16: “At the end of the day, the day gotta end”: Engaging Radical Healing After Multicultural Affairs Work

This chapter delves into the experiences of three Black men who served in multicultural affairs at three distinct non-Black serving institutions, focusing on their journey of healing from institutional betrayal (Smith & Freyd, 2014) and systemic oppression. Grounded in the African principle of Ujima (collective work and responsibility) and the framework of radical healing (French et al., 2020), the authors use personal narratives to explore both the trauma and triumph of their individual and shared experiences. Through these reflections, they critically assess the emotional and professional toll of navigating higher education as Black professionals. The chapter concludes with practical strategies for Black professionals, highlighting the significance of collectivism in resisting systemic barriers and fostering community-centered healing.