Member Database

Patricia Coleman-Burns

Assistant Professor Emerita
Undergraduate Studies Program
Nursing

BA, Rhetorical Criticism/Speech Pedagogy, Wayne State University
MA, Rhetorical Criticism/Speech Communication, Wayne State University
PhD, Rhetorical Criticism/Speech Communication, Wayne State University

Dr. Patricia Coleman-Burns is a University of Michigan Assistant Professor Emerita of Nursing and affiliated faculty in the Department of Afro-American and African Studies. She began her career in the ’70s studying Black & Black Women’s social movements.  An advocate for the right of all persons to be free from all oppressions, racism, and violence, she focuses her scholarship on intersecting identities across safe policing, social justice, health equality, social determinants of health, and health promotion and disease prevention. Her research and science center on community impact and access of citizens to the knowledge and skills generated through tax-payers’ dollars. She conducts workshops on anti-racism and anti-Blackness narratives, “hidden and unconscious/implicit biases,” microaggressions across intra-personal, interpersonal, institutional, and cultural domains; and “bystander (accomplices & co-conspirator) intervention.” Her newest innovation is the development of the EPIC Model of Giving and Receiving Feedback for empowering people to self-advocate in the process on obtaining skills and competencies. Married to Rev. John H. Burns, II, Founding Pastor of First African Methodist (FAME) Church in Farmington Hills, MI, from 1977 until his death in 2019, Dr. Coleman-Burns continues his vision of bringing the rich Black history of struggle to the community with the Annual Beloved Community Conference and the Farmington Area Juneteenth Celebration.

Selected Bibliography

Books: Coleman-Burns, P. W.; Burns, John H. (2014). Boaz: Kinsman Redeemer—A Time To Break Silence!  Publisher: St. Matthew AME Church, Lansing, MI

Book Chapters: Coleman-Burns, P. (1993).  “The Revolution Within: Transforming Ourselves,” In R. Farmer and J. James (Eds)., Spirit, Space, and Survival: African American Women In (White) Academe. New York:  Routledge.

Coleman-Burns, P (1995 December).  “Social and political thought from the feminist and Black communities: (Anita Hill and the Rhetoric of Race, Gender, and Class)—The Scapegoat and the sacrificial lamb!” In G. Smitherman (Ed.), African American Women Speak Out on Anita Hill-Clarence Thomas.  Detroit:  African American Life Series, Wayne State University Press.

Articles: Coleman-Burns, P. (August 11, 2018). The God of the Oppressed and the Use of the Bible as a Message of Liberation, Equality, and Social Justice [https://medium.com/national-center-for-institutional-diversity/the-god-of-the-oppressed-and-the-use-of-the-bible-as-a-message-of-liberation-equality-and-social-f102db13d45e].  Spark: Elevating Scholarship on Social Issues, The Online Magazine of the National Center for Institutional Diversity.  Ann Arbor, MI.

Coleman-Burns, P.  The Revolution Will Not Be Televised — It Will Go Viral: How Social Media Fundamentally Changed the Political Strategies of Black Radical Social Movements [https://medium.com/national-center-for-institutional-diversity/the-revolution-will-not-be-televised-it-will-go-viral-ec6bea5ded81].  Spark: Elevating Scholarship on Social Issues, The Online Magazine of the National Center for Institutional Diversity.  Ann Arbor, MI.

Jones, L. M., Veinot, T.C., Pressler, S. J., Coleman-Burns, P.W., McCall, A.M. (2017). Exploring predictors of information use among Midwestern African American women with hypertension”. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health (JOIH), pp. 1-8. DOI 10.1007/s10903-017-0573-9.

Jones, L. M.; Fernandez, D.; McCall, A. M.; Coleman-Burns, P. W. (2014). Illness representation among African Americans with hypertension: Current recommendations and future research.  Submitted to special Issue of Health Disparities, “Disparities in Cardiovascular Health: Examining the Contributions of Social and Behavioral Factors”. (Submitted July 2014.)

