FRIENDS National Center
By FRIENDS National Center
FRIENDS National CenterMay 13, 2024
Historical Trauma Among African Americans, Radical Healing, and Resilience Pt. 1
Dr. Isaiah Pickens, clinical psychologist, founder and CEO of iOpening Enterprises, facilitates an important discussion with two of his colleagues, Dr. Riana Anderson, Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan, School of Public Health, and Dr. Shawn C.T. Jones, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University.
The first podcast of this three-part series Historical Trauma Among African Americans, Radical Healing, and Resilience focuses on historical trauma and the pain that is still felt from the past and current day occurrences, white supremacy’s contribution to pain in the black family, and how this pain shows up today for children, clinically, in school, the home, and child welfare settings.
Thank you to Isaiah Pickens for collaborating with your colleagues and organizing and facilitating the discussion for this series. More about iOpening Enterprises and Dr. Isaiah Pickens, its founder and CEO, can be found here: https://www.iopeningenterprises.com/.
Additional resources on this topic can be found on the FRIENDS website, including Historical Trauma Among African Americans, ACES, and Hope, a podcast that was released in 2019, https://friendsnrc.org/resources/?_sf_s=African
Two Resources mentioned in the three-part series:
EMBRace – Engaging, Managing, and Bonding Through Race is a 5-week program that focuses on racial socialization, racial stress and coping, and family functioning in order to reduce the discriminatory tension we may experience on a daily basis. Click the link to learn more https://theembraceprogram.wixsite.com/embrace/goals
Our Mental Health Minute seeks to reduce stigma about mental health in the black community and provide resources in access, utilization, and quality of mental health care. Spanning three seasons, more than 30 video and podcast episodes on mental health have been produced. Click here to learn more. https://www.ourmhm.com/
Historical Trauma Among African Americans, ACEs, and Hope
The traumatic history of African Americans, how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) compound multi-generational trauma, and what hope looks like are considered in this podcast.
Three experts from the Centers for Disease Control, the National Child Traumatic Stress Center, NC State University, and a local Head Start Program provide evidenced-based information on ACES, historical trauma and bias, and how hope and resilience play a role in mitigating these hardships in African American families. Listen to learn about adjustments practitioners can make to improve trust and inclusiveness in programs services.
Experts speaking on the podcast:
Melissa Merrick, PhD: Behavioral scientist in the Division of Violence Prevention at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
https://www.cdc.gov/injury/pressroom/fullbios_subjectmatterexperts/bio_MelissaMerrick.html
Isaiah Pickens, PhD: Assistant Director of Service Systems at the National Center for Child Traumatic Stress at UCLA
https://www.isaiahpickens.com/about/ ; Founder, iOpening Enterprises, a mental health and wellness education company
http://www.iopeningenterprises.com/
Deric Boston, MSW, LCSW: Senior Lecturer, NC State University School of Social Work; Assistant Director and Mental Health Consultant, Durham County Head Start and Early Head Start
https://socialwork.news.chass.ncsu.edu/2014/04/26/faculty-highlight-professor-deric-boston/
Resources mentioned in the podcast:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ACE Study
https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/about.html
The Philadelphia ACE Survey
http://www.philadelphiaaces.org/philadelphia-ace-survey
U.S. Public Health Service Syphilis Study at Tuskegee
https://www.cdc.gov/tuskegee/timeline.htm
Read more about this study conducted on black men from 1932 until 1973 by the U.S. Public Health Service.
Resources used in the development of the podcast:
African American History Timeline: 1619 – 2008
https://friendsnrc.org/wp-content/uploads/african-american-history-timeline.pdf
Spotlight on Culture – Conversations about Historical Trauma: Part Two, Summer 2013. National Child Traumatic Stress Network.
