Personal Experience: The Underpinnings Of The African American Church

Personal Statement When I was twelve, I was a master on the piano. I was probably not on the level of Beethoven, but my fingers dazzled up and down keys effortlessly. Vividly, I remember the radiant faces, the slow dance and sway of the crowd that accompanied my blues style of playing. The drummer started to pick up the tempo as I looked at the singers for visual cues. The crowd began to dance vigorously to the increased tempo. In the controlled chaos, the musician next to me accidentally knocked over my keyboard stand and I smiled. The music made everything else seem miniscule in comparison. It was mandatory for me to give the crowd what they wanted. The pastor (my father), stood on the podium and began to stomp the floor with his shiny black …show more content…
Black churches are driven with pride and enthusiasm because of the rich culture. The songs and music were powerful remnants of struggle; many of the messages were driven by empowerment- including the power to overcome many of life’s challenges. Moreover, many black churches were used as a resource haven for the establishment of social and political issues. The Church acted as a mobilization center for activists; it enabled African Americans, and civil rights activists from every race to strategize, organize protests and rallies, and engage in community involvement. The aim was to end racial segregation, and other unconstitutional ways of life (such as Jim Crow). The movement was met with strong opposition, and many churches were burned as a result. The Black churches, led by leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. continued to prosper and …show more content…
They change their majors, and look at a multitude of career paths. Initially, I was one of those students. I experimented with different ideas, exploring the pros and cons of a plethora of career choices-it was a serious matter; my choice of education and career will greatly influence my outcome in life. I instinctually knew I would not be satisfied unless I did something I was passionate about. My friends/family recommended that I to go into the STEM fields; with the rising cost of education, they suggested I choose a field that has a high return on investment. I would not work in a field solely for financial stability; I wanted to enjoy work: I did not wish to watch the clock every hour hoping the hands will accelerate and offer me reprieve. My interest was social services; I wanted my actions to strengthen the lives of families and people. After countless hours of research, I decided to pursue a doctorate in psychology; it provides me with tools needed to positively impact my community. Thus, my rise to the psychotherapy ideal