Changing the Culture of Physical Punishment in Black Communities

Focus
The goal of this workshop is to examine the ways in which corporal punishment is discussed and regarded in black families and communities.  It is designed to address the deeply rooted cultural attachment to physical discipline as an appropriate and effective parenting tool.  The workshop incorporates some examples drawn from popular culture as well as African-American history, sociological studies, new media, social networking, psychological research and personal testimonies.  This workshop will connect the current conversation and controversy about physical discipline to the historical roots of plantation violence and post-slavery dynamics.  All participants will gain new perspectives on the topic and increase their cultural awareness and sensitivity and share best parenting practices that do not involve physical punishment.

Audience
Social Workers
School Teachers
Guidance Counselors
Residential Counselors
Child Advocates
Parents
Foster Care Providers
Judges & Law Guardians
Law Enforcement Officials

Ideal Time Frame
2-3 Hours

Maximum size
50 Participants

* This workshop can be adapted to an hour-length speech with an audience Q&A for audiences larger (or smaller) than 50 participants.Love and violence do not co-exist.