We're Not OK: A Community of Healing

“Here is the significance of my dear brother Ed Garnes, Jr. and From Afros To Shelltoes’ Sweet Tea Ethics. There is no other group in Atlanta that can bring together such engaged, high quality, and substantial dialogue about the crucial issues facing not just the black community, but also American society. He writes well, works hard and revels in the life of the mind. Thank God for brother Ed Garnes, Jr”—Dr. Cornel West

 

Dr. Ed Garnes, founder of From Afros To Shelltoes, is one of America’s most dynamic therapists, educators, and life consultants. He works with clients of all levels, including global activists, Hollywood celebrities, best-selling writers, collegiate and professional athletes, and corporate leaders. With a scholar’s take on wellness, Garnes brings a quarter century of experience in creating life strategies for healing and success, as well as an uncanny ability to meet diverse clients wherever they are in their life span. 

 

A doctoral internship trainee of Cal Berkeley, he holds a PhD ((University of Tennessee), M.A. in Counseling (Michigan State University), M.A. in Psychology (University of Tennessee) and B.A. in English Writing (DePauw University). Garnes has worked extensively with diverse individuals and groups. He curates interventions keenly aware of the impact race, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, socioeconomic background, and disability status have on values, interests, and skills that directly impact academic, career, and psychosocial development. Intergenerational supporters champion his ability to channel his grandmother’s southern wisdom, observational humor, and sobering life lessons as an activist into practical strategies for personal development.

 

A respected educator, counselor, commentator, consultant, and activist in the areas of hip hop, Black identity, manhood, and popular culture, for his work with his community-based agency From Afros To Shelltoes, Garnes has appeared on the cover of Young Black Entrepreneur Magazine and on/in Black Enterprise Magazine, CNN’s Headline News, Sirius Radio, CBS Radio, and allhiphop.com. Garnes currently stars in the internationally acclaimed documentary film series Elementary Genocide, directed by Rahiem Shabazz. His national tour Sweet Tea Ethics has featured famed brothers Dr. Cornel West and Clifton West. Garnes also appears in BET’s acclaimed documentary Killer Curves, examining pop culture influences on Black women’s body image.

 

Dr. Garnes’ research and clinical interests include gendered racism towards Black men, racial perceptions of protest, career development among athletes, multicultural and social justice issues, mental health promotion and community outreach, and racial and ethnic identity development. His current dissertation research seeks to determine the impact of negative racial experiences on college satisfaction, resilience, assimilation, and mental health of Black men (athletes & non-athletes) at predominantly white institutions.

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