To support Black communities impacted by child-serving systems is to recognize the history of implicit bias and white supremacy that infiltrate these systems. Black communities are often disproportionately represented in these systems and subject to disparities in outcomes. Scholars even argue that the child serving systems, especially child welfare, is another way to police Black families. It is essential to understand the historical context to offer authentic support to the community.

To support Black communities impacted by child serving systems is to understand what it means to offer support. Support can mean helping, assisting, and encouraging individuals or entities. Black communities are made up of different demographics. Support may look different in diverse demographics of the Black communities. Be sure to ask members of the Black communities impacted ways that they may want to be supported.

To support Black communities impacted by child serving systems is to always ground one’s support in empathy and cultural humility. Empathy allows for the recognizing and understanding of another person’s thoughts and feelings. Empathy is essential when offering support because it creates opportunity for compassion and understanding. Cultural humility allows room for one to learn about other cultures while being self-reflective. Cultural humility is essential when offering support because it provides space for continuous learning of another culture. It encourages self correction through acknowledging personal bias that impacts how one may offer support to a community.

Ultimately, to support Black communities impacted by child serving systems is to understand the historical context, what it means to support, and continuously practice empathy and cultural humility. 

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