Cultural Roots and Resilience: The Power of the Black Community in Postcolonial Narratives

Abstract

This chapter explores the concept of resilience in Black families and communities as depicted in postcolonial and African American literature, focusing on works by Toni Morrison, Chinua Achebe, Alice Walker, and Buchi Emecheta. Through a qualitative literary analysis, including close reading, thematic, and comparative approaches, the chapter examines how these authors portray the Black families as the sources of strength amidst adversity. Morrison highlights the psychological and emotional resilience of the Black families in confronting the trauma of slavery, while Achebe emphasizes communal and familial bonds in the face of colonial disruptions. Walker underscores the healing power of intergenerational connections, and Emecheta explores the sacrifices of motherhood in upholding family and cultural values. This chapter contributes to the understanding of resilience in marginalized communities, offering insights into cultural preservation, empowerment, and collective healing.