Jones, L. M., Pressler, S., Seng, J., Coleman-Burns, P. W., McCall, A. M., & Veinot, T. (2014). Internet Health Information Seeking: An Integrative Review of the Literature. Western Journal of Nursing Research.  Under review.

Lehto, R.H., Song, L., Stein, K.F., & Coleman-Burns, P. (2010). Factors influencing prostate cancer screening behavior in African American men. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 32, 779-793. Impact Factor: 1.09.

Coleman-Burns, PW. (2004). Benkert, R.; Pohl, J.; & Coleman-Burns, P. Creating Cross-Racial Primary Care Relationships in a Nurse-Managed Center, Journal of Cultural Diversity, 11 (3), 88-99, 2004.

Coleman-Burns, PW. (2002, November). Identifying and Celebrating the Diversity Within the African American Community. In Center for Cross-Cultural Health, Healthy Communities: Embracing Cultures, Changing Systems Conference 2002, Minnetonka, Minnesota. Retrieved May 15, 2003, from The Center for Cross Cultural Health Web site: http:/?/?www.crosshealth.com/?African%20American%20presentation.ppt.

Coleman-Burns, PW. & Whitelocke, Anu. (2002, October). Creating an Atmosphere for Successful Multicultural Student-Centered Learning. Poster Sessions presented at the Diversity & Learning: Education for A World Lived In Common, Association of American Colleges and Universities, St. Louis, Missouri.

Scisney-Matlock, M., Algase, D., Boehm, S., Coleman-Burns, P., Oakley, D., Yeo, S. A., et al. (2000). Measuring behavior:  Electronic devices in nursing studies. Applied Nursing Research, 13(2), 97-102.

Coleman-Burns, P., & Edwards, G. (1997). A Culturally Sensitive Approach to Patient Care, Part II: Caring for Asian Indian Patients. Practical Diabetology, 16(3), 11-14.

Edwards, G., & Coleman-Burns, PW. (1996). A culturally sensitive approach to patient care, Part 1: Caring for African-American patients. Practical Diabetology, 15(3), 4-9.

Boehm, S.; Coleman-Burns, P.; Schlenk, E; Powell., I, & Parzuchowski, J. (1995). Prostate Cancer in African American Men:  Increasing Knowledge and Self-Efficacy. Journal Of Community Health, 12(3), 161-169.

Coleman-Burns, P. (1995). Anita Hill and the rhetoric of race, gender, and class–The scapegoat and the sacrificial lamb! In G. Smitherman (Ed.), African American women speak out on Anita Hill-Clarence Thomas (pp. 53-74). Detroit, MI: African American Life Series, Wayne State University Press.

Boehm, S.; Coleman-Burns, P.; Christiansen, M.; and Leverett L. (1994-95).  The Tuberculosis Patient: Partner in Healing.  Chapel Hill:  Health Sciences Consortium.

Coleman-Burns, PW. (Speaker). (1994). Mentoring For Ourselves and Our Sisters [VHS Recording] (http://www.msu.edu/~wrc/res/video.htm#qaa). East Lansing, MI: Michigan Network of Women’s Centers conference, The MSU Women’s Resource Center video library.

Coleman-Burns, PW. (1993). The Revolution Within: Transforming Ourselves. In J. James & R. Farmer (Eds.), Spirit, Space and Survival: African American Women in (White) Academe (pp. 139-157). New York: Routledge.

Coleman-Burns, P. (1989). African American women in higher education: Education for what? Sex Roles, 21, 145-60.

University Related Presentations: (07/2018).  Speaker/Workshop Facilitator, Ross Summer Connection The University of Michigan Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.

(02/2018).  Panelist, “Black Perspectives Panel”, The Multicultural Pharmacy Student Organization (MPSO).  College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.

