Nancy Boyd-Franklin, Ph.D. Rutgers University Email: boydfrank@aol

1. 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

2. Religious Diversity Among African Americans • Baptist, • African Methodist Episcopal (AME) • Methodist • Episcopalian • Catholic • Church of God in Christ • Seventh Day Adventist • Jehovah’s Witnesses

3. Other Religious Groups • Nation of Islam • Sunni Muslim • Other Muslim Groups • African Religions

4. Religion and Spirituality • 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)

5. Caution: Do not Assume Religious Involvement • 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)

6. Spirituality • Survival Mechanism for African Americans • A way to address and cope with the psychological pain of racism • African Belief system: The psyche and the spirit are one. (Boyd-Franklin, 2003)

7. Church Family • “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

8. Church Family Support * Many African American “Church Families” also have extended family blood ties • Visiting the Sick and Homebound • The Prayer List • Elder “Prayer Warriors” • Transportation to Services • Senior Activities • Emotional, Spiritual and Instrumental support • Respite Care

9. Resilience of African Americans in the Face of Disaster, Trauma & Racism • 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? • How have you dealt with racism in the past? • Role of Religion and Spirituality (Boyd-Franklin, 2008; Boyd-Franklin,2009)

10. Spirituality: Coping with Trauma • SOME AFRICAN AMERICANS WILL USE SPIRITUAL REFERENCES AND METAPHORS IN THERAPY • Importance in African American families • Ask about spiritual beliefs • Help to cope with trauma and loss • Instilling a sense of hope • Spiritual resilience • NOTE: THESE BELIEFS MAY NOT BE PRESENT IN ALL AFRICAN AMERICANS (Boyd-Franklin, 2008; Boyd-Franklin, 2009)

11. Issues of Death, Dying and Traumatic Loss for African Americans • Painful History of Loss • Traumatic Loss and Sudden Death • Violence in so many communities • Spirituality as a comfort • Healing • Support from the “Church Family”

12. Role of the Funeral in Healing from Loss &Trauma • The Funeral has a very central role in African American culture • Very traumatic after Katrina that survivors could not bury their dead • Highly emotional service • Celebration of the Life • “Homegoing” Service (Boyd-Franklin, 2009)

13. Cultural Insensitivity Regarding Issues of Death and the Funeral • 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)

14. Therapeutic Benefits of a Memorial Service • 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

15. Spirituality: Coping with Trauma • Importance in African American families • Ask about spiritual beliefs • Helps to cope with trauma and loss • Use of spiritual metaphors • Instilling a sense of hope • Spiritual resilience

16. Core Beliefs for Overcoming Adversity • “I’m so glad trouble don’t last always” (Gospel song) • “It looks bad right now, but remember, this too shall pass.”

17. Resilience Themes in Hymns and Spirituals • “There is a balm in Gilead, to make the wounded whole. There is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick 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)

18. Biblical Passages for Times of Trouble • “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)

19. Resilience & Spiritual Messages after Trauma • 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

20. Reaching Out to Black Churches • Importance of establishing relationships with Black churches in the community prior to a disaster • Identify African Americans, who can introduce you to their pastors and their church families

21. Mental Health Partnerships with Black Churches During Times of Trauma • 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

22. Houston Example After Katrina • 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

23. Black Churches as Relocation Resources • 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)

24. Role of Religion and Spirituality in Healing Trauma • 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)

25. Strength-Based African American Spiritual Beliefs • 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

26. Testimony Therapy • 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)

27. Normalize Feelings • 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”

28. Testimony of Triumphs Over Past Disasters, Traumas and Racism • Ask about experiences in the past where the person has overcome trauma, extreme loss, or racism • Explore the factors that helped the person to overcome • Validate that those strengths are within the person

29. Spirituality and Church Support in Healing Community Trauma • 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

30. Healing Community Trauma: Case Example • 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

31. Partnership between Church and Mental Health • Crisis Counseling: Minister met with school officials and mental health providers to intervene in the community & the school • Funeral: very emotional • Minister at altar call asked all the young people to come forward & pledge to stop the violence • Turn in Weapons

32. Further Community Healing • Minister called for Gang Summit • Worked with Mental Health Providers to offer family therapy to mother and other relatives • Teacher at school and youth minister helped the youth to develop a memorial service and video remembrance

33. Mother contributes to community healing • Gang Summit • V Free (Stop the Violence) walk • Foundation and scholarship through Church in son’s name • Ministry to other families affected by community violence • Mental Health Providers actively involved in this partnership

34. Mental Health Providers • 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