Black Women and the Strong Expectation: A Look into Hurricane Katrina Survivors

Black women are often told to be tough. This idea is called the "Strong Black Woman" role. It's something they learn from a young age. This study looked at six Black women who lived through Hurricane Katrina. They were all moms and students at a community college. Their ages ranged from 23 to 31 when the study started. These women were interviewed three times between 2006 and 2018. Researchers wanted to see how the "Strong Black Woman" idea changed over time. They found that these women often felt they had to be self-reliant. This is a big part of the "Strong Black Woman" role. But it's not always easy. The study shows that this role can make it hard for Black women to ask for help. This is especially true after something traumatic, like a hurricane. The women in the study had to deal with both racism and sexism. These things added to their struggles. The study also shows that the "Strong Black Woman" role can change. The women in the study sometimes challenged this idea. They wanted to be seen as more than just strong. They wanted to be seen as human, with feelings and needs. This study is important. It shows that Black women need support that understands their culture. After a disaster, they need help that fits their unique experiences. The "Strong Black Woman" role is a big part of their lives. But it's not the only part. They need to be seen as whole people, not just as strong survivors.