ABSTRACT
Social justice has always been a part of my life and a major influence in the way I view the world. As a professional therapist, professor, and community counselor, I have always looked for opportunities to get involved with my community and work with people where they live their lives. I grew up in Chicago during the 1960s, when social concerns were primary for our nation and in my neighborhood. “Civil rights, racial equality, and fairness” was a cry I heard over and over again from my family, friends, school, community, and church. Social justice has been the most significant factor that has led me to the helping and counseling profession. Although I often work within the 50-minute hour as a therapist, most of my passion and motivation comes from the early experiences I had in my community. These experiences included being a part of community activism, and pioneering racial and ethnic interactions. These kinds of activities outside of the office have been a part of my calling in the helping profession.
