Expression of grief: African American perspective. (Based on a presentation by Reverend Khadijah Matin, MS)


History and culture. African Americans have a story to tell. Their history is unique and imbued with a rich cultural heritage that remains despite transplantation to the Americas. They need to be aware of this and find ways to retain those traditions that inspire and contribute to long life. The strength of the African American cultural heri- tage is reflected in the endurance of some ancient cultural patterns, the re-interpretation of others, and the adaptation of even more. Fortitude was born of the multiple experi- ences of the African American people. Their experiences range from those of slaves to free-born persons arriving as workers in the United States, many of whom migrated from the South to northern cities. The diversity of occupations includes trades people, farmers, homesteaders, military personnel, and professionals; that contributes to the diversity within the African American community.


The history of the African American family is the story of a struggle to rebuild stable fam- ily institutions and fill the emotional, cultural, and spiritual voids that were the legacy of slavery. African culture has helped shape family patterns in language, music, art, housing, dance, traditional religion and healing practices, and other faith-based activities. Some of the most influential values in this culture include strong kinship bonds, work orientation, and adaptability of family roles. There are various forms or definitions of extended family and who is included, reflecting the influence of African, European, Native American, and Caribbean heritages and the associated political and economic dynamics.


Spirituality is often at the center of how an African American family deals with the tragedy of infant death and this loss. This spirituality may not be associated with church attendance but with a belief in a higher power. For many African Americans, the place of worship serves as the center of community life. African American congregations constitute a network of sub-communities within the larger, secular world. The religious community may be Christian, interfaith, Moslem, Buddhist, Hindu, traditional African (e.g., Akan or Yoruba), or politically based. All offer refuge, connection, resources, and the strength to cope with death and remember the “missing” member of the family.


Multiple manifestations of racism have been another stressor throughout the lives of African Americans. Social injustice (e.g., inequality in healthcare), societal inconsis- tency, and the feeling of personal impotence are part of their daily existence. All of these factors affect the individual’s grief response, utilization of resources, and feeling of trust in/distrust of service providers.


Sharing bereavement experiences. Interview with an African American social worker. As African Americans, we are often able to better cope with miscarriage, abortion, and infant death because we try not to exer- cise or wallow in “blame”—the loss of a baby is generally not seen as an opportunity to sue someone, but in most cases viewed as God’s will. Though devastated, we see the death as part of the cycle of life. The stillborn is delivered and named, as if he or she had a life, and then buried. Often, the mother will try to get pregnant soon after. Moving on, moving on, because the family must survive and we gotta keep the job…demands that we move on. We may be quiet, and only share with a small circle. No explanations are given—we can’t afford to stop living. ’Go on, move forward girl, it’s a natural life cycle. It’s not a cause to stop breathing.


8 VOICES FROM THE COMMUNITY: CROSS CULTURAL EXPRESSIONS OF GRIEF AT THE LOSS OF AN INFANT


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