Nineteen Fifty-Six Vol.4 Issue 2

I
ntergenerational relationships are one of the many
treasures of the lived Black experience because they
preserve the traditions of the Black family.
About 76% of Black Americans reported they have spoken
with their relatives to learn about their family history,
according to a 2022 Pew Research Center study. However,
Black Americans between the ages of 18-29 spoke to their
family members less than other age groups.
“I would encourage [young Black people] to talk with their
parents and talk with all of their older relatives and find
out about their life experiences,” said Bernard Powers,
the director of The Center for the Study of Slavery at the
College of Charleston.
Through the discussion of different topics, the bonds
between the current generation and its predecessors can
not only be strengthened, but lessons and wisdom can be
shared.
Starting intergenerational bonds, however, is not a simple
feat. Oral histories are one of the most high-risk histories
to lose because of not having concrete materials to trace.
Dating back to slavery, oral history made recordkeeping
for the Black population extremely difficult.
Powers said most African Americans were illiterate
during this time, so they were unable to keep diaries,
making it difficult to capture the experiences of people
living during that period.
Authors like Zora Neale Hurston wrote novels
chronicling the lives of African Americans in the South
and the hardships they faced with historical accuracy. Her
expertise in anthropology, which aided her in her writing,
still gives Black people a glimpse into their past. Now, as
technology evolves, Black people can hold on to history.
“Using technology, there are ways to create podcasts or
video interviews to maintain stories from different family
members for longer periods of time,” said Matthew
Kaplan, an intergenerational program and aging professor
at Pennsylvania State University.
Moving into the future, the current generation must
maintain familial histories so that the next generation
has access to their history.
“In terms of helping young people understand that what
they do today is not only just what they do today, but it’s
an extension of their lineage and the sacrifices that their
ancestors made,” Kaplan said.
Familial histories can be documented through written
words, a collection of printed photographs and drawings.
Modern technology also allows it to be recorded through
video and audio to be kept in the cloud or published
publicly on social media platforms.
Powers said it was important to preserve family bibles,
diaries, collections of letters and books.
Yet, for many of the current generation looking back to its
predecessors, many factors contribute to the relationships
they have and why some are stronger than others.
“Dynamics are different in every family, but I do think
regardless of what your situation with your family is, it
is important to know their history,” said Micah Burrow, a
junior majoring in mechanical engineering.
Bonding with past generations can be done by finding
common ground. While age may be a barrier, similar
interests can help bridge those gaps.
Burrow bonded with his late grandmother, Willie
Mae Burrow, during his visits to her home through
conversation and her love of cooking.
He said he felt love whenever he came into her house.
“I think strong connections between those closest to us
right now — the people you have around— can really
strengthen the bond or strengthen the connection you
have to those people,” Burrow said.
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