Culture, politics spirituality and practice: A book of resistance and critical theory for disturbing

Bringing together Makungu Akinyela's diverse writings, this book of resistance and critical thinking for disturbing times is a clarion call. It calls for forms of decolonizing therapy that can provide a bridge between the counselling room and social action; for fugitive pedagogies in order to protect education as freedom; for critical thinking about culture; and for connecting with ancestral struggle to strengthen contemporary resistance. Significantly, it also provides a sense of reassuring company to the reader through personal explorations of spirituality.

Rising white supremacist nationalism and increasing authoritarianism give new meaning to the ideas, stories, politics and histories conveyed. Drawing on decades of struggles for human rights and justice for Black people in the United States and the African diaspora, this book is a gift and a challenge to the reader in these critical times.

Postcolonial therapy

Now more than ever, a decolonizing therapy is necessary. This section explores the significance of decolonized counselling in a time of rising fascism and the importance of therapy playing a bridging role between personal experience and community action.

Acknowledging our ancestors, healing our lives

Many of us are connecting with ancestors and ancestral struggle in ways that are strengthening our resistance. Through speeches, interviews, biography and a story of counselling practice, this section conveys the significance of turning to ancestry at this particular time of struggle.

Thinking critically about culture

Now, and always, our culture is a heartbeat, a shield and a weapon.

Education as freedom

African American liberatory education has always been about freedom and democracy. This section highlights the significance of African-centered critical pedagogy and considers responses to the current assault on education.

Black religion, resistance, and revolutionary spirituality

In these disturbing times, and always, spiritual and political practice are interwoven.

Makungu Akinyela is an Africana Studies scholar-activist, family therapist, and ordained minister working for social justice in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. He is the developer of a culturally specific approach to narrative practice called Testimony Therapy.