FACULTY HIGHLIGHT
Dr. Kimberly Nelson
Dr. Kimberly Nelson, PhD, CSC, GCDF is currently in the Atlanta Metro area of Georgia and holds a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of South Carolina. She also holds an MA. in School Counseling from Andrews University. She has practiced as a school counselor for over 10 years and has worked in the Counselor Education field for 5 years. Currently Dr. Nelson is working on understanding the professional identity development of African American counselor educators in higher education settings. She is also working on utilizing restorative justice principles and the healing impact it may have on trauma related incidents in children and adults. She was recently chosen to present this research in France at the CEFS International Conference.
What does Black History Month Mean to you?
Black History Month means living out the dreams and aspirations that my ancestors had but they were not able to achieve. It means sharing the stories of how my ancestors prevailed and worked tirelessly to achieve the freedoms we have today. I am reminded daily that February is not the only month to celebrate the history of my people but every day is a celebration of what I and many others like me are able to accomplish because of their sacrifices. I am thrilled to teach and share these stories and influences of my history not only to my own children but to the many students I encounter and work with each day. The history of Black pioneers began many years ago but lives on and continues today with my generation and the next.
What does Black History Month mean to you in the context of your profession: mental health, counseling, human services, research, social work, etc.?
Black history in the realm of the counseling field means continually educating people of color on the importance of mental health. Due to the mistrust that people of color have of the field, there are more opportunities now available to us to help heal from the mistrust by seeing more people of color in the field and teaching from our perspective. Though our history has been filled with much trauma that still has an impact on our daily lives, we know due to being such resilient people we can utilize the strategies of the counseling field to help with the healing.
How can professionals advocate for the black community?
As a counseling professional we can advocate by speaking up and speaking out. We can continue to share our stories and speak to others who will help fight for the rights of those in the BIPOC community. I believe in making a plan to organize, strategize and mobilize all resources to help move the Black community forward.
Dr. Tyra Turner Whittaker, LCMHC, CRC
African Americans have significantly contributed to the fabric of our country. Unfortunately, many individuals are unaware of these contributions and achievements which often occurred under inhumane living, working, and societal conditions. In my opinion, Black History Month provides the nation and world with an opportunity to simply “remember.” As we remember, we reflect on the major events, numerous achievements, and lasting contributions made by African Americans. It is an opportunity to highlight these achievements in the education system and workplace. Additionally, Black History Month provides a platform to not only discuss our past, but our present and future as Black Indigenous People of Color. Black History Month reminds me that I am in debt to the innumerable slaves who endured barbaric conditions and those who launched and participated in the Civil Rights movement. This month reminds me that I am in debt to my father who left school in the sixth grade to help his parents take care of his siblings. I am in debt to my mother who walked almost two miles to college daily and graduated with a master’s degree from Tulane University. I am reminded that I am in debt to my children who I steward to prepare them to embrace their place in this world with an understanding of their God given purpose.
As we celebrate Black History Month, let’s reflect on the lines of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” written by James Weldon Johnson.
Dr. Shannon P. Warden, LCMHCS
"... fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind." (Philippians 2:2)
Dr. Natasha Moon, LPC, CMHC, ACS, NCC
This quote happens to be one of my favorites. Whenever I run across it, I get a check in my spirit to do more, give more, and expect more. As we celebrate Black History Month and the countless contributions of African Americans, I am grateful for those who courageously blazed a path for us to follow.
Saluting my ancestors in respect, love, awe, and hope,
Natasha
Dr. Kerry Marsh, LPC
Mathematician Mary Winston Jackson excelled academically in a time of racial segregation. Her math and science skills earned her a position as a "human computer" for NACA [NASA’s predecessor], and she later became NASA's first Black female engineer. Along with serving a vital role in the development of the space program, she helped other women and minorities advance their careers. Jackson died in February 2005 at the age of 83. The story of her groundbreaking contributions to NASA was later dramatized in the 2016 film Hidden Figures.
Dr. La Vera C. Brown, NCC, LCMHCS (NC), CTI, CFMHE
We Owe It to Our Ancestors to Rest
Sleep plays a critical role in both physical and emotional health. Yet, there is an increase in the volume of interest in the disparities in sleep habits among people of color. Poor quality sleep is a contributing factor to cardiovascular health, including hypertension. Although the research suggests that sleep deprivation has negative implications for Latinos and all people of color, the findings are significantly profound for Blacks. Hence providing a space to explore the origins of this phenomenon. Sleep deprivation among Blacks has historical, economic, nutritional, and environmental constructs that, if not addressed, will continue to have a negative and generational impact on our health and well-being. In the counseling profession, conversations about self-compassion have become more prevalent. Now is the time to exercise the unconditional ability to recognize our self-worth and the need to address health from a holistic perspective. When I think about Black History Month, my thoughts are always centered on our ability to increase self-awareness about health and longevity. I love it when I read that we are our ancestors’ wildest dreams! I want to honor those who fought on the frontline for the freedoms we enjoy by encouraging us to focus on health and restoration. And, while we have lifestyles and many obligations, let’s set our intentions on prioritizing the need for rest.
Dr. Tanyeka Hayes, LMFT
Be devoted to one another with [authentic] brotherly affection [as members of one family], give preference to one another in honor; never lagging behind in diligence; aglow in the Sprit, enthusiastically serving the Lord; constantly rejoicing in hope [because of our confidence in Christ], steadfast and patient in distress, devoted to prayer [continually seeking wisdom, guidance, and strength], contributing to the needs of God’s people, pursing [the practice of] hospitality (Amplified Bible, 2015, Romans 12:10-13)
Dr. LaShonda B. Fuller, LPC, NCC
Dr. Stephanie JW Ford, LP
In honor of Dr. Carter G Woodson, "Father" of Black History Month, I pray you have an opportunity to reflect on the goodness of God. As God’s children, we will continue to be humble and consider others better than ourselves ( Philippians 2:3). Keep engaging in meaningful conversations about diversity and embrace the rich history of African Americans. “Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.” Luke 6:38