Meet and Learn: Harm Reduction and The Myth of the “Strong Black Woman.”

In the kaleidoscopic tapestry of American culture, the myth of the "strong Black woman" emerges as both a beacon and a burden, intricately woven by Hollywood's lens. Films and television have long perpetuated an image of resilience synonymous with stoic endurance. Characters embodying this archetype often endure addiction battles, domestic violence turmoil, and mental health struggles without faltering. This portrayal is usually encapsulated within resilient characters who triumph over adversity with unyielding grace and inadvertently reinforces the "black woman schema," suggesting that strength is an inherent trait rather than a response to systemic burdens. As America now witnesses its first Black woman in the presidential seat, a transformative wave ripples through generations of Black girls who once felt confined to narrow narratives dictated by outdated schemas. Join Dr. Andrew Tatartasy, Dr. Izetta Briggs-Bolling, and Jeannette Aycock as they dig beneath this polished facade and start a much-needed conversation around harm reduction strategies tailored specifically for those grappling with societal pressures and personal demons—offering suggested pathways toward healing rather than mere survival.