(03/2018). Workshop Facilitator, 36th Annual Women of Color Task Force Career Conference, Equity for All: Reclaiming Our Time; Social Justice & leadership: Women of Color at the front, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.

(03/2018). Keynote, “A time to break silence”—“Ain’t I a woman in the age of #MeToo?” 43rd Annual Salute to African American Women —Alpha Phi Alpha Epsilon Chapter, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.

(03/2018). Keynote Speaker, “Without noisy protestation” in the age of ‘Ain’t I a woman’:  A time to break silence”, Willie Hobbs Moore Luncheon, Women in Science and Engineering Program & Center for Engineering Diversity and Outreach, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.

(10/30/2018)  Keynote Speaker and Workshop Facilitator, Exploring Hidden/Unconscious Biases: Steps to Achieving DEI in an Anti-Racist Framework, Rackham Professional and Academic Development, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.

(05/14/2019).  Facilitator, Race equity in health care and beyond, A Day of DEIA Development (DEIA=Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Accessibility), UM Libraries, Ann Arbor MI.

(10/29/2019). Workshop Facilitator, “Advocacy symposium, Redefining leadership” U-M Center for the Education of Women (CEW+), Michigan League, Ann Arbor, MI.

(03/06/2020). Moderator, conference keynote conversation with Dr. Joy DeGruy, and Dr. Julianne Malveaux, “Women on a mission 2.0: Leadership, citizenship & advocacy, 38th annual career conference, The Women of Color Task Force, U-M Center for the Education of Women (CEW+), Michigan League, Ann Arbor, MI.

(03/06/2020). Workshop Facilitator, “Survival tips for women of color in leadership: Women on a mission 2.0: Leadership, citizenship & advocacy, 38th annual career conference”, The Women of Color Task Force, U-M Center for the Education of Women (CEW+), Michigan League, Ann Arbor, MI.

(03/04/2021). Convener. Allyship: Journey to accomplice in anti-racism activism. YoungJu Ryu, Ph.D., U-M LSA Asian Languages and Cultures (co-convener) and Aunrika Tucker-Shabazz, PhD Candidate; Yasamin Kusunoki, PhD, U-M School of Nursing; and, Rushika Patel, PhD, U-M School of Nursing (panelists).  39th Annual WCTF Career Conference March 4, 2021 – March 5, 2021 (Virtual) Defining the new normal: Shaping a post-COVID, anti-racist workplace.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-QaU444ZAw

(04/06/2021).  Second invited plenary speaker Dr. Patricia Coleman-Burns, Ph.D., U-M School of Nursing Assistant Professor Emerita, with Q& A to follow, moderated by Chief Inclusion Officer Rushika Patel, Ph.D.  UMSN Research Day Two Keynote: From Minority to Anti-Racism Nursing Research–One Scholar’s Journey, University of Michigan, School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI.

(05/26/2021).  Invited facilitator, Change it Up! (CiU!) Anti-Black racism T3, Train the trainer: workshop.

Community & Extramural Presentations: (04/2013). Presenter: Healers for Rwanda slide presentation for the community.  St. Matthew A.M.E. Church, Lansing, MI.

(07/2017). Panelist, “Legacy Interview”, Motown Records: Made in Detroit; a three-day symposium on the significance and legacy of Motown Records, sponsored by Plowshares Theatre Company, Michigan State University Detroit Center, Detroit, MI.

(09/2017). Facilitator/Trainer, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Training, The Michigan Branch of the Telluride Association (http://www.telluride-house.com) or Telluride House, Ann Arbor, MI.

(09/2017). Facilitator/Trainer, Social determinants of health & healthcare inequities. Equality or equity?  What difference does it make? Training of physician residents, internal medicine. University of Toledo College of Medicine Toledo, OH.

(11/2017). Facilitator, “Open dialogue with house members about The Loving (movie). The Michigan Branch of the Telluride Association (http://www.telluride-house.com) or Telluride House, Ann Arbor, MI.