Part Two in a series on historical trauma outlines how historical trauma has impacted African Americans who are descendants of enslaved Africans. https://www.nctsn.org/resources/conversations-about-historical-trauma-part-two
Parts One and Three in this series are also available:
Part One outlines how historical trauma has impacted American Indian children and families and how services for these children and families should consider not only their present circumstances and personal trauma histories, but also historical trauma.
https://www.nctsn.org/resources/conversations-about-historical-trauma-part-one
Part Three explores the experience of survivors of the Jewish Holocaust, the Japanese American WWII camps, and key events affecting Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.
https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources//spotlight_on_culture_conversations_about_historical_trauma_part_three.pdf
Are We Talking Enough About the Black Middle Class? By Charles Ellison in the April 13, 2015 Pacific Standard. https://psmag.com/news/are-we-talking-enough-about-the-black-middle-class
Living with Young Children, Part 2
In this episode, Dr. Paul Lanier has a conversation with Dr. Lindsay Huffhines about unique stressors for families during these difficult times and practical tips parents can use to support infants and toddlers in handling stress and emotions. Parents and caregivers will find this podcast helpful.
Dr. Paul Lanier is the Wallace Kuralt Distinguished Associate Professor in the School of Social Work at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Dr. Lindsay Huffhines is a postdoctoral fellow at Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University
(Originally shared May, 2020)
Experts:
Dr. Paul Lanier
Associate Professor/School of Social Work
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Dr. Lindsay Huffhines
Postdoctoral Fellow, Clinical Psychology
Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University
Resources: https://jordaninstituteforfamilies.org/ and https://friendsnrc.org/media-library/
Living with Young Children, Part 1
In this episode, Dr. Paul Lanier has a conversation with Julie Smith and Brooklyn Crawford, Clinical Home Visitors, based in eastern North Carolina about challenges families are facing with parenting young children during difficult times. This conversation is followed by one with Maxine Eichner, the Graham Distinguished Professor of Law at University of North Carolina School of Law, about federal policy changes needed to create stronger supportive systems for children and families.
Administrators, other leaders, and advocates for families and children will find this podcast most helpful.
Dr. Paul Lanier is the Wallace Kuralt Distinguished Associate Professor in the School of Social Work at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
(Originally shared May 2020)
Experts:
Dr. Paul Lanier
Associate Professor, School of Social Work
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Brooklyn Crawford
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Easter Seals Newbern
Child First Clinician
Julie Smith
Licensed Clinician
Child First
Maxine Eichner
Professor of Law,
University of North Carolina School of Law
Resources: https://jordaninstituteforfamilies.org/ and https://friendsnrc.org/media-library/
https://friendsnrc.org/prevention/protective-factors/
The Free-Market Family: How the Market Crushed the American Dream (and How It Can Be Restored) by Maxine Eichner available at Amazon or your bookstore.
Grieving Loss
In this episode, Dr. Todd Jensen interviews Dr. Deborah Barrett, a licensed clinical social worker who has extensive experience conducting individual and group therapy. She shares her thoughts about family loss and grieving, particularly during the coronavirus outbreak.
Dr. Jensen is a Family Research and Engagement Specialist in the Jordan Institute for Families and a Research Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Barrett is a Clinical Associate Professor in the School of Social Work and Adjunct Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Originally shared April, 2020
Experts:
Todd M. Jensen, PhD, MSW
Research Assistant Professor, School of Social Work
Family Research and Engagement Specialist, Jordan Institute for Families
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
Deborah Barrett, Ph.D.
Clinical Associate Professor, School of Social Work
Adjunct Professor, Department of Psychiatry
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
Resources: https://jordaninstituteforfamilies.org/ and https://friendsnrc.org/media-library/
Understanding the Stressors
In this episode, Dr. Todd Jensen will help listeners understand and characterize family stressors, including the current coronavirus outbreak. Dr. Jensen offers tips for listeners to help them better manage family stress.
Dr. Jensen is a Family Research and Engagement Specialist in the Jordan Institute for Families and a Research Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Originally shared April 2020
Experts:
Todd M. Jensen, Ph.D., MSW
Research Assistant Professor | School of Social Work
Family Research and Engagement Specialist | Jordan Institute for Families
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
Resources: https://jordaninstituteforfamilies.org/ and https://friendsnrc.org/media-library/
https://friendsnrc.org/prevention/protective-factors/
Dr. Pauline Boss, a leading family stress educator and researcher, shares a list of recently curated resources for COVID-19 and other topics explored in this episode: https://news.cehd.umn.edu/covid-19-family-social-science-offers-coping-resources/
Surviving and Thriving when Young Adults Live at Home
This podcast, hosted by Dr. Sarah Verbiest, introduces four young people who contribute to the discussion on strategies for youth and their parents on navigating the conflicts and opportunities of sharing a home.
