The Role of Religion and Spirituality in the Resilience and Healing of African
Americans in Times of Trauma
Nancy Boyd-Franklin, Ph.D.
Rutgers University
Email: boydfrank@aol.com
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Religious Diversity Among
African Americans
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Baptist,
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African Methodist Episcopal (AME)
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Methodist
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Episcopalian
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Catholic
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Church of God in Christ
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Seventh Day Adventist
Jehovah’s Witnesses
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Nation of Islam
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Sunni Muslim
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Other Muslim Groups
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African Religions
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Diversity of Experiences
Do not assume a religious affiliation or belief system
The importance of the “Church Family”
The difference between religion and spirituality
ROLE OF BLACK CHURCHES IN
Trauma RESPONSE (will be discussed below).
(Boyd-Franklin, 2003)
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Many African Americans are not Church
Involved
Adolescents are often in rebellion against their parents’ beliefs
Spirituality vs. Religion
Many African Americans have a deep spirituality (i.e. belief in God)
Others may not be spiritual or religious
(Boyd-Franklin, 2003)
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Survival Mechanism for African
Americans
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A way to address and cope with the psychological pain of racism
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African Belief system: The psyche and the spirit are one.
(Boyd-Franklin, 2003)
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“Church Home”
Minister, Minister’s Wife
Deacons, Deaconesses
Sunday School
Close Members of the Congregation
Day Care & Schools
Benevolent Fund
Help & Support in times of trauma
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*
Many African American “Church Families” also have extended family blood ties
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Visiting the Sick and Homebound
The Prayer List
Elder “Prayer Warriors”
Transportation to Services
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Senior Activities
Emotional, Spiritual and Instrumental support
Respite Care
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Historic resilience of Black People
Survival Skills
“This is not our first disaster and it won’t be our last.”
Strengths
How have you overcome traumatic experiences in the past?
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How have you dealt with racism in the past?
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Role of Religion and Spirituality
(Boyd-Franklin, 2008; Boyd-Franklin,2009)
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SOME AFRICAN AMERICANS WILL USE
SPIRITUAL REFERENCES AND
METAPHORS IN THERAPY
Importance in African American families
Ask about spiritual beliefs
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Help to cope with trauma and loss
Instilling a sense of hope
Spiritual resilience
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NOTE: THESE BELIEFS MAY NOT BE
PRESENT IN ALL AFRICAN AMERICANS
(Boyd-Franklin, 2008; Boyd-Franklin, 2009)
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Painful History of Loss
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Traumatic Loss and Sudden Death
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Violence in so many communities
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Spirituality as a comfort
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Healing
Support from the “Church Family”
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Role of the Funeral in
Healing from Loss
&Trauma
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The Funeral has a very central role in African American culture
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Very traumatic after Katrina that survivors could not bury their dead
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Highly emotional service
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Celebration of the Life
“Homegoing” Service
(Boyd-Franklin, 2009)
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Cultural Insensitivity
Regarding Issues of Death and the Funeral
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After Hurricane Katrina, many first responders, including mental health responders, did not understand the importance of respect for the dead & the funeral in African American families.
“Ignore the dead; we want the living” – insensitive messages
(Dass-Brailsford, 2006)
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There are circumstances where a body is never recovered
For some African American families, a memorial service can be very therapeutic
Family therapy sessions- Plan the
Memorial
Family and friends have an opportunity to share their memories of the deceased
Postpone the funeral or memorial service sometimes for a week or more in order for the extended family members to arrive
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Importance in African American families
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Ask about spiritual beliefs
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Helps to cope with trauma and loss
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Use of spiritual metaphors
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Instilling a sense of hope
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Spiritual resilience
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“I’m so glad trouble don’t last always” (Gospel song)
“It looks bad right now, but remember, this too shall pass.”
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“There is a balm in Gilead, to make the wounded whole. There is a balm in Gilead to heal the sinsick soul.”(Hymn).
“I shall not, I shall not be moved, Just like a tree, planted by the waters, I shall not be moved.”
“After you’ve done all you can, you just stand and let God see you through” (Gospel song).
