#CapeBreak

#CapeBreak: The Reverse Engineering of the Strong Black Woman Phenomena was an extension of the Soles of Black Women project. This IRB-approved study offered diverse perspective from four resilient Black women between the ages of 34 and 58. The initiative sought to challeneg the stereotype of being the "Strong Black Woman" who is burdened with the expectation to be mentally and physically strong for everyone around them. Through art-based research, mentees Christina Dugazon and Nailah Lee joined Dr. Chris Omni, MPH, MLS in exploring the intergenerational dynamics, physchological influence of nature, and the emotional well-being of Black women. To support our research, they completed literature reviews of the main themes and analyzed the interviews of the four Black women, striving to find commonalities between the participants.

 

Dr. Omni presented this research during the 45th Annual Minority Health Conference at the 2024 UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. The #CapeBreak study concluded with a live ethnographic performance, conference/festival presentations, panel discussions, and journal publications. See these performances and more under the Omni Institute of Well-Being's branch of Creative Dissemination of Research.