African Americans

History of African Americans

Numerous ethnic groups come from Africa

Forceful Africans came over to America on the Mayflower

More than 425,000 slaves were brought over

Origins of where they came mainly was lost but main areas were Nigeria.

It was difficult for members of tribes to leave because they felt they lost some identity

Slavery

1807 the end of slave importation

1830’s there was over 300,000 free color people living in urban areas

1862 President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation which freed slaves

Although most stayed in south because of needing employment to gain independence

Less than 2% were literate

Current View

More than ½ of African Americans live in the south

More are moving south than north

1/3 have severe economic constraints

Unemployment is double than whites

In 2000 1 out of 5 black families lived under poverty levels

Still believe they are not completely accepted

Food

Reverence for food

Great pleasure in preparation and consumption

Instinctive cooking

Breakfast, lunch/dinner, dinner/supper

Soul Food

Okra, collard greens, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn bread, black-eyed peas, grits, corn

Creole Food

Jambalaya, gumbo, etoufee, poboys, red beans and rice, muffalletta, seafood (fried catfish, turtle)

Beverages and Snacks

Coffee, coffee, coffee!

Iced tea

Soda (cold drinks)

Koolaid

Alcoholic beverages (beer)

Chips

Cookies

Candies

Ice cream

Boudin

Cracklins

Nutrition in Diet

Potassium

Sodium

Calcium

High Fat and Calorie

Health Problems

Osteoporosis

Obesity

Type II Diabetes

Heart Disease

Saying Hello!

Address formally: “Mrs., Miss, Mr., Doctor”

Handshakes OK

Allow client to choose proximity

Touching is common

Less eye contact when listening

More eye contact when speaking

Engaged speaking – quick response time, lots of gestures

Tips to remember

Some older clients may have limited literacy

Don’t assume that all clients prefer “soul food”

Importance of Family

Family is likely to take precedence over the individual

Most effective counseling includes family authority

Very community oriented – Family & Churches

Tendency to be very devout to Religion – ask client about diet restrictions