Forms of Loss and the Process of Grieving in the Black Community

Personal experience, cultural traditions, historical trauma, and ongoing structural inequalities often shape loss and grief in the Black community. Beyond individual grief, forms of loss include racial violence, displacement, or health disparities. These complex losses influence how grief is expressed, processed, and supported in families and communities. Understanding the grieving process in this context requires attention to cultural practices, resilience strategies, and community healing. Exploring these dynamics may help develop more responsive mental health frameworks, social systems, and policies that effectively support the Black community. Forms of Loss and the Process of Grieving in the Black Community explores grief and loss within the Black population. It examines current societal challenges, mental health services, family dynamics, and systemic oppressions which affect the grieving process for Black individuals. This book covers topics such as family studies, government and law, and incarceration, and is a useful resource for sociologists, policymakers, academicians, researchers, and scientists.

Christian Henry is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), professor, speaker, consultant, researcher, author, and advocate. Due to being a first-generation college student, Dr. Henry was an active member of TRIO Upward Bound. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in psychology, master’s degree in counseling, and doctoral degree of philosophy in counselor education and supervision from Texas A&M University-Commerce (TAMU-C), now known as East Texas A&M University (ETAMU). Dr. Henry is also a tenure track assistant professor at ETAMU. She has worked with children and families for several years in a clinical setting. Her theoretical orientation is Adlerian in which she believes that social engagement contributes to an individual perception related to a sense of belonging in society and the ability to overcome feelings of inferiority. She has experience in working with geriatrics, adults, adolescents, and children. She has conducted both individual and group therapy in which she believes both types of therapy are beneficial in their own way. Dr. Henry implements her passion for social justice, multiculturalism, and equality through her leadership roles. She served as the 2020-21 Treasurer of Counselors for Social Justice at Texas Counselors Association, and the 2020-21 Founder and President of East Texas A&M University's chapter of Counselors for Social Justice. ​ Alongside being a woman of many roles, Dr. Henry has been highly recognized for her contributions to the counseling profession and her general services, including but not limited to, being the recipient of awards such as the MLK Humanitarian and Social Justice award, the Annual Janet Peek and Ann Champion Women of Distinction and Honor award, and the honoree of the 100 most Influential African Americans of Hunt/Hopkins County to name a few. Dr. Henry was a candidate elect for Commerce ISD School Board Place 2 in 2024. Further, she enjoys being active in organizations such as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the National Association of the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Texas Counseling Association (TCA), and the Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education (TABPHE). Dr. Henry broke history when she became the first African American doctor under the age of 30 years old that graduated from her hometown college, Texas A&M University – Commerce, while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Dr. Henry's research mainly focus on the mental health challenges that the Black community faces that potentially increases anxiety, distress, grief/loss, identity issues, and trauma.

LaVelle Hendricks is a Professor and former Department Head of Counseling at East Texas A&M University. He has served in many leadership positions in Counseling, mental health, and in the field of drug and alcohol addiction. He has served on the Texas Certification Board of Addiction Professional, Past President of Texas Council of Faculty Senates, and currently a trustee on the Commerce Independent School Board. He is a licensed chemical dependency counselor. His teaching and research have been throughout the United States, areas of Asia, Europe, North America, Central America, Middle East. He is a sought-out presenter to children and adults as it relates to how drugs and alcohol impacts the mind and body. Dr. Hendricks currently serves as President of The Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education. His chief aim in life is to see individuals and families set free from the addictive disorder of drugs and alcohol. He was recently given “The Lifetime Achievement Award for Service” for his work in the field of addiction by Commerce Chapter of Texas Association of Addictions Professionals. He has edited and co-edited educational books on the future of higher education. Some of his co-edited books include The Future of Black Leadership in Higher Education: Firsthand Experiences and Global Impact (2022); and Changing the Stigma of Mental Health Among African Americans: Moving from Denial to Acceptance (2023). Our most recent co-edited book titled Hispanic Leadership in Higher Education is scheduled for release in Fall 2024. In addition to the co-edited books, Dr. Hendricks is also a published author of several children’s books. His children’s books include Stan the Can Has No Magic: An education way to learn about the impact of alcohol use the road to recovery; Big Momma’s Treasure: Big Momma Didn’t Raise No Thug; and Domestic Violence: Smiling Faces Don’t Always Tell the Truth.

Dimitra J. Smith , Ph.D., LCDCI, is a Professor and former Department Head in the Department of Higher Education and Learning Technologies. She is currently the Doctoral Coordinator of the Higher Education Program at East Texas A&M University. She is also a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor - Intern (LCDC-I). Dr. Dimitra Smith is a sought-out presenter for her experience and expertise in leadership, career fulfilment, and Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) education and preparation. She has presented at numerous regional, national, and international conferences, and events. As PI, Dr. Smith recently received a USDA grant for $500,000 to explore the experiences of underrepresented beginning farmers. She has also written and published in major peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Smith is also a children’s book author and has written several books focused on educating children on STEAM related careers and opportunities. She has edited and co-edited educational books on the future of higher education. Some of her co-edited books include, The Future of Black Leadership in Higher Education: Firsthand Experiences and Global Impact (2022); Changing the Stigma of Mental Health Among African Americans: Moving from Denial to Acceptance (2023); Community Colleges and Workforce Preparation in the 21st Century: Emerging Research and Opportunities (2021); Preparing a STEM Workforce through Trough Career-Technical Education (2017); and Examining the Impact of Community Colleges on the Global Workforce (2015). In addition to the co-edited books, Dr. Smith is also a published author of several children’s books. Her children’s books include The Beary STEAM-tastic Adventure; The STEAMflites Save the Day; Teele and Guba’s Exciting Escapades Through STEM; The Best STEAM Career of all Careers; Stan the Can Has No Magic: An education way to learn about the impact of alcohol use the road to recovery; Big Momma’s Treasure: Big Momma Didn’t Raise No Thug; and Domestic Violence: Smiling Faces Don’t Always Tell the