FAMU psychology professor Jackie Collins Robinson recently traveled
to Ferguson, Mo. to volunteer to assist local children and community members in
dealing with the aftermath and subsequent trauma surrounding the shooting death
of Michael Brown.
Robinson, who is a licensed psychologist and licensed school
psychologist in Florida, spent four days in Ferguson. Her visit was inspired by
an invitation from the president of the St. Louis Chapter of the Association of
Black Psychologists to help the organization meet the emotional needs of
impacted adults and children in the Ferguson area through conducting wellness
workshops.
“The St. Louis Chapter is one organization responding to the
people of Ferguson’s demand for trauma related interventions,” Robinson said.
“I was happy to lend my skills to this effort.”
Robinson’s time in Ferguson was focused on providing intermediation for impending social and emotional distress within the local schools and community.
“The shooting of Michael Brown, and the related protests and
marches – some of which have contained violence – could potentially lead to an
increase in trauma related behavioral and emotional problems among adults and
children in that community,” Robinson said. “I met with different people and
offered my support to help them through what they are experiencing in that
community.”
She added, “My hope is that through the support of community
members and professionals, the children there will not suffer increased
behavioral problems and decreased school performance in the aftermath of the
violence.”
According to Robinson, she hopes the time she spent in
Ferguson will serve two purposes:
to contribute to the healing process for those traumatized
by the tragedy and to demonstrate to FAMU students what it truly means to be
committed to the community public service.
“While I was there I met and observed children who have to
pass by the site of Michael’s death every day. That consistent reminder can
impact them in ways that could affect them mentally and even in their
day-to-day behavior, such as not trusting those in authority or being afraid to
go to sleep with the lights off. I felt it was my duty to use my experience in
psychology to reach some of the people who may be forever changed by what
happened in Ferguson.”
FAMU President Elmira Mangum expressed her support of
Robinson’s efforts and affirmed the University’s commitment to fostering an
academic environment that encourages students to explore careers in the social
sciences.
“Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University is proud of
the guidance and insight Dr. Robinson offered to a community that has
experienced very unfortunate events in the past weeks,” Mangum said. “The
events surrounding the death of Michael Brown underscores the need for
institutions like FAMU to continue to provide training for future social
scientists, in order to ensure our communities have the support needed to be
healthy and productive.”
Robinson currently serves as the director of the Center for
Ethnic Psychological Research and Application (CEPRA), and is a nationally
certified mental health first aid instructor.