Jumping the broom: from slavery to today

Abstract

This study will describe the impact of slavery on the modern African American couple. The review of literature will describe some common practices used in slavery to support the slave trade. The result of these practices on the African couple in slavery will be examined. Information on modern couples of African descent will be gathered from recent statistics. Recent statistics reflecting modern trends in African American relationships will be compared to the trends that evolved in African American relationships during slavery. Following the literature review, Professionals of African American descent will participate in an interview to attain their opinions on the effects of slavery on African American couples. The information from the interview will be contrasted with the review of literature. The final conclusion will connect the interview and review of literature to theories found in Family Therapy. The purpose of this study is to gain information about the effects of slavery on the modern African couple. Then use this information to enhance professional ability to successfully treat couples of African American descent.