Dr. Verbiest is the Director of the Jordan Institute for Families and a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work. She has over 20 years’ experience working in maternal and child health and is the mom of two young adults who both live at home.
(Originally shared April, 2020)
Expert:
Sarah Verbiest, DrPH, MSW, MPH
Director, The Jordan Institute for Families
School of Social Work, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
Guest Speakers:
Emiko LeNeave
Graduating Senior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Public Relations – Global Studies
Lizzie Irvin
Graduating Senior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Advertising and Public Relations
Kylie Verbiest
Web Developer/Innovator
Ty Verbiest
CNA/College Student
Resources: https://jordaninstituteforfamilies.org/ and https://friendsnrc.org/media-library/
Supporting, Empowering, and Honoring Older Adolescents in Dealing with Loss
In this episode, Dr. Isaiah Pickens explores strategies parents can use for supporting, empowering, and honoring older teenagers in their home that are experiencing loss. Adolescents are at a unique developmental stage that can be especially challenging when their opportunities are limited, and special dreams lost due to COVID-19.
Dr. Pickens, a clinical psychologist and founder of iOpening Enterprises, a professional development and media company that helps people and organizations use psychological science to unlock their potential. He is also an Assistant Director at the National Center for Child Traumatic Stress.
(Originally shared: April 2020)
Expert:
Isaiah B. Pickens, Ph.D.
Assistant Director of Service Systems
National Center for Child Traumatic Stress
UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute and Hospital
Founder, iOpening Enterprises, a mental health and wellness education company
http://www.iopeningenterprises.com/
Assistant Director of Service Systems at the National Center for Child Traumatic Stress at UCLA
https://www.isaiahpickens.com/about/
Resources: https://jordaninstituteforfamilies.org/ and https://friendsnrc.org/media-library/
Finding Self-Compassion and Sharing Compassion with Others
In this episode, Dr. Isaiah Pickens discusses the importance of self-compassion and showing ourselves kindness during these trying times and how sharing compassion with others can help mitigate the stress in our own lives.
Dr. Pickens is a clinical psychologist and founder of iOpening Enterprises, a professional development and media company that helps people and organizations use psychological science to unlock their potential. He is also an Assistant Director at the National Center for Child Traumatic Stress.
(Originally shared April, 2020)
Expert:
Isaiah B. Pickens, Ph.D.
Assistant Director of Service Systems
National Center for Child Traumatic Stress
UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute and Hospital
Founder, iOpening Enterprises, a mental health and wellness education company
http://www.iopeningenterprises.com/
Assistant Director of Service Systems at the National Center for Child Traumatic Stress at UCLA
https://www.isaiahpickens.com/about/
Resources: https://jordaninstituteforfamilies.org/ and https://friendsnrc.org/media-library/
Prevention Mindset Institute Episode 4: Open, Courageous, Transparent – two child welfare directors reflect on doing right by families
Tune in to our latest podcast episode where we delve into the transformative journey of child welfare systems with leaders from Michigan and the District of Columbia. Hosted by FRIENDS PAC members, Paula Bibb-Samuels from Texas and David Armstrong from New Jersey, alongside esteemed guests Demetrius Starling and Robert L Matthews, this episode is a deep dive into the shift towards a prevention mindset in child protection.
Listen as Demetrius Starling,the Senior Deputy Director of Children Services Administration in Michigan, shares insights into leading prevention efforts, including initiatives likeCBCAP, while Robert L Matthews, Director of the Child Family Services Agency in Washington, DC, offers perspectives on family strengthening and prevention strategies in his jurisdiction.
Through compelling narratives and real-world experiences, our guests reveal the challenges and triumphs of transforming entrenched systems, resistant to change. Discover how they bravely engage with those impacted by these systems, forging collaborative pathways towards co-created solutions. Join us as we explore the power of bold leadership and community engagement in reshaping the future of child welfare. The episode concludes with reflections from PAC member Michael Cupeles.
