According to the Pew Research Center, the Black population of the United States has grown by almost a third over the past two decades to around 48 million in 2022. Of that number, four in ten live in households headed by married couples, while three in ten are to be found in female-headed homes. Meanwhile, about a third of Black adults (36% of men and 29% of women) are currently married, compared to just over half of the rest of the population.
Beyond the statistics, what are some of the unique strengths, challenges and legacies of the Black family? WayMaker Journal asked five students whose summer business experience included Louis Carr Internship Foundation placements to share some of their insights and experiences.
Raina Ford (19)
Home:Bolingbrook, Illinois
School: Howard University (international business major)
Career plans: An MBA, securing a career in marketing/advertising and growing my company Project I See U
Internship: Publicis Sports, Chicago
The presence of a strong family structure is crucial in the development and well-being of any individual. Specifically for Black communities, the family structure, which is uniquely inclusive of immediate and extended relatives, is considered the backbone for the resiliency, preservation and even financial stability of the family.
Historically having been subjugated to persecution and separation from their biological families, Black slaves were forced, out of obligation, to compose their own family structures.
It is estimated that roughly half of all enslaved people were separated from their families, often forming family ties with other slaves that were not related to them; it is apparent that slaves contributed to the amount of pride and love that many Black people hold for their extended family members as well as those who are not biologically related but considered immediate family members.
Additionally, these historical decisions can be seen playing out in modern times as they challenge the stereotypical “nuclear family” unit.
Because of the inclusion of immediate and extended relatives in the Black family structure, a powerful sense of resilience is present and ever-flourishing. When difficult periods are experienced, the Black family structure is able to rally together and find communal strength to persevere.
Racial economic disparities have been present in the United States since its establishment. The wealth gap between the average white and Black household is about $240,120, according to the Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances.
The tough reality for some Black family structures is that multiple members within the household have to work to keep the family afloat. Even then, maintaining food on the table and a roof over their heads is challenging.
The Black family structure has played a pivotal role in the sustainment and advancement of the Black community in the areas of resilience, preservation and financial stability. Without its presence, the communal aspect of the Black community would not be as prevalent and strong as it is today.
Garrett Jenkins (19)
Home: Pelham, New York
School: University of Michigan (economics major)
Career plans: International sports law attorney
Internship:BET advertising sales, New York City
In the Black community, the family nucleus is not just a social unit but a fundamental component of identity and resilience. From day one, we are taught that our relatives eclipse all else, and this is conveyed through the love we receive from them. When growing up, this tight dynamic is the foundation on which we learn to carry ourselves. Our parents demonstrate tremendous care in hopes that this regard for others is internalized. They also display leadership with intent that those following become guides themselves. Siblings, too, are influential as we practice these traits before entering the real world, replicating behavior observed in the household.
Not only is the Black family structure significant because of the lessons, but this unit also provides cultural sustenance. During my upbringing, my sister and I attended predominately white schools, which implemented variance into our everyday lives. In school, there was a clear shift in behavior, shedding our personas from home until returning later. It was within the household that our authentic selves would emerge when I was surrounded by my people. In a world that could feel alien at times, my family structure allowed me to stay grounded, maintaining my sense of self.
Historically, the Black family structure has persevered in the face of persecution. During slavery, the deliberate interference of the family unit was an intended effort to compromise the Black community. Yet, despite the immense obstacles, Black families have shown their resilience. This persistence is apparent in instances where Black families propel toward success and security. Accomplished Black music groups such as The Isley Brothers, The Jackson 5 and The Clark Sisters have displayed the capacity of familial collaboration to triumph.
Furthermore, along with emotional support, the family structure within the Black community provides support economically during times of misfortune. Life is a combination of ebbs and flows throughout which our wins and losses undulate. While it is up to the individual to ultimately establish themself, when in a rough patch, we band together to uplift one another. This is what has allowed groups to amass fortune for generations, as the success for one is the success of all.
Trinity Miller (21)
Home:Long Island, New York
School: Stony Brook University (double major, mass communications and psychology)
Career plans: Entrepreneur,
marketing director
Internship: BET brand solutions team, New York City
My upbringing, like many others with similar experiences, was profoundly influenced by a resilient Black single mother. A pastor, she embraced a balanced approach to life. While we were actively involved in church, she also dedicated time to teach me important life lessons and be fully present in my daily life. I remember a day when the power went out. Instead of letting it disrupt our routine, we lit candles and cozied up on the laptop to watch our favorite show on Netflix. This experience, like many others, taught me a valuable lesson: struggles and challenges are temporary but love and laughter have the power to endure and guide us through.
Though our family did not adhere to traditional norms, it was within this structure that my identity was forged. The unwavering support from extended family and our church community played a pivotal role, with faith, love and transparency as the pillars defining our lives.
Research by Child Trends highlights that Black children experience a spectrum of family structures, including married, cohabiting, co-parenting and single-parent households. This diversity in family arrangements underscores the Black community’s capacity to derive strength, identity and resilience from its varied forms of family. Black people find family not only through blood relations but also through broader connections within their communities. Communities within communities create a robust network of support and shared identity.
