Authored by Dr. Yusuf Malik Frederick & Black Crescent Wellness Foundation
Introduction
African American Muslims in the United States occupy a distinct and often overlooked position in the American socio-religious landscape. As individuals who exist at the intersection of race and religion, they experience compounded forms of discrimination and exclusion. This blog seeks to examine the systemic and intersectional harms faced by African American Muslims, why this recognition matters, the damage these compounded marginalizations cause, and what can be done to promote healing and equity.
Understanding Marginalization and Intersectional Harm
Marginalization is the social process of “othering” by which certain groups are pushed to the edges of society, denied access to resources, rights, or opportunities, and rendered socially invisible or devalued (Fluit et al., 2024). This exclusion manifests through systemic marginalization, where racism operates not just individually but through entrenched policies, practices, and institutional structures. These systemic forces create disparities in health care, housing, education, and the justice system (Cogburn et al., 2024; Williams & Mohammed, 2023).
African American Muslims—comprising approximately 40% of native-born U.S. Muslims—face a unique form of marginalization shaped by their race and religious identity (Pew Research Center, 2011). Their experiences reveal how intersectional harm functions: the layered discrimination that arises when multiple marginalized identities overlap (Crenshaw, 1989).
Spiritual Abuse and Racial Trauma
Among African American Muslims, the intersection of spiritual abuse and racial trauma presents a specific and particularly harmful form of marginalization. Spiritual abuse occurs when religious authority is misused in ways that demean or exploit individuals. When this occurs within already racially marginalized communities, the trauma is exacerbated—eroding trust, identity, and the ability to seek spiritual refuge or healing (Abdalla, 2023; Ellis et al., 2023). This results in profound emotional and psychological distress, impeding individuals’ pathways to wellness.
Cultural Marginalization and Invisibility
Cultural marginalization involves the exclusion of minority cultural narratives from mainstream institutions and discourses. For African American Muslims, this means that their contributions, values, and worldviews are often overlooked within both broader society and within Muslim communities themselves (Soman & Koci, 2023). This double invisibility compounds feelings of isolation and disempowerment.
Why This Matters
Recognizing the unique intersectional harms faced by African American Muslims is essential for fostering justice and equity. Failing to address these overlapping systems of oppression contributes to continued trauma, disengagement from communities, and a lack of access to resources tailored to their needs. Acknowledging their specific experiences validates their struggles and affirms their identity.
Pathways to Healing and Empowerment
To heal these wounds, we must begin by centering African American Muslim voices in conversations about wellness, justice, and faith. Community-based wellness initiatives like those led by Black Crescent Wellness Foundation can:
- Provide culturally competent mental health services
- Promote restorative spiritual practices
- Address systemic inequalities through education and advocacy
- Facilitate inclusive spaces for collective healing
Healing is both an individual and communal journey. As we affirm faith, freedom, and healing, we call for solidarity, understanding, and structural change.
References
Abdalla, H. (2023). Spiritual resilience in racialized faith communities. Healing Horizons Press.
Cogburn, C. D., Smith, R. A., & Garcia, J. J. (2024). Racism as a public health crisis: Structural inequalities and health disparities. American Journal of Public Health, 114(2), 123-131.
Crenshaw, K. (1989). Demarginalizing the intersection of race and sex: A Black feminist critique of antidiscrimination doctrine. University of Chicago Legal Forum, 1989(1), 139–167.
Ellis, A., Rahman, L., & Webb, D. (2023). Religious harm and racial healing: The dual struggle of Black Muslims. Interfaith Press.
Fluit, M., Thomas, J., & Singh, N. (2024). Marginalized no more: A framework for inclusion in healthcare and education. Equity in Action, 12(1), 45–59.
Pew Research Center. (2011). Muslim Americans: No signs of growth in alienation or support for extremism. https://www.pewresearch.org
Soman, A., & Koci, M. (2023). Cultural silence: The cost of ignoring minority narratives. Culture & Inclusion Journal, 8(4), 77–89.
Williams, D. R., & Mohammed, S. A. (2023). Racism and health II: A needed research agenda for effective interventions. American Behavioral Scientist, 67(4), 301–319.
Black Crescent Wellness Foundation
Empowering Communities through Faith, Freedom, and Healing.Best regards,Yusuf Malik Frederick, JD, PGD, (Ph.D. Candidate).