Hosts
Paula Bibbs-Samuels, FRIENDS National Parent Advisory Council Member
David Armstrong, FRIENDS National Parent Advisory Council Member
Participants
Demetrius Sterling, Senior Deputy Director of Children Services in Michigan
Robert L. Matthews, Director of the Child Family Services Agency in Washington, DC
Michael Cupeles, FRIENDS National Parent Advisory Council Member
Prevention Mindset Institute Episode 3: Shifting Mindsets by Revising Laws – One state’s journey to assure poverty is not misconstrued as neglect
In this episode, FRIENDS National Parent Advisory Council (PAC) members Paula Bibb-Samuels and Michael Cupeles talk with Margaret Perkins, from the Kentucky Division of Prevention and Community Well-Being of the
Department for Community-Based Services and Valerie Lebanion, a parent leader in Kentucky’s Community Collaborations for Children initiative and a FRIENDS PAC member.
Margaret, Valerie, and our hosts discuss Kentucky’s prevention mindset shift including unraveling the story of Kentucky’s bold move – a revision of their neglect statute. Why? To ensure that poverty is not misconstrued as child neglect.
The episode concludes with FRIENDS PAC members Joanne Hodgeman, Matthew Porter and David Armstrong joining the conversation.
Hosts
Paula Bibbs-Samuels, FRIENDS National Parent Advisory Council Member
Michael Cupeles, FRIENDS National Parent Advisory Council Member
Participants
Margaret Perkins, Primary Prevention Branch Manager, Division of Prevention and Community Well-Being, Kentucky Department for Community Based Services
Valerie Lebanion, State Parent Leader for the Kentucky Community Collaborations for Children
Prevention Mindset Institute Episode 2: Shifting Minds; Changing Systems continued – Parents join the conversation
Since 2020, FRIENDS National Center for CBCAP has convened the Prevention Mindset Institute (PMI). The PMI consists of 2 cohorts of a total of 11 states. State teams are typically the CBCAP lead, a member representing the child protection system, a parent leader and a community partner. The state teams join with national partners from the Alliance of Children’s Trust Funds, Action4Child Protection, Mining for Gold LLC, the Prevention Institute, and prevention advocate Alex Morales to work together to strategize to shift work done on behalf of children and families to be more focused on prevention. In this podcast episode, FRIENDS National Parent Advisory Council (PAC) members Valerie Lebanion and Michael Cupeles talk with PAC member, Joanne Hodgeman, joining Valerie and Michael to reflect on Ohio and Texas’ work.
Hosts
Michael Cupeles, FRIENDS National Parent Advisory Council Member
Valerie Lebanion, FRIENDS National Parent Advisory Council Member
Participants
Sasha Rasco, Chief Community Wellbeing Officer, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
Nicole Sillaman, Executive Director, Ohio Children’s Trust Fund
Joanne Hodgeman, FRIENDS National Parent Advisory Council Member
Prevention Mindset Institute Episode 1: Shifting Minds; Changing Systems
Since 2020, FRIENDS National Center for CBCAP has convened the Prevention Mindset Institute (PMI). The PMI consists of 2 cohorts of a total of 11 states. State teams are typically the CBCAP lead, a member representing the child protection system, a parent leader and a community partner. The state teams join with national partners from the Alliance of Children’s Trust Funds, Action4Child Protection, Mining for Gold LLC, the Prevention Institute, and prevention advocate Alex Morales to work together to strategize to shift work done on behalf of children and families to be more focused on prevention. In this episode, FRIENDS National Parent Advisory Council (PAC) members Valerie Lebanion and Michael Cupeles talk with CBCAP State Leads, Sasha Rasco from Texas and Nicole Sillaman from Ohio about their participation in the Prevention Mindset Institute.
Hosts
Michael Cupeles, FRIENDS National Parent Advisory Council Member
Valerie Lebanion, FRIENDS National Parent Advisory Council Member
Participants
Sasha Rasco, Chief Community Wellbeing Officer, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
Nicole Sillaman, Executive Director, Ohio Children’s Trust Fund
Joanne Hodgeman, FRIENDS National Parent Advisory Council Member