Gratitude in Black + Brown Communities

Courtney Dunlap
Nov 26
4 min read

A Tradition of Thanksgiving

Gratitude has always been woven into the fabric of Black and Brown communities. From the early days, songs of thanksgiving could be heard along the sun-kissed shores of our homeland. These expressions of gratitude stirred people’s hearts and moved them to give thanks. Today, Black and Brown communities continue this tradition. Whether through prayer, song, or communal celebration, these practices lift our hearts beyond our circumstances.

People often describe gratitude as a way of staying grounded because it reminds us that joy can transcend life’s challenges. Long before mental health research highlighted its benefits, families were already embracing these deep-rooted traditions. Practicing contentment for what is—despite what may be missing—can calm an anxious heart. In this way, gratitude becomes a powerful support for emotional wellness.

The Science Behind Gratitude

Researchers have found that gratitude influences the brain’s prefrontal cortex—a region that plays a major role in relationships, resilience, and overall mental and physical health. These studies show that gratitude has a healing effect on the mind and body. It activates areas of the brain responsible for processing rewards and emotional awareness (Fox et al., 2015).

People who regularly practice gratitude often notice improvements in their mood due to increased dopamine, which supports greater happiness and contentment. The hippocampus and amygdala—two key regions involved in regulating emotions, memory, and physiological responses—also become activated when a person experiences gratitude (Wong et al., 2018).

Gratitude can additionally reduce stress by helping the body calm anxiety more quickly. By shifting attention from what’s going wrong to what’s going right, even in small ways, gratitude supports a healthier stress response. This mindset shift can lower cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, and help the body relax.

Gratitude as Emotional + Spiritual Resilience

For many Black and Brown Christians, gratitude provides emotional strength when life tempts us to grow weary. Gratitude doesn’t erase struggle, but it helps reorient our focus. It reminds us that we are not defined by our hardships and that life still holds meaning even in the presence of obstacles. Practicing thankfulness can strengthen a person’s trust in God during challenging times. Remembering God’s goodness nurtures perseverance and sharpens our perspective on what truly matters.

Practicing gratitude within a community also builds resilience by reassuring us that we are not alone—even when we may feel otherwise. These shared rhythms of gratitude provide spiritual grounding by pointing us to a greater hope rooted in faith in God. Gratitude does not ignore what may be going wrong; rather, it helps us notice the good that exists alongside the difficulties.

Gratitude shows up in our communities through traditions such as family elders saying grace before a meal, gathering at family reunions to honor a rich heritage, and worshipping together during church services to give thanks. Some families may also incorporate African traditions into their expressions of gratitude to stay connected to their roots and instill a sense of identity and pride.

No matter the tradition, these practices help Black and Brown communities feel emotionally supported by offering a broader perspective on resilience. Research shows that gratitude not only reduces stress but may also play a significant role in healing from trauma. This is especially meaningful in the African American community. Though our ancestors’ beginnings in this country were marked by profound suffering and pain, those dark days forged an unshakeable strength within our people. Many of our traditional songs and hymns reflect gratitude for both the struggles and the triumphs that have shaped our story.

Practical Gratitude Practices Rooted in Culture + Faith

A deep sense of gratitude is rooted in fostering a more optimistic outlook on life. When we acknowledge the good in life, we are actively working towards our own well-being. Here are some ideas to continue your practice of gratitude.

Family or Community Prompts:

“During our next family gathering, we can introduce a moment of gratitude by…”
“A simple gratitude check-in with a friend or fellow church member could sound like…”
“A story my family tells that reminds me to be thankful is…”
“A person in my life who brings support or peace is…”

Personal Reflection Prompts:

“When I slow down for a moment of quiet gratitude, I notice…”
“If I created a weekly gratitude practice, it might look like…”
“One thing I’m grateful for today is…”
“A worship song or inspirational track that lifts my mood is…”

Final Thoughts on Gratitude in Black + Brown Communities

When we make space for gratitude, we open the door to lasting emotional strength. Gratitude remains a meaningful part of wellness in our communities because it keeps us grounded and helps us appreciate our shared life experiences.

Gratitude is not just a tradition—it is an emotional anchor that offers hope and reassurance in daily life.