@dralfiee Dr. Michael Robinson: Does acclaimed scholarly work, recognition (awards), and success inside and outside the Academy for Black Faculty have the potential to turn faculty and administrators into enemies? In other words, does success put a target on the back of Black Faculty if they become recognized for their intellect? If it does, how can Black Faculty protect themselves?
Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble: Black faculty need not concern themselves with anything other than being the best for themselves first, loved ones second, professional support system third and lastly for their work settings.
I would not suggest that African-American excellence and success is what turns people into our enemies, rather I would say that African-American excellence and success in the Academy (and other spaces) highlights pre-existing racism discrimination and negative preconceived notion’s of Black people and our abilities. In other words whether you do or you don’t excel that baked in discrimination and racism will continue to exist because it is ingrained into many of our institutions.
So the best bet for black faculty and other faculty of color is to find a strong support system and to do whatever they can to reinforce self efficacy. I currently run a five week course that teaches many of these lessons (email info@dralfiee.com for details and to register). I highly recommend that Black faculty take the time to invest in the training necessary to support them and their mental well-being (I.e. invest in yourself). This is what will allow them to stay in these spaces as long as they desire.
Bio:
Dr. Alfiee M. Breland-Noble (Dr. Alfiee) is a media personality, a gifted public speaker, researcher, and fully licensed psychologist in two states and the District of Columbia. She has realized her passion for helping racially diverse young people (teens, young adults and young at heart) achieve #optimalmentalhealth via research and care for depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses. She travels widely (as a sought after keynote speaker, trainer and scientist) and has been featured in national and social impact media (e.g. A & E TV, PBS NewsHour SoulPancake and NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt), radio, podcasts and print media. She is an in-demand consultant with K-12 public and independent schools, community-based organizations, colleges, universities, nonprofit and professional organizations (e.g. NCAA, Big East, Lucky8 Television).
Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble: Black faculty need not concern themselves with anything other than being the best for themselves first, loved ones second, professional support system third and lastly for their work settings.
I would not suggest that African-American excellence and success is what turns people into our enemies, rather I would say that African-American excellence and success in the Academy (and other spaces) highlights pre-existing racism discrimination and negative preconceived notion’s of Black people and our abilities. In other words whether you do or you don’t excel that baked in discrimination and racism will continue to exist because it is ingrained into many of our institutions.
So the best bet for black faculty and other faculty of color is to find a strong support system and to do whatever they can to reinforce self efficacy. I currently run a five week course that teaches many of these lessons (email info@dralfiee.com for details and to register). I highly recommend that Black faculty take the time to invest in the training necessary to support them and their mental well-being (I.e. invest in yourself). This is what will allow them to stay in these spaces as long as they desire.
Bio:
Dr. Alfiee M. Breland-Noble (Dr. Alfiee) is a media personality, a gifted public speaker, researcher, and fully licensed psychologist in two states and the District of Columbia. She has realized her passion for helping racially diverse young people (teens, young adults and young at heart) achieve #optimalmentalhealth via research and care for depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses. She travels widely (as a sought after keynote speaker, trainer and scientist) and has been featured in national and social impact media (e.g. A & E TV, PBS NewsHour SoulPancake and NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt), radio, podcasts and print media. She is an in-demand consultant with K-12 public and independent schools, community-based organizations, colleges, universities, nonprofit and professional organizations (e.g. NCAA, Big East, Lucky8 Television).