Coming 2025
University of the District of Columbia
Professor of Counseling and Psychology
Benson George Cooke, EdD, is a Professor of Counseling and Psychology and Clinical Coordinator of the Graduate Mental Health Counseling Program in the Division of Education, Health and Social Work, at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), located in Washington, DC. He the author and coauthor of the following four books: (a) Personal Empowerment for People of Color: Keys to Success in Higher Education, (b) All About Depression, (c) Socio-Economic and Education Factors Impacting American Political Systems: Emerging Research and Opportunities, and (d) Selected Aspects of Mentoring: Advice, Challenges, and Approaches.As an invited keynote speaker, he has addressed diverse audiences at national and international conferences, symposiums, workshops, professional institutes, institutions of higher education, as well as local and national radio and TV programs and Documentary Films. Dr. Cooke received the 2016 ABPsi Distinguished Psychologist Award for his career contributions to the discipline, literature, and practice of psychology that has supported culturally salient mental health treatment for the African American community.
Epigenomic Awareness as a Key to Black Mental Health: The Disruptive Effects of Not Knowing
Epigenomic Awareness as a Key to Black Mental Health explores the intricate ways in which external factors, particularly experiences of racism and discrimination, influence gene expression in the African American community.
This insightful book delves into the field of epigenetics, revealing how such factors can lead to significant health disparities, including higher rates of obesity, heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes. By examining processes like DNA methylation, histone modification, and the role of microRNAs, the authors highlight the biological mechanisms behind these changes and discuss how modifying environmental influences like stress, diet, and exercise can potentially reverse these epigenetic alterations, offering hope for improved health outcomes. This essential read underscores the urgent need for further research and targeted interventions to address the unique health challenges faced by African Americans.
