Uplifting the Voices of Marginalized Black Communities

Exploring Perspectives on Peace

Bibliographic Data

ID23310323
AuthorsMegan E Miller (0000-0001-7345-1687, University of Wisconsin–Madison, corresponding author), Fatih Kunkul (0000-0002-6827-6439, University of Florida), Helen Omuya (0000-0001-5008-5995, University of Alabama at Birmingham), Najma Hurre (University of Wisconsin–Madison), Yamikani Nkhoma-Mussa (University of Wisconsin–Madison), Linda Denise Oakley (0000-0001-9142-3989, University of Wisconsin–Madison)
Year2026
Pages10436596261469310-10436596261469310
Publication date2026-07-21
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Transcultural Nursing (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1043-6596 • E-ISSN: 1552-7832
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/10436596261469310
PMID42478719
OpenAlexW7169881681
LanguageEN
References cited27

INTRODUCTION: Peace is a key determinant of health, especially for marginalized populations facing racism, socioeconomic inequities, and chronic stress. This study explored how Black adults define and experience peace to inform culturally grounded, equity-focused health interventions. METHODS: As part of the community-engaged Nurses4BlackWellbeing project, 482 Black adults from a low-income community responded to the open-ended question, "What is peace?" via written or verbal formats. Inductive content analysis was conducted using NVivo. RESULTS: Four interconnected categories emerged: (a) peace as an inner state of harmony and emotional balance; (b) peace as freedom from racism, violence, and unmet needs; (c) peace as enjoyment of good things in life; and (d) peace as engagement with spirituality. DISCUSSION: Peace is a multifaceted, culturally meaningful concept for Black adults. Promoting peace through structural change, relational support, and spiritual engagement may foster well-being. Findings can guide strength-based, culturally relevant interventions and policies to reduce health disparities.

Community engagement · Harmony (color) · Peace Education · Poison control · Psychological intervention · Social harmony · Socioeconomic status · Suicide prevention · Health and Conflict Studies · Human Factors and Ergonomics · Migration, Health and Trauma · Peace and Human Rights Education