Recreating Community Among Gifted African American Students Through Group Counseling

ABSTRACT Predominantly White Educational Institutions often fail to meet the needs of gifted African American students. Racial discrimination, lack of teacher cultural competence, and deficit ideologies create barriers impacting student academic success, emotional well-being, and sense of belonging. School counselors are in optimal positions to assist African American youth using targeted cultural strategies. This article offers a background on the issues many gifted African American children face and details a group approach utilizing solution focused brief therapy, family involvement, conflict resolution, and anger management, in an attempt to influence positive racial identity, resilience, and student achievement.