Authentic Engagement: Practice with African American Males

Abstract

This article describes the influence of environment as it relates to the plight of African American males in American society. Person in the environment (PIE) is a theoretical construct used to explain the relationship between one’s environment and life experience. This paper uses PIE as the overarching framework for outlining a strategy for human service practice with the African American male. The authors contend that African American males are particularly challenged as they face institutionalized racism and lack of awareness from practitioners whose task is to assist yet lack the understanding to intervene in an effective manner. Additionally, the authors discuss what is referred to as authentic engagement and propose it as a method useful for all human service practitioners in working with African American males. This article challenges those who work with African American males to broaden their understanding and increase practice effectiveness through the process of authentic engagement.