In the United States, Black women have addressed different intersecting forms of oppression such as racial and gender issues and they have an enormous role in the outcome of mental and physical health disparities such as elevated cortisol levels, chronic illness, emotional disorders, and social problems. Spirituality has always been a great source of healing for Black women and their lives.
Spiritual traditions, practices and a sense of togetherness have led to ways out of conflict, including overcoming difficulty, and finding hope. The importance of spirituality in the health of Black women emphasizes the need for culturally rooted models to provide care for healing and mental health. African slaves brought with them religious practices based on community, sacred respect for the dead, and belief in God. These beliefs, in fact, spread during slavery in the United States and intertwined with Christianity to worship, becoming the bedrock of many African American spiritual practices. Spirituality became vital to survive. By praying and worshiping over communal gatherings, enslaved people constructed places where it is possible to practice hope against the dark environment in which they were forced into and these practices have been passed down from generation to generation.
Participation in religious and spiritual practices such as Christianity, Islam, Yoruba/Ifa traditions, Santeria, Buddhism, Voodoo, as well as practices like yoga, meditation, holistic wellness, helps Black women cultivate belonging and community that is essential to emotional and psychological wellness. A community-centered approach to worship, grounded in spiritual oneness and equality, provides relief in times of need. Collective worship supports and reassures Black women fostering connection and shared strength. Through spiritual practices such as prayer, reflection, and meditation, Black women ground themselves and find strength.
Prayer is one of the first and foremost coping strategies reported for Black women and, particularly, during tough times of stress and/or instability. Religious coping provides a way for people to endure hardship. Common spiritual experiences help to support cultural customs, and to strengthen communal ties. When people congregate in religious spaces, they go through a process of healing that restores their wellbeing. Black women see challenges as part of a larger narrative of progress or direction. Spiritual beliefs may provide strength, inspiration, motivation and consolation for people experiencing systemic obstacles and discrimination. In addition to this, spirituality contributes to the very foundation of identity and self-esteem. Spiritual traditions can also strengthen feelings of dignity, self-worth and meaning. For Black women, their spiritual identity provides them with a sense of strength and validation.
By anchoring oneself in spiritual beliefs and cultural traditions, people might gain a great deal of power over themselves, as well as an increased sense of resilience. Recognition of the significance that spirituality has for mental health and health-related practices is a timely step. Systemic racism and unequal treatment have historically bred distrust of health institutions among Black communities. Mental health professionals serving Black women can take notice of this and recognize spirituality as a potential strength for healing.
Combining spiritual practices with wellness models supports Black women and their mind, body and spirit. Seeing spirituality as a vital aspect of wellness will allow healthcare providers to create an environment that makes them feel safe. Black women draw strength from prayer, collective worship, and rooted spiritual experiences to maintain their resilience and emotional wellness in the face of systems of oppression. Spirituality helps us to navigate adversity, it is also a source of hope, identity and empowerment. We recognize the centrality of spirituality in the lives of Black women in order to practice holistic and culturally competent healing.
References
Baker, B. A., & Badio, K. (n.d.). Black matrescence and maternal suicide: Breaking the silence for Black mothers. PsychDiscourse. https://www.psychdiscourse.com/blackmatresenceandmaternalsuicide/
Jeanelle, T. (n.d.). Girls trip sisterhood prayer circle + cozy cabin retreat [Photograph]. Pinterest. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/704109723037149563/
Prieto, L. (n.d.). “Cultivating a heart of love” by Sole’ (Aja Shah) [Photograph]. Pinterest. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/280208408061679320/
