Strengths of the African American Family

As opposed to so many negatives we hear regarding the African American family, there are actually many positives that are often overlooked and diminished. The African American community/family is composed of a people of strong faith. This is highly regarded in their culture, a place to go for support and encouragement and yes, even correction. With only 2% of psychologists being African American, I think it is important that the community has a support system within their church to guide, lead and give direction.

I also see the African American female as being a strong support and a truly positive for the African American family.  Due to the overwhelming incarceration rate and absence of the male leadership, the role of female is critically important. She strives to teach, instruct and give her family guidance. With a healthy and positive self-esteem, these women are able to impact their family and community in a critical way.

Mentoring programs would be a crucial way to allow the black family to have more support and guidance/direction. The church, with it's integral role in the African American family, could provide mentoring and teaching for young black males to have the values and insight they need to become strong role models for their siblings, peers, and younger counterparts. This would allow the family to become stronger as we grab these young men at an early age and give them role models to look up to. By providing the tools these young men need to be successful, they can make the family even stronger.

One of the programs, Center for Family Research, Strong African American Families Program, is working with young children thru adults to strengthen and support the African American Family. http://www.cfr.uga.edu/projects