We begin this discussion with a reality check. Only 11% of school counselors[1]are Black (ASCA, 2020; ttps://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/9c1d81ab-2484-4615-9dd7-d788a241beaf/member-demographics.pdf). This low representation matters for a myriad of reasons discussed herein. The past couple of years have been fraught with a dual pandemic (racism and COVID-19). Yet, several states and educational institutions across the age span (P-12 and higher education) enacted legislation, rules, and/or sanctions banning discussions around race/racism, gender identity, and culture, all of which fall under the umbrella of critical race theory (https://www.edweek.org/leadership/what-is-critical-race-theory-and-why-is-it-under-attack/2021/05). These culturally assaultive decisions and acts were compounded by students of color adjusting to the new normal of being back in person for classroom instruction. 
Dr. Erik Hines
Black students have been impacted socially, academically, emotionally, and mentally by the previously mentioned issues, thus impeding their success and overall well-being. A cruel reality is that the research literature and anecdotal experiences have shown that many Black students do not receive equitable treatment in schools or have access to resources for academic success. They contend with racial trauma, unlike White classmates. Grounded in our individual and collective work as Black scholars who share the goal of dismantling academic and affective barriers, we believe that a meaningful solution to racial trauma (https://www.ptsd.va.gov/publications/rq_docs/V32N1.pdf) and racial battle fatigue (https://medium.com/racial-battle-fatigue/racial-battle-fatigue-what-is-it-and-what-are-the-symptoms-84f79f49ee1e) is to hire more Black school counselors to address the needs of and advocate for Black students. #representationmatters, as we now discuss. To be clear, the need for more Black counselors is also pressing because of our concerns about the scarcity of anti-racist and culturally competent school counselors.
Roles of School Counselors Overall and the Need for Black Counselors
The American School Counseling Association (ASCA, n.d.) notes that “school counselors are certified/licensed educators who improve student success for ALL students by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program” (p. 1). School counselors typically abide by the ASCA ethical standard, as well as engage in professional development or continuing education opportunities to enhance their career (ASCA, n.d.). School counselors have a unique skill set that differs from teachers in that they have the ability to use counseling in individual, group, and classroom settings with the goal of helping them be successful in the areas of academic achievement, mental/psychological health, and college and career readiness.
