Counseling Services offers a variety of specialized services to support the needs and experiences of our African American and Black* students. Below is the schedule for fall term 2023:

Black CommUnity Table

Part of Wellness Wednesday at the BCC
Wednesdays, 1:00–2:00 p.m. odd weeks (weeks 3, 5, 7, 9)
Location: Lyllye Reynolds-Parker Black Cultural Center
Facilitators: Dr. Cecile Gadson and Dr. Aris Hall

In collaboration with the BCC, this discussion space provides a space for Black students and staff to connect for a weekly discussion related to the strengths and challenges within the community. The discussion varies weekly with topics ranging from campus climate and activism to mental health as well as popular culture. We welcome Black students and staff for an open dialogue where they can be their radical and authentic selves.

Black Joy Sessions: Finding Joy Within

Wednesdays, 1:00–2:00 p.m. even weeks (weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 10)
Location: Lyllye Reynolds-Parker Black Cultural Center
Facilitator: Dr. Cecile Gadson

Black students, faculty members, and staff are invited to engage in activities that center Black joy including art, laughter, music, and movement. Black Joy Sessions create a space to center a celebration of Black culture, uplift, heal, and empower using a liberated narrative of the Black experience. This space is designed to be an easy, transformative, and love-infused space to create, express, and (re)claim Black joy.

Let’s Talk

With Dr. Gadson, African American/Black Student Specialist
Wednesdays, 2:00–4:00 p.m.
Location: Lyllye Reynolds-Parker Black Cultural Center

Let’s Talk offers brief informal consultations on a drop-in basis, so there is no appointment necessary. Students are seen on a first-come, first-served basis either in person at Let’s Talk locations across campus and/or by Zoom. Dr. Gadson specializes in working with Black students.

Black Care Corner

Wednesdays, noon–4:00 p.m.
Location: Lyllye Reynolds-Parker Black Cultural Center

Black Care Corner is a wellness project that was envisioned by our 2022–2023 SAB African American/Black student community liaison, Johana Amani. Black Care Corner was a collective creation between Johana and two Black psychologists, Dr. Cecile A. Gadson and Dr. Nikki Chery. This project provides culturally curated tools and materials that center wellness for Black students and help break down mental health barriers in the Black community. Black Care Corner is in partnership with Dr. Aris Hall and her team at the Lyllye Reynolds-Parker Black Cultural Center. Join us to participate in Wellness Wednesday and enjoy items from the Black Care Corner.

Kuponya: Centering Black Healing

Fridays, noon–12:45 p.m. (weeks 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10)
Location: Lyllye Reynolds-Parker Black Cultural Center or via Zoom — Register for the link
Facilitator: Dr. Cecile Gadson

This space is for Black-identified** students, faculty members, and staff to engage in guided soulfulness mindfulness, African-centered healing strategies, and dialogue to promote collective healing. We invite Black students, faculty members, and staff to connect, breathe, and heal in a space designed specifically for you.

Sista Circle Group

Winter Term – call 541-346-3227 if interested in joining
Facilitator: Dr. Cecile Gadson

Sista Circle is a processing and support group for African-American/Black-identified womxn to work through concerns such as academic stress, self-esteem, family challenges, relationships, identity development, mental health concerns, and much more. Group members will be able to work through their presenting concerns, find community, and be empowered in a protected therapy space.

One-on-One Sessions with an African American/Black Student Specialist

*Black, African, African American, Afro-Latinx, Afro-Caribbean, or the African Diaspora