What can primary sources teach us about African-American death customs?

Primary sources such as death certificates, funeral programs, and obituaries can provide valuable insights into the death customs of African Americans. They can reveal the religious and cultural traditions that are often intertwined with death rituals, such as the belief in the importance of a proper burial and the use of spiritual songs and hymns at funerals. Primary sources may also reveal how social and economic factors impacted death customs, such as the emergence of black funeral homes and burial societies in response to discriminatory practices in the funeral industry. Overall, primary sources can teach us about the rich and diverse traditions that African Americans have developed to honor their deceased loved ones.

This mind map was published on 25 June 2023 and has been viewed 130 times.