault on DE&I initiatives nationwide. Ten states, including Tennessee, have enacted laws banning DE&I policies on college campuses, while governors appointing MAGA loyalists to university trustee positions further undermine efforts to promote inclusivity and equality.

Moreover, recent legislative actions in Tennessee, such as repealing police reform measures enacted after the killing of Tyre Nichols, underscore a troubling trend of undermining local control and perpetuating racist agendas. The new law preventing local governments from restricting police officers’ authority disregards community efforts to address systemic issues of police violence and racial profiling.

The actions echo historical efforts to suppress Black progress, reminiscent of the violent backlash against gains made during the Reconstruction era. President Joe Biden warned during an appearance in New York last month that Trump desires to bring the nation back to the 18th and 19th centuries – in other words, to see, among other things, African Americans back in the chains of slavery, women subservient to men without any say over their bodies, and all voting rights restricted to white men.

The parallels are stark, with white supremacist ideologies used to justify attacks on Black institutions and disenfranchise marginalized communities, Reynolds argued.

In response to these challenges, advocates stress the urgency of collective action to defend democracy and combat systemic racism. Understanding that attacks on institutions like TSU are symptomatic of broader threats to democratic norms, they call for increased civic engagement and voting at all levels of government.

The actions of people dedicated to upholding the principles of inclusivity, equity, and justice for all will determine the outcome of the ongoing fight for democracy, Reynolds noted. “We are in a war for our democracy, one whose outcome will be determined by every line on every ballot at every precinct,” he stated.

The post Tennessee State University Board Disbanded by MAGA Loyalists as Assault on DE&I Continues first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Stacy M. Brown

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Braxton Haulcy and the Expansion of Walker|West Music Academy

May 24, 2023 – Walker West Music Academy gets an early start on expansion. Join us for a Wednesday episode of The …
The post Braxton Haulcy and the Expansion of Walker|West Music Academy first appeared on BlackPressUSA.