This session will take a closer look at the counseling field and its need to increase diversity through recruitment and retention of African American faculty and students. The session will highlight the historical journey and how it plays a part in the challenges faced by African Americans in counselor education programs. By improved strategies, African Americans clients and students will be able to identify with professional counselors and brings inclusion and diversity, in hope for cohesion amongst the counseling profession. The presenters are equal contributors of this session.