BIO

Greetings! I am a second-year undergraduate student at Florida State University, hailing from Jacksonville, Florida. Currently, I am pursuing a major in dance alongside a pre-med track. My academic curiosity centers around researching the multifaceted social and physical benefits inherent in dance. Beyond academia, I find joy in exploring various destinations, immersing myself in literature, and relishing the beauty of a sunset.

#CapeBreak: The Reverse Engineering of the Strong Black Women Phenomena

Abstract

The #CapeBreak Project offers a diverse perspective from four resilient Black women between the ages of 34 and 58. The initiative seeks to challenge 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, we explored intergenerational dynamics, the psychological influence of nature, and the emotional well-being of Black women. To support our research we completed literature reviews of our main themes and analyzed the interviews of the four black women, striving to find commonalities between the participants.

The #CapeBreak study will conclude with a live ethnographic performance, conference/ festival presentations, panel discussions, and journal publications. We aim to reach a broader audience by highlighting the importance of Black joy globally and supporting Black women who feel constrained by being the “Strong Black Woman."

Keywords: strong, black, rest, nature, women