What the Research Says About Black Marriage
There is a structural fissure in Black marriage today that has led to a crisis in attachment and intimacy. The research shows Black/African American couples face many threats to intimacy—the highest rates of partner distress, the highest rates of divorce, lowest rates of marital satisfaction and the lowest levels of relational satisfaction as compared to all other racial groups. Fifty percent of Black couples divorce within the first 10 years of marriage compared to about one-third of white marriages.
There is a recognition of the unique struggles that African American couples face because of—historical and racial oppression and discrimination; the negative impact of racial stereotypes of Black men and women; greater financial strain, gender inequality and higher incarceration. The unique struggles that Black couples face are both internal and external.
Research shows that Blacks highly value marriage and many report a desire to be married. On average, married African Americans are wealthier, happier, and choose healthier behaviors than their unmarried peers; their children typically fare better in life—differences that indeed seem to stem largely from marriage itself.
Extraordinary Black Couple Circle – Coming Soon!
What is Extraordinary Black Love?
Welcome to “Extraordinary Black Love” -a new, safe, 21st century relational community for ALL Black/African American married, cohabiting, common law, and committed couples.
I am delighted that you are joining me and the many couples who are educating themselves and learning how to practice caring, emotionally healthy, healing love and partnership—together.
As a therapist who works with Black couples and a clinical researcher, I can also tell you that Black couples are working their way toward making peace with the mental health services system.
Today’s Black Marriage
Marriage is a curious and complex phenomenon. Marriage has to be bigger than getting wrapped up in lust and personal happiness and it has to last beyond the wedding day and honeymoon.
What sustains the spark and excitement of marriage is building a “culture of love.” Rebuilding and sustaining Black marriages is the task of serious people—the responsibility of grown men and women.
In my program “Extraordinary Black Love” we recognize that Black men and women in romantic relationship with one another have a deep knowledge about systemic racism, and inequality looms large in their everyday lives.
Therefore, the marriage/relationship vision … the DREAM of equal opportunity, equity, diversity, inclusion, dignity, a sense of belonging, secure bonding and justice MUST exist and thrive in our marriages.
If Black people are not safe in their marriages they are not safe anywhere.
Marriage must become a refuge shielding couples from outside destructive forces.
Philosophically, “Extraordinary Black Love” is a Movement for Marital Peace & Partnership, Marital Equity & Connectedness, and Marital Appreciation, Advocacy & Blessings.
Black couples come to therapy for various reasons and it can include: pre-marital, co-habitation, marital separation, infidelity, marital discord, blended family, step-parenting, communication problems, and domestic violence.