Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2007
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| Dr. Joy DeGruy-Leary |
Asheville-Buncombe Martin L. King, Jr. Association Presents
Dr. Joy DeGruy-Leary, Keynote Speaker
On Saturday, January 13, Dr. Joy DeGruy-Leary will speak at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Annual Prayer Breakfast. Dr. Leary holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications, a master’s degree in Social Work (MSW), a master’s degree in Psychology, and a PhD in Social Work Research. She is an Assistant Professor at Portland State University. Her 18 years of practical experience as a professional in the field of social work offers practical insight into various cultural and ethnic groups that form the basis of contemporary American society.
Dr. Leary’s workshops also go far beyond the topic of cultural sensitivity; she provides specialized clinical work in areas of mental health and ecological resilience.
Among Dr. Leary’s most significant lectures are those on Axiology and “Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome.” Her discussion and model of Axiology is derived from work and association with noted clinician Dr. Edwin Nichols and delves into the study of primary values that shape cultures. In brief, Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome theory proposes that varying levels of both clinically induced and socially learned residual stress related issues were passed along through generations as a result of slavery.
Dr. Leary presents facts, statistics and documents that illustrate how the destruction of the African culture (i.e., belief systems, customs, and values) continues to effect traumas resulting from inequality, racism and oppression policies.
The lectures and keynote speeches conducted by Dr. Joy DeGruy Leary are based on her commitment to the health and healing for all people.
