Practical Social Justice

Practical Social Justice brings together the mentorship experiences of a diverse group of leaders across business, academia, and the public sector. They relay the lessons they learned from Dr. Joseph L. White through personal narratives, providing a critical analysis of their experience, and share their best practices and recommendations for those who want to truly live up to their potential as leaders and mentors. As one of the founding members of the Association of Black Psychologists, the Equal Opportunity Program, and the ‘Freedom Train’ this book focuses on celebrating Dr. White’s legacy, and translating real world experience in promoting social justice change. Experiential narratives from contributors offer a framework for both the mentee and the mentor, and readers will learn how to develop people and infrastructure strategically to build a sustainable legacy of social justice change. They will be presented with ways to pragmatically focus social justice efforts, favoring results over ego. This is a unique and highly accessible book that will be useful across disciplines and generations, in which the authors illustrate how to build relationships, inspire buy-in, and develop mutually beneficial partnerships that move people and systems towards a more equitable, inclusive, and just future. Providing a personal guide to developing an infrastructure for institutional change, Practical Social Justice is based on over half a century of triumph, translated through the lenses of leaders who have used these lessons to measurable and repeatable success.This book will be essential reading for undergraduate and graduate students in the fields of Psychology, Social Work, Ethnic Studies, Sociology, Public Policy, Leadership, Communications, Business, and Educational Administration. It is also important reading for professionals including leaders and policy makers in organisations dealing with issues around diversity, equity, and inclusion, and anyone interested in promoting social justice.

"Dr. Joseph L. White, the Father of Black Psychology, was a consummate scholar, teacher, educator, and mentor. This book is a manifestation of his "Freedom Train;" a train of generations of his mentees who continue to carry his legacy of examining the effects of the lack of cultural representation in mental health, educational research, and organizational leadership, forward. Joe (as he was affectionately known to all) always said he would know it was time for him to rest when his mentees surpassed him--this book is a testimony to everything he poured into those who have contributed their outstanding work to this book." – The White Sisters (Lori White, Lynn White Kell , and Lisa White)"By reading the chapters in this text, you will bear witness to Dr. White’s enduring contribution to the lives of past and future generations. The futures of (liberation) psychologies are bright because of the paths Dr. White paved. Hop on the Freedom Train. Be inspired to continue the legacy of Dr. White."- Helen A. Neville, Professor of Educational Psychology and African American Studies, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Bedford Palmer II, PhD. is an associate Professor of counseling at Saint Mary’s College of California, USA, and a licensed psychologist. He focuses his work on issues of social justice and multiculturalism. He produced and co-hosted the Naming It podcast and is the author of the Healthy Conversation children’s book series.