Empirical Research and The Need:

The overall purpose of M.A.M.A. is to improve functioning among African American families by fostering a greater sense of racial identity. Theoretical accounts define racial identity as the extent to which one takes on African centered values and demonstrates a strong commitment to improving the lives of other African people. Racial identity serves as a buffer against the factors that place African American families at risk for mental health problems. Empirical studies indicate that racial identity is associated with better psychological and social functioning among African Americans (Carter, 1991; Jefferson & Caldwell, 2002; Parham & Helms, 1985; Phelps, Tailor & Gerard, 2001). Thus, African Americans who identify strongly with their African heritage are more likely to be well adjusted and participate in activities that benefit their immediate surroundings.

M.A.M.A. Education Network builds on its uniqueness by maintaining
a serious focus on culturally consistent education practices by:

• Hosting cultural education outreach programs, forums, and workshops that educate audiences on the mental health, academic, and social benefit to African Americans
who attend African Centered School Systems (ACSS).

• Building an alliance with African Centered School Systems (ACSS) to bring about greater awareness in the African American community about the existence and locations
of ACSS in the Atlanta, Metro Area.

• Hosting forums that allow the ACSS to come and showcase to the community who they are, where they are, and what is unique about their school.

• Increasing enrollment in ACSS where the infusion
of culture into curricula intent is paramount and natural.

• Awarding scholarships to students in ACSS.

• Hosting cultural education programs and workshops that educate individuals on African customs, cultures, and traditions that can be incorporated into everyday life.

• Conducting after school programs and workshops at local public and private schools to educate our youth about African cultures and art.

 

The summer of 2007 M.A.M.A. will begin hosting several seminars on Traditional African Medicine given by African Herbalists.