The concept of family within the Black community extends beyond immediate relatives. It includes mentors, friends, neighbors, church members and anybody who collectively contributes to the upbringing and support of one another and their children. This communal approach to family creates a sense of unity and shared responsibility that is vital for the community’s overall well-being.
The strength and resilience of the Black community are deeply rooted in its diverse and adaptive family structures. Whether traditional or nontraditional, these family forms provide a solid foundation for identity, support and success, vividly illustrating that “it takes a village to raise a child.”
This broader understanding of family within the Black community reveals a unique cultural strength that not only inspires but also uplifts us all. Through steadfast faith, enduring love and genuine transparency, Black families embody the essence of a connected and supportive community. They demonstrate how collective effort and shared values weave together to create a tapestry of support and success, reminding us that we are never alone in our journey.
Jasper Mitchell (21)
Home: Chicago
School: Morehouse College (sociology major)
Career plans: PR and media relations in the music industry
Internship: Flowers Communications Agency, Chicago
Throughout American society, the Black population is overwhelmed by the dominating doctrine that the “white way” to do things is the “right way to do things.” With intentional disregard for the barriers put in place, societal perception argues that Black people do not hold familial values.
The assertion that the Black family is inherently dysfunctional is deeply rooted in historical misconceptions and racial bigotry. This narrative has been made tangible by media portrayals, academic discourse and public policies that intentionally ignore the exceptional resilience and advancement of Black families, even in the face of adversity.
The concept of “It Takes a Village” hails from African cultures, embodying a communal approach to family and parenthood. This stands in stark contrast to the American ideal of the nuclear family, which often emphasizes a two-parent household with 2.5 children and a pet. The Black family structure, however, is supported by an extended network of relatives and close family friends, reflecting a broader, more inclusive understanding of family.
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One prevalent myth regarding the Black family structure is the stereotype of absenteeism among Black fathers. The notion that Black fathers are not present in their children’s lives is a widespread fallacy fueled by stigma. Studies have shown that Black fathers, whether they live with their children or not, are often more involved in their children’s lives than fathers of other racial or ethnic groups. Systemic racism and mass incarceration have disproportionately targeted Black men, leading to higher rates of false accusations and wrongful convictions. These factors contribute to the challenges faced by Black families but do not diminish the involvement and commitment of Black fathers.
Another stereotype used to invalidate the Black family is the portrayal of Black mothers as domineering and overly strict. Historically, Black women have been masculinized to devalue their womanhood. In a society that idealizes a heteronormative nuclear family, the depiction of Black fathers as hypermasculine and Black mothers as defeminized serves to undermine the Black family structure. In reality, Black women have been the backbone of their families, balancing work, education and childcare. They have often taken on roles as community leaders, advocating for social justice and providing mentorship. The strength and resilience of Black mothers are not indicators of domineering behavior but rather responses to systemic challenges and a deep commitment to their families’ well-being.
Quonyel Shelton (23)
Home: Louisville, Kentucky
School: Columbia College, Chicago (film and television)
Career plans: Storytelling, digital media and marketing
Internship: Narratent Digital Marketing, Chicago
Religious faith plays a significant role in the Black household and community. It influences daily life and shapes collective experiences. Growing up in a nondenominational church setting, I experienced firsthand how faith impacts family dynamics. The church not only provided spiritual guidance but also offered opportunities for developing skills like hospitality and community service. It played a vital role in providing practical support through community programs, counseling and social services.
Incorporating faith into family life has been crucial to my family’s dynamics. Believing that faith will meet our needs has given us hope, peace and spiritual growth. The church has served as a community hub where we gather for worship, support and social activities, reinforcing our sense of belonging and strengthening family bonds.
Faith also provides a framework for managing adversity. The Black community has historically faced significant societal and economic challenges, including racial discrimination and limited opportunities. In these circumstances, faith offers comfort and strength. Religious practices and community gatherings create spaces for emotional support and collective resilience, helping families stay united and focused on their shared goals.
However, internal divisions and individual pride can limit the Black community’s success. Focusing on collective well-being and overcoming racial barriers, rather than personal gain, is crucial for advancing socially, economically and politically. By uniting and leveraging collective efforts, Black families can amplify their impact. This unity can drive policy changes, foster economic development and overcome racial barriers, highlighting achievements within the community.
The strength of the Black family, supported by faith and shared values, provides a powerful foundation for achieving these goals. Community unity can unlock its full potential, leading to transformative changes that benefit both individual families and the broader community.
Faith plays a central role in reinforcing family bonds and offering support during challenging times. The belief that “the Lord will provide my family’s every need, as long as we follow Him” provides comfort and guidance. By prioritizing communal interests and embracing a collective mindset, the Black community can harness its inherent strengths to achieve greater success and make a lasting impact on society. The integration of family, faith and unity underscores the enduring power and potential of the Black community.
