The climate of racial hostility in American society remains one of the most difficult obstacles for families of color to overcome. As African Americans and other families of color raise their children to become healthy, wealthy, and wise, many feel compelled to prepare them psychologically for survival in this climate. This article takes the stance that racial socialization is necessary to ameliorate the impact of racial hostilities and for African American children to achieve and develop positive self-images. Family therapists must understand not only how societal institutions (e.g., school) may adversely affect the psychological well-being of children and their parents, but also how to intervene.
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