Black Men's Health: A Strengths-Based Approach Through a Social Justice Lens for Helping Professions

Yarneccia D. Dyson, PhD, MSW is a nationally recognized and award-winning thought leader and higher education strategist with over 18 years’ experience in supervisory and leadership roles. Currently, she is an Associate Professor and Department Chair for the University of North Carolina Greensboro Department of Social Work and Gerontology Program. She has over 18 years’ experience in HIV and STI research, prevention programming, and advocacy efforts. Further, she is passionate about inclusive and equity-centered practices in higher education administration and her research interests focus on improving the health, access, and well-being of historically oppressed communities, mentoring experiences for Black women and women of color, as well as improving the sexual and reproductive outcomes among women and girls.

Vanessa Robinson-Dooley, PhD, LCSW, CNP received her BA in political science from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. She also holds a master’s degree in public administration (MPA) from Drake University and master’s (MSW) and PhD in social work from The University of Georgia. Dr. Robinson-Dooley is currently an associate professor at Simmons University in Boston, Massachusetts. She is a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Georgia. Her direct practice (therapist) experience includes individual and family therapy, group work, and assessments. She has also worked in the area of domestic violence, program development, and community organizing. Dr. Robinson-Dooley’s research focus includes factors surrounding chronic diseases and behavioral health in African American men, and promoting cultural competency in education and practice. She is Co-PI on an NIH grant with two colleagues from Kennesaw State University, studying self-management of chronic disease and behavioral health for Black men and developing a peer-led curriculum. Dr. Robinson-Dooley teaches courses on “teaching” and is an advocate of UDL (Universal Design for Learning) principles and technology use in the classroom. She has published in multiple journals and presented nationally on various topics related to her teaching and research. She has been invited to speak locally and nationally about her work on intercultural competence, clinical treatment, and managing chronic disease and mental health. She has published in several journal articles and books, and is also the author of a children’s book series.

Jerry Watson, PhD, LCSW, MBA is an Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the Bachelor of Social Work program at the University of Memphis.  Jerry taught sociology and psychology at DePaul University, group work at Aurora University in Chicago, and a variety of social work courses on the bachelors, masters, and doctoral levels at Jackson State University, Mississippi Valley State University, University of Mississippi, and Rust College.  Jerry currently teaches and is the faculty lead at the University of Memphis for Social Work Practice in Community and Organizations. Dr. Watson is a scholar-activist and generalist practitioner. Jerry has over fifty years of combined experience teaching, working in a variety of community clinical positions, and leading health and wellness programs and initiatives targeting African American Men and boys.  Dr. Watson’s community experience and scholarship spans broadly across community topics including the following domains with a social justice lens: offender reentry support, affordable housing, community organizing, business development, asset-based community development, cultural activism, youth and family wellness, crime and safety, community violence intervention and prevention, trauma informed care, the “digital divide”, race, culture, and poverty.