Black Churches Support Black Youth
adversity, trauma
Black churches offer programming—including treatment and clinical care, supports, and information—to benefit physical, mental, and civic health (DeKraai et al., Additionally, Black churches routinely encourage and provide space for discussing civic issues and actions, for example, advertising marches and protests or hosting speakers from social service and community agencies (e.g., Brewer et al., Beyond the traditional legacy of advocacy and activism, the critical historical and cultural role Black churches play for developing young people often transcends adversity. Spirituality can be viewed as a coping mechanism for all people, but African Americans are more likely to endorse the use of spiritual coping behaviors (e.g., praying, attending church services), especially for dealing with racism, chronic poverty, violence, health issues, and trauma. During times of distress, youth of color relied on prayer and “faith talk” to deepen connection with and trust in a higher being to see them through (Dill, 