Sessions
Children In Crisis: Examining the Misidentification and Overrepresentation of Black Boys In Special Education
2:30 PM - 3:45 PM Wed
Bahia Cross holds a Bachelors degree in Psychology and a Masters degree in Social Work. She is completing her Ph.D. in Social Work Research, focusing on the experiences of African American female adolescents in foster care.
Ms. Cross most recently served as the Director of Equity and Partnerships at the Chalkboard Project. She is also the Executive Consultant for Joy DeGruy Publications. She assists Dr. DeGruy in researching historical trauma and developing new models and methods for culturally responsive service delivery. Ms. Cross has also assisted with training and development for government agencies in creating and sustaining equitable policies and practices.
Ms. Cross is the executive director of the Black Parent Initiative. BPI’s mission is to educate and mobilize the parents and caregivers of African, African American, and African American Multicultural children to ensure they achieve success. Through their unique and culturally specific approaches, they focus on optimal health, cultural identity development, parent education, and ensuring parents and caregivers have the necessary resources to help their children thrive.
With over 14 years of practical experience as a professional in the field of social work, she has served as Child and Family Therapist, Curriculum Developer, and Culturally-Specific Treatment Specialist in several states, with various community-based organizations and government entities. Ms. Cross serves on the following Boards and Councils: College Possible, Oregon Student Voice, Organic Oneness, and Oregon Educator Equity Advisory Group. Ms. Cross is also an active member of the Bahài’ Faith which espouses the oneness of the human family.