Part 1 : Destruction of the Black Family
The breakdown of the traditional African American family unit is a complicated problem that has its origins in both historical and contemporary forms of oppression.
The legacy of slavery, which broke up families and prevented enslaved people from having the opportunity to build secure familial relationships, is one of the primary factors that contributes to this issue. Following the abolition of slavery, many African American families were further torn apart by discriminatory housing policies and employment discrimination, which limited economic opportunities and forced many Black families to live in overcrowded, underfunded inner-city neighborhoods. This occurred long after the institution of slavery had been abolished.
Another big aspect is the widespread imprisonment of African American men, which has wreaked havoc on the lives of black families and is a contributor to the problem. The so-called “war on drugs” and other aspects of the criminal justice system have unfairly targeted black neighborhoods, which has led to a disproportionate number of black males being detained. This has caused a domino effect on the structure of families, as a result of which many Black children do not have their biological fathers present during their childhood.
In addition, factors such as a lack of access to education and healthcare, as well as widespread poverty, have all played significant roles in the breakdown of the traditional African American family. These problems frequently overlap with one another and have the potential to trap black families in a vicious cycle of impoverishment and instability.
It is also essential to highlight that racism and other forms of discrimination have a significant influence on the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of African Americans, which can also contribute to the breakdown of the traditional African American family unit.
It is imperative that the underlying reasons of this problem be addressed, as well as the implementation of policies that provide Black communities with greater access to economic opportunity, educational resources, and healthcare services. In addition, we have a responsibility to strive toward removing the racist and discriminatory structures that continue to bedevil African-American families in today’s society.
