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Literature Review

     The main focus of this project is the "Strong Black Woman" (SBW) schema and the negative effects it imposes on the mental health of Black Women. The "Strong Black Woman" narrative and characteristics include both positive and negative representations of African American Women.  As a result, of all of the trials and tribulations, Black Women have faced throughout history and continue to face, present-day, Black Women have learned to embrace the "Strong Black Woman" narrative. The "Strong Black Woman" narrative has it's origins back in the days of slavery. During the time of slavery, the SBW was developed as a coping mechanism for Black Women who were oppressed and forced into strong, less traditional feminine roles. Therefore, Black Women were forced to do more masculine jobs rather than fulfilling the traditional role of being a home-maker. The SBW prides herself as being a superwoman in an attempt to cope with the issues of first being Black and then being a woman. Therefore, Black Women are forced to endure both racism and sexism. Black Women are forced to endure sexism from society, within their communities, and even in their own homes. Black Women especially have to often face sexism in their romantic relationships. Not only this, but Black Women are also expected to endure these challenges with grace and without complaints. With this being said, it is looked down upon for Black Women to express when they are feeling overwhelmed or when they feel their mental health is being affected. This also goes along with the cultural stigma that surrounds the topic of mental health within the Black Community. Stigma is defined as an attribute that conveys devalued stereotypes (Claire 2018). African American Women become stronger when they practice self-care and help-seeking behaviors. This is the idea that Sista's Serenity is trying to promote. With the help of Sista's Serenity and other positive mental health programs for Black Women, Black Women can then begin to truly become strong.

Resources

Bailey, Verinique, "STRONGER: AN EXAMINATION OF THE EFFECTS OF THE STRONG BLACK WOMAN NARRATIVE THROUGH         
THE  LIFESPAN OF AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN." Thesis, Georgia State University, 2018.          https://scholarworks.gsu.edu/communication_theses/119
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​Clair, M. (2018). Stigma. Forthcoming in Core Concepts in Sociolog. Retrieved from https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/matthewclair/files/stigma_finaldraft.pdf
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