“Walk together children, don’t get weary;There’s a great camp meeting in the
Promised Land
“Precious Lord, take my hand”
“Amazing Grace” (Mitchell & Lewter, 1986
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“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians
4:13).
“Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me.”
(Psalm 23)
“Weeping may endure for a night , but joy cometh in the morning”
(Psalm 30:5)
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God will see you through
Thus far by faith
African Americans are not strangers to hardship, trauma and disaster
Perseverance
Healing
Forgiveness
Faith and Hope
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Reaching Out to Black
Churches
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Importance of establishing relationships with Black churches in the community prior to a disaster
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Identify African Americans, who can introduce you to their pastors and their church families
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Mental Health Partnerships with Black Churches During
Times of Trauma
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Black Churches are a natural base for Mental Health interventions in the African American community
Connections should be made prior to the disaster
Trust in the Community
Minimize fear and suspicion
Familiar “Church home” for children, adults and families
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African American Psychologist went to
Houston to the Astrodome after Katrina
Thousands of people in this massive shelter
Red Cross responders overwhelmed
Through his minister contacted local
Black Church
Ministers & Church Family Members came
Choir sang-lifted the spirit of everyone
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Black Churches as
Relocation Resources
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Help families find Black church families of the same denomination in the new location
Culturally and spiritually familiar surroundings during a disruptive period
Many church families have
“adopted” families
(Boyd-Franklin, 2009)
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Role of Religion and
Spirituality in Healing
Trauma
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Faith, hope and charity
The power of prayer
Some African Americans may ask you to pray with them during times of disaster, death, trauma and loss
Follow the client and family’s lead
DO NOT IMPOSE YOUR OWN
SPIRITUAL BELIEFS OR PRACTICES
ON THE CLIENT OR FAMILY
(Boyd-Franklin, 2009)
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Strength-Based African
American Spiritual Beliefs
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DO NOT ASSUME THESE BELIEFS.
“God is good all the time”
“God will hold your hand as you run this race.”
“God is in charge.”
“God can do anything but fail”
Mitchell and Lewter, 1986
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Dr. Makungu Akinyela
Oral tradition
Church Tradition of giving “Testimony”
“We shall overcome”
Sharing Triumph over Adversity
“God saw me through.”
Validate: “You have a very powerful testimony. Share it with others.”
Overcoming disasters, trauma and racism
(Akinyela, 2007; Boyd-Franklin, 2009)
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African Americans have a cultural need to “be strong”
Tears may be considered weakness
Reframe as “tears of strength” or
“tears of love” or “tears of strength and love”
Normalize feelings
“You are a survivor”
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Ask about experiences in the past where the person has overcome trauma, extreme loss, or racism
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Explore the factors that helped the person to overcome
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Validate that those strengths are within the person
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Spirituality and Church
Support in Healing
Community Trauma
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Important support system in times of disaster
Healing Community Trauma
Even for those who are not religious, Black churches are often a focus point in communities
For activism, advocacy
Respected Leadership in Times of
Trouble
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Random violence: shooting of 17 year old African American young man.
“Good Kid”
Victim of Gang Violence
Rushed to hospital
Mother called her minister
Prayed with her as her son died
Mother begged sons’ friends to
“stop the violence” & not retaliate
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Partnership between
Church and Mental Health
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Crisis Counseling: Minister met with school officials and mental health providers to intervene in the community & the school
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Funeral: very emotional
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Minister at altar call asked all the young people to come forward & pledge to stop the violence
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Turn in Weapons
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Minister called for Gang Summit
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Worked with Mental Health
Providers to offer family therapy to mother and other relatives
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Teacher at school and youth minister helped the youth to develop a memorial service and video remembrance
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Gang Summit
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V Free (Stop the Violence) walk
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Foundation and scholarship through Church in son’s name
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Ministry to other families affected by community violence
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Mental Health Providers actively involved in this partnership
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Don’t be alone
Reach out to other supports in the community
Try to have a member of the African
American community introduce you to key community leaders
Including Ministers
Don’t Wait for a Disaster or Trauma
Build Connections with Black Churches
& Community Organizations now
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