Explain the unique circumstances under which the ancestors of most Black/African American people arrived in the Americas. Why is it important for health service professionals to understand this history?

Most of the ancestors of Black/African American people arrived in the Americas as slaves. This means that their experience was forced unto them, that their autonomy was not respected and that their experience was traumatic. This knowledge can be passed down from generation to generation, impacting current African Americans. Such a legacy presents certain important challenges, such as the fact that these people might be more reluctant to trust institutions, or more protective of their autonomy, independence and privacy.

It is important for healthcare professionals to be able to provide a good service to patients that exhibit different cultural legacies. Different social groups can have different needs, and being sensitive to these is essential for healthcare professionals. If these cultural characteristics are well-understood and taken into account, we are more likely to be able to reduce disparities in health care.