Thinking About What You're Thinking: English Language Influence Among Mixed-Race African Americans

Conference Strand

Identity Formation

Abstract

Positioning language in the history of colonialism reveals some of the ways in which structural inequalities were established and how different social identities in America were constructed to maintain them. In this presentation, the complex processes of coloniality, the English language, and their impact on self-esteem and identity expression among multiple-race African Americans will be discussed.

Description

The psychological well-being and racial/ethnic identity expression of multiple-race Black/African Americans mixed with another minority racial category are largely underrepresented topics in scholarly literature despite their growing population in the United States. More specifically, understanding the role language plays in the creation of knowledge, thought, and culture is critical to understanding the American social hierarchy. The purpose of this presentation is to provide a research- and practice-based overview of the relationships among bilingualism, racial/ethnic identity expression, and self-esteem among multiple-race Black/African American adults. By acknowledging the linguistic nuances that influence racial/ethnic identity expression, mental health professionals, educators, and those in other helping professions may be able to design more effective interventions and curriculums that validate the experiences of multiple-race Black/African American groups. In addition, the findings shared in this presentation provides strong evidence for the psychological fortitude and resilience of multiple-race Black/African Americans, which may bolster the efforts of those who work to confront systemic racism and advocating for social justice.

Learning Outcomes:

  1. Participants will be able to position the English language in the context of coloniality and recognize how the language supports racial/ethnic oppression and discrimination.
  2. Participants will be able to compare and contrast how familial foreign language abilities create distinctive experiences between multiple-race Black/African American and White (minority-majority) adults and multiple-race Black/African American adults mixed with a minority racial/ethnic category (minority-minority).
  3. Participants will be able to evaluate theory and critique research aimed at supporting equity and inclusion for marginalized communities and develop more comprehensive counseling interventions for multiple-race Black/African American groups.

Evidence

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Format

Individual Presentations

Biographical Sketch

Tritia M. Finley is the founder and owner of a private counseling/consulting practice, Elite Performance Counseling, PLLC in San Antonio, Texas. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, a National Certified Counselor, and an adjunct professor at multiple universities in San Antonio. Tritia has been trained and supervised by experts in counseling philosophies, somatic/body-centered approaches to therapy, and cultural/ethnic conflict resolution. Tritia also dedicated 10 years to the Department of Defense as an active-duty Air Force Officer and civilian Federal employee. Tritia’s background has prompted invitations to participate in various projects including professional guest speaking engagements, podcasts, and YouTube documentaries centered on mental health and socio-cultural issues. Tritia holds a BA in Resolving Ethnic Conflicts and a Master's in Political Science (concentration: Race and Gender Relations) from the University of Hawaii. She also holds an Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and earned her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, both from St. Mary’s University.

Location

Room 161

Start Date

3-7-2024 9:00 AM

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Mar 7th, 9:00 AM

Thinking About What You're Thinking: English Language Influence Among Mixed-Race African Americans

Room 161

Positioning language in the history of colonialism reveals some of the ways in which structural inequalities were established and how different social identities in America were constructed to maintain them. In this presentation, the complex processes of coloniality, the English language, and their impact on self-esteem and identity expression among multiple-race African Americans will be discussed.