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From slavery and segregation, to the social and political oppression that it resulted in, the history of African Americans has not been blissful. African Americans have been facing discrimination, oppression and marginalization for hundreds of years. This being said, a stigma has been created, and it still remains.
It is present in the media, exhibited daily on social media and even present throughout the legal system. The news has a track record of taking the same crimes done by white and black people and representing these people differently. Social media participation also displays the racist and discriminatory practices. Even courts have a way of demonstrating bias by charging young African American boys and girls as adults. Due to the unrest that has been experienced, sources of cohesion, sources of identity and strength, and sources of positive coping are necessary. African American communities are brought together and empowered by spirituality, bonds held between family and kin, and social advocacy groups and movements. |
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The black Church A connection with the Christian religion, spirituality, faith and God for African Americans began in the 1700s in America. Throughout history, even 100s of years later, religion and being a member of the church has assisted in empowering the African American community by providing ideas of hope, strength and salvation. The church has been an epicenter for members of the community to become engaged in their surroundings, by providing programs and activities for youth and adults and has provided a place of peace. The church has been a place for the community to gather, discuss hot topics and to ask for guidance. The church empowers its members and the community by coming together.
During the Civil Rights Movement, the church played a big role in the life of an African American. The church provided an environment that was free of racism. People were able to talk about the issues and organize community outreach programs and advocacy programs. The church was a safe haven from intolerance. Church involvement improves lives and brings together the black community through providing leadership, programs and resources and a positive influence. Not only do churches assist families with food, but programs are created for children and adolescents to provide them with knowledge, spirituality and empowerment. Research shows that those who attend church have a better likelihood of taking care of their health. Even being involved in the choir or as a church volunteer can be a source of identity and that creates cohesion. Overall, the church provides not only a place of worship, but a place of support and empowerment which is why it provides cohesion and is a strength of the African American community. Spirituality and faith help people cope and get through hard times. |
Family and kin
Solidarity and support can be found in the African American family. Sometimes the primary caregiver is not necessarily the mother or father. A lot of the time, grandparents, god parents and family friends that go by aunt and uncle end up being the parental figures in one’s life. Close relationships with a caregiver creates a strong bond for life. These influences in one’s life can create a social support system.
Holidays and life events have strong traditions tied to them due to the culture, which is another factor of cohesion and a strength for the African American community. Family reunions bring together close and distant family and represent one of the many traditions that are held near and dear to the members of the African American community. Extended family means a lot so holidays, annual family reunions and other life events really bring the families back together. Bonsondo Bayindu, who was actually born in Michigan, shared that, “My extended family is just as close and important to me as my nuclear family… it gives a sense of unity.”
Holidays and life events have strong traditions tied to them due to the culture, which is another factor of cohesion and a strength for the African American community. Family reunions bring together close and distant family and represent one of the many traditions that are held near and dear to the members of the African American community. Extended family means a lot so holidays, annual family reunions and other life events really bring the families back together. Bonsondo Bayindu, who was actually born in Michigan, shared that, “My extended family is just as close and important to me as my nuclear family… it gives a sense of unity.”
Social Advocacy groups and Activism
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By bringing awareness to the public eye, fighting for one’s rights and making an impact, advocacy groups and social movements are a source of strength, cohesion and identity. The Civil Rights Movement was fueled by boycotts, protests, marches, speeches and other forms of eye-opening techniques to promote social advocacy for the African American community. The March on Washington, the Selma to Montgomery March and the Million Man Marches raise awareness of social, political and economic challenges and provide unity.
Groups like the Black Panthers and the Dream Defenders have created promotion of social advocacy. The Black Panthers, even though described as militant, were fueled by Malcom X’s practices and wanted equality for all minorities, genders and beneficial programs and services for the community. The Dream Defenders advocate for the liberation from capitalism, world peace and to support and protect vulnerable populations from oppression. More recently, a movement has begun that is known as the ‘hashtag movement’. Black Lives Matter became very popular after the incident in Ferguson and remains to impact people and to appear in headlines. The goal of the Black Lives Matter movement is to provide freedom and justice for the black community and this is just part of what they do. Black Lives Matter supports globalization, diversity, restorative justice, black women’s movements, being “unapologetically black”, loving engagements and many other political and social ideologies that can be viewed here. Their impact is known, most people have heard of this group. They make their presence known at presidential rallies, protests, days of action and educational events. Being a part of a groups like these, or even witnessing a movement occurring, can spark inspiration and provide hope. Social advocacy groups and movements create a unifying factor that provides strength and identity. |