So Dayi is a student research journal, established in June 2020 by Dr. McDougal. He is the journal's editor and an expert in the field of research and research methods in Pan-African Studies. Dr. McDougal is a full professor in the Department of Pan African Studies at Cal State LA and the author of the award-winning book “Research Methods in Pan African Studies”, a widely used textbook in colleges in the United States in graduate studies. The journal is published annually in June.
Goals
The goal of the journal is to assist students in developing their writing and editing skills, expose them to the publication process, develop their research skills, and engage in professional development. This goal is achieved through the following initiatives:
- Provide proactive, consistent, and quality advising.
- Promote student critical thinking.
- Promote high-quality writing skills.
- Promote mentorship, collaborative work, and decision-making among students and faculty.
- Introduce, promote, and expand undergraduate students’ access to journal publication through the publication of exceptional student-written work in the SO DAYI journal.
- Expand networks and collaborations with national academic conferences and organizations.
- Promote opportunities for undergraduate students to attend, participate, and present in national academic conferences.
Journal Issues
Volume 1: Pan-African Psychological Wellbeing
- Mental Health Barriers and Black Students .....................................................................................................Page 5
- By Bunmi Orunesajo, Destinee Stewart, & Jazmin Ennis
- An Analysis of Parental Involvement of Black Fathers ………….......................................................................Page 15
By Jade Sutton - Racial Socialization, Parental Involvement, and Racial Identity as Factors that Lead to High Academic
Achievement Among African American Students …… .....................................................................................Page 24 - By Diana Bonilla
- The Effect of Parents’ Death on Young African Americans .……..................................................................... Page 40
By Akeylah Lomax - Transforming School Discipline for the Sake of Black Students ….................................................................Page 50
By Donovan Saddler
Volume 2: Black Mental Health and Relationships
- Impacts of Afrocentric Therapy on the Mental Health of African American
Substance Abuse Clients .....................................................................................................................................Page 5
By Natalee Knighten - Collectivistic Cultures, Prosocial Behaviors, and Mental Health
Among African American Families ………….........................................................................................................Page 15
By Heather Ford - Black Father Engagement: Visible and Present from the Start ........................................................................Page 24
By Destiny Rodriguez - Ideological Subject Formation of African American Students:
African Centered Education and Afrocentric Counter Narratives.…….............................................................Page 35
By Prince Gumbi - The Effects of Racial Bias........................ …......................................................................................................Page 50
By Keiauna Ervin - African American/Black Boys & Mental Health............ …................................................................................Page 55
By Sady Guillen
Volume 3: Balancing Challenges and Solutions
- Editorial ...........................................................................................................................................................Page 4
By Serie McDougal, III - Introduction ................................................................ …………........................................................................Page 5
By Eva Nicole Vines - On Policing and Rebellion ................................ …… .......................................................................................Page 8
By Ashley Gregory - The Impact of Environmental Hindrances on Black Males' Success in Higher Education .……................... Page 13
By Beatrice Obialisi - Taking Back What's Mine: Black Women's Sexual Plight and America's Contribution to
Black Women's Sexuality ...........................................................….................................................................Page 22
By Lauren Johnson - Mental Health Help-Seeking Behaviors of Young Black Males...........................................……................... Page 35
By Brianna Martinez - The Role and Effects of Spirituality and Religiosity on the Mental Health of African American
College Students........................................................................….................................................................Page 45
By Paul Stanford
Volume 4: Spirituality, Gender, and Health
- Editorial ...........................................................................................................................................................Page 4
By Serie McDougal, III - Introduction .................................................................…………........................................................................Page 5
By Precious Zama Dlamini - The Impact of Religion and Spirituality on African American Mental Health and Identity.............................Page 8
By Rachel Adeniran - The Impact of Afrocentric Therapy on African-American Eating Disorder Patients…….............................. Page 13
By Kimmie Gilbert - The Potential Effects of a Psychology Project-Based Learning Program in High School
Afrikan Students ...........................................................….............................................................................Page 22
By Amere Wofford - Gendered Racism and Mental Health Among Black Women.............................................……................... Page 35
By Ashley Pedraza
Conference Program
NCBS Conference - University of Florida
One of the goals of So Dayi is to promote opportunities for students of color to attend, participate, and present in national academic conferences. Every year, So Dayi students are selected to attend the National Council for Black Studies (NCBS) conference. This is a fully funded educational experience for the participants.
Student Testimonials
Prince Gumbi
The conference was a fantastic experience. Pan African Studies at Cal State LA is also known as the "Intellectual Arm of the Revolution," not only did I participate in the intellectual struggle, but I also participated in an activist protest against Florida's ban on African American literature for children. The conference exposed me to cutting-edge research in Black Studies, and I made lasting contact with fellow scholars. Outside the conference halls, I explored the University of Florida campus. I also tried excellent Southern and Caribbean food, but I didn't get to try alligator; it's all the more reason to go back and visit.
Rachel Adeniran
The NCBS conference was a remarkable experience. I attended different research presentations by students from various schools; all had fascinating ideas for future research on black studies. I made connections with professors and intellectual students. I visited the University of Florida Sports Center outside the conference hall and watched a game with my colleague. I went to the Harm Museum of Art and the Museum of Natural History. The two museums had notable highlights about African American history and interesting facts about animal species. Overall, I had an incredible time with my colleagues. I had my first experience with Indian and Caribbean foods, and I would say it was delightful.
Amere Wofford
My experience at the conference was very eye-opening. I got to protest for the first time and learn a lot about myself. I especially resonated with the discussions tables a lot of the stories showed me that all types of professions and majors can contribute to Black Studies. I really enjoyed the conversations after my panel as well; they let me know where I can take my research and what I can do with it.