Knowledge Bank

Limited research investigates how structural and institutional barriers affect Black women's mental health. Further, stereotypes and tropes such as the Angry Black Woman and Strong Black Woman are impactful. Black women's proximity to wellness is largely unknown. Within the category of Black woman, there are a myriad of experiences. This research addresses the multiplicative factors that hinder the mental well-being of Black women and uses Black feminist discourse analysis to consider: 1) what are the societal and historical factors that negatively impact Black women's well-being; 2) where are gaps in knowledge and disconnects surrounding Black women and mental health; 3) how do Black women experience care and representation; 4) what does it mean for Black women to be mentally well — collectively and individually? Through critically acknowledging and tending to how intersecting identities are affected, future research, practice and communities can nourish Black women's mental health.