Atlanta’s own Edward M. Garnes, Jr., has re-written the blueprint of Psychology in respect to the African-American way of life. Mr. Garnes uses his knowledge in journalism, counseling, education, and community advocacy to promote physical and mental health awareness in the black community. He describes himself as a hip hop head that uses art to empower our youth and elders. He further indicates, “everything is done in honor of our ancestors.”

Mr. Garnes is a widely published author and producer. His most recent literacy contribution was an essay in the book “Not In My Family: AIDS in the African-American Community” edited by Gil L. Robertson, IV. His essay is entitled “Sweet Tea and Ethics: Black Luv, Healthcare and Cultural Mistrust.”

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, in the United States, the HIV/AIDS epidemic is a health crisis for African-Americans. At all stages of HIV/AIDS – from infection with HIV to death with AIDS – African-Americans are disproportionately affected compared with members of other races and ethnicities.

Edward is also the founder of From Afros to Shelltoes: Art Action & Conversation http://www.fromafrostoshelltoes.com, an Atlanta based company designed to uplift and uphold cultural productions that champions emotional healing, solution focused dialogue, and arts programming.

Some of the strategies that he uses to empower African-American youth and elders include Black Manhood Training and Arts Programming.

As a counselor and mental health advocate, Mr. Garnes strongly believes ”when you are dealing with Black folks, you have to use theories that relate to our people.” According to the NAMI Multicultural Action Center, African-Americans in the United States are less likely to receive diagnosis and treatment for the mental health illness than Caucasian-Americans. Statistics show that African-Americans are a greater risk for mental illness than the general population because of disproportionate incarceration, exposure to violence, homelessness, and high rates of youth involved in foster care of child welfare system.

Garnes asserts “Blacks Folks have to have counselors that love Black people and understand the five (5) principles of Black Psychology espoused by Ed White and Dr. Parham, which include (1) improvisation, (2) getting ready for the remix, (3) resilience, (4) spirituality, and (5) respect for elders.”

He elaborates by saying “when you hit a wall, resilience is that force that allows you to get through the wall. Spiritually, we have to be connected into a spirit that is greater than ourselves”

For generations African-Americans have shared a sense of community through the extended family concept. The cornerstone of that system was holding elders in the highest of esteem. As Mr. Garnes states, “the elders come with a certain respect level by virtue of their age and experiences. Black folks also value direct experience. If someone has been through something, we feel that they can help us.”

Edward illustrates the importance of respect and positive interaction with our elders by reminiscing about experiences shared with his grandmother while eating chicken and drinking sweet tea in her kitchen. He remembers admonitions about “not losing your head over a women, and not to worry about things that do not concern you as a Black man.”

In conclusion says “we have to get back to the fundamental principles of loving ourselves having fun and trying to find success and success to me is when an individual lives up to their God given potential.”