Advocacy on Behalf of African American Clients.

Oppression of African American people includes racism, sexism, and classism. Oppression is understood as a process that infuses prejudice with power. This power is then used to limit or hinder access to societal rights from those identified as lacking power. Advocacy is a process that defuses prejudice and attempts to redefine power by redistribution, thus allowing for greater access for all. The goals are the betterment of the whole. This paper discusses slavery in the United States, the history of race oppression for African Americans, and the residual effects of oppression and explains that it is very important for advocates for African American people to have a good understanding of these issues. Eighteen suggestions to be used by teachers, educators, counselors, and politicians as advocacy strategies to assist African Americans are provided. (Contains 6 references, 3 recommended readings, and 8 recommended resources.) (MKA)