Melvin Frye, MSW
Melvin A. Frye Jr. is a school Social Worker/Home and School Visitor with Hempfield School District in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He served as an adjunct instructor at Harrisburg Area Community College – York and Lancaster Campuses for 15 years. For five years, Mr. Frye has provided group treatment to adult and juvenile sexual offenders and to men convicted of domestic violence-related offenses. His teaching and research interests are in the areas of sociology, education, deviance, criminal justice, and human sexuality. Mr. Frye received his BA from Franklin and Marshall College, his MSW from Temple University, M. Ed. from Widener University, Home and School Visitor certification from Temple University, and Principal Certification from Shippensburg University. He is currently a doctoral student at Widener University in Human Sexuality Education with a focus on Black masculinity. In addition, Mr. Frye is a Licensed Social Worker in the state of Pennsylvania. Prior to working for the Hempfield School District, Mr. Frye worked for Lincoln Intermediate Unit #12; he was employed by both Juvenile and Adult Probation in York and Lancaster Counties for eight years.
Wednesday Afternoon 2023
Addressing Alternative Narratives of Men & Boys of Color Viewed through the Lens of the Black Cowboy
Those in power have a vested interest in socializing Black boys and men to act according to narrow scripts that support notions of Black inferiority. Rather than offering the lived experiences of Black men such as Black Cowboys, the stereotypical scripts about Black men persist. The impact of the lack of role models for Black males are infused with legacies of slavery, Jim Crow, the Civil Rights movement, and the current struggle for equality, Blacks are faced with notions of Black Masculinity being reduced to a physical body that is commodified. In this presentation we will discuss how social constructs influenced by stereotypes propagated within the media to fuel symbolic representations of the Black male experience. We will examine our own biases that may serve as a barrier for helping Black boys and men. Further, this presentation will examine ways for those in the helping professions to empower Black males to celebrate individual's intersectionality and start healing from the historical and current trauma that impact the lived lives of Black boys and men. Finally, we will discuss how Black Cowboys serve as role models who have overcome stereotypes to embrace their own narratives as Black men.
This session is eligible for 1.5 CEs
Choose 1 of 3 afternoon break-outs.
Wednesday Morning 2024
Trauma Informed Care: Addressing Alternative Narratives of Men and Boys of Color Viewed through the Lens of the Black Cowboy Part 2
The Black Cowboy is a symbol of survival even when being ignored and discredited for their contributions to North America. It is imperative that therapists’ welcome Black males to dream outside of the typical narratives, such as depictions of Black males in the media. Black boys and men should be allowed to dream of the many possibilities of being a man. Black masculinity is not one of a predetermined identity. As such it is a necessity for therapists to nurture and validate masculinities that are outside of the stereotypes that surround Black masculinity. In this follow-up to Trauma Informed Care: Addressing Alternative Narratives of Men and Boys of Color Viewed through the Lens of the Black Cowboy, we will examine the impact of historical trauma on Black males. What does it mean for a Black male to freeze, fight, or flee when faced with obstacles? We will address ways in which Black masculinity can be uplifted to celebrate the accomplishments of Black male existence. The mantra for this session is Black boys and men should be allowed to dream of the many possibilities of being a man.
This sessions is eligible for 1.5 CEs.
Choose 1 of 3 morning break-outs.