ABSTRACT
The African American community extends across the United States, representing various socioeconomic statuses, educational levels, religious groups, and other social factors. With a vibrant history and culture dating back to colonial America and beyond, African Americans have significantly contributed to the nation’s culture and systems. Statistics paint a picture of vast economic disadvantages, educational inequities, and additional negative circumstances within the African American community, but they do not outline the social and political systems that created these differences. Solely looking at the statistics also omits the accomplishments, feats, and strengths of those within the shared racial group. This chapter will explore the historical events that continue to impact the cultural values and practices of African Americans. Additionally, the chapter will define racial development, the impact of childhood adversity, and historical trauma. With the expansion of applied behavior analysis (ABA), this chapter seeks to provide behavior analysts and those implementing behavior analytic programs points of consideration specific to African American learners, families and communities.
