African American Funeral Services

Although African Americans are diverse in their religious beliefs, geographic
regions, economic status, and family traditions, there are a few aspects
of funeral services that are common among American blacks. For example,
family members, close friends and even acquaintances are expected to attend
the service. In some cases, the service may even be postponed to ensure
that everyone can be there.

Other aspects of African American funeral services that have remained
traditional, particularly among southern families, are:

• Flower girls, the female counterpart of a pallbearer, offer special
  attention to grieving family members.
• "Nurses" are sometimes present to aid a mourner who becomes overwhelmed with emotion.
• Musical performances are presented by a choir and/or loved ones.
• A large assortment of flowers to decorate the coffin is common.

The most distinguishing characteristic in African American funeral services
is keening, the dramatic expression of sorrow. At a traditional African
American funeral, it is common for grieving family members and friends
to cry and wail at the loss of their loved one. In some cases, if family
members do not react this way, others assume that the deceased was not
loved and his death is not mourned. However, as blacks assimilate, keening
has decreased.

Although there are only a small number of common elements among African
American funerals, their services remain a unique, but diverse part of
American culture.

Go to Overview of Funeral Customs
Go to Learn About Funerals — Index of Topics.