(03/2018). Facilitator/Trainer, Diversity Equity and Inclusion training, The Michigan Branch of the Telluride Association (http://www.telluride-house.com) or Telluride House, Ann Arbor, MI.

(05/14/2018). Workshop Presenter, The Deaf Matters conference, Detroit, MI.

(08/28/2018). Panelist, Teaching Academy Boot camp Panel Discussion , Best Practices to Optimize Learning in a Variety of Settings, Facilitator: Dr. Deb Price, Panelists: Dr. Ellie Wagner, Dr. Pat Coleman-Burns, Dr. Michelle Pardee, Dr. Matt Davis, Ann Arbor, MI.(

12/8/2018). Keynote Speaker, How do you know when “enough is enough”, when it’s appropriate to “reclaim our time”, when “Timesup” and to move from social charity service, to advocacy and action.  How do you know what time it is?, Detroit Section – National Council of Negro Women’s 62nd Annual Founder’s Day Luncheon, St. Clair Shores, MI.

(03/23/2019). Keynote Speaker, The College of Health Professions & McAuley School of Nursing!  Build A Boundless Future, Honors Convocation, Detroit, MI.

(04/08/2019). Organizer, Re: Eliminating Health Disparities for African Americans, Alumni Brunch, Ann Arbor MI.

(04/20/2019). Keynote Speaker, “Preserving the Legacy” Inspiring Excellence – Impacting Change – Building the Future”, Mary Mahoney Professional Nurses 95th Anniversary Gala Event, Detroit, MI.

(06/30/2019). Panelist, “James Boggs 100th Birthday Celebration” Inspiring conversations discussing the life and philosophies of James Boggs guided by some of the great minds in academia and activism today.” Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History/Cass Corridor Commons, Detroit, MI.

(10/14/2020 | 05/06/2020). Invited Instructor, African America women’s suffrage movement: “Ain’t I a woman?” Society of Active Retirees, Farmington Hills, MI.  (Postponed due to COVID-19, presented 10/2020).

(01/21/2021). Invited Speaker, Beyond Biden: Moving Towards Collective Liberation”, Suburban Coalition for Collective Liberation, Virtual Conference, Michigan.

(02/05-06/2021). Invited Speaker. “Health Care for Everyone”,   the virtual conference organized by Washtenaw Faces Race, America Without Racism – Making the Vision a Reality:  What we must have in the aftermath of COVID-19, a two-day conference on February 5 and 6, 2021.

(02/23/2021). Invited Panelist, “Conversations on race,” W.E.B. DuBois Symposium on Race. University of Detroit Mercy, Detroit, MI.

(03/10/2021). Invited Speaker. “Should your zip code really be a factor in life and death?” Virtual Brews & Views, League of Women Voters ® of Ann Arbor Area, On-line, Ann Arbor, MI.

(04/06/2021). Invited Facilitator, “April presentation on cultural competence,” Novi Doctors of Physical Therapy, Virtual-Zoom presentation for clinical staff, Novi, Livonia and Detroit, MI.

(05/26/2021). Invited Instructor, A history of two Americas: Leadership from the ”Other” side of the track.”  Society of Active Retirees, Farmington Hills, MI.


Projects:

MIPACT

University Affiliation(s)

University of Michigan

Community and Professional Affiliation(s)

Academic Women's Caucus | Beloved Community Initiative of Farmington Area | Women of Color in Academy Project

Research Area(s)

Health disparities

Grants

  • Principal investigator of: University of Michigan GENESIS Project (Gaining Excellence in Nursing Education: Students Intensifying Scholastics)
  • Principal investigator of: GENESIS: Phase II (Gaining Excellence in Nursing Education: Students Intensifying Scholastics)
  • Principal investigator of: EnAct Two-Week Residential Program: Preparation for Careers in Health and Science for High School Students