Unlearning the Strong Black Woman Narrative: An Expert Interview [Ep. 45]

From Strong to Well: Unlearning the Strong Black Woman Narrative with Dr. Cecily MooreIn this episode, Dr. Cecily Moore, a licensed therapist, researcher, and self-proclaimed "recovering strong black woman,"shares her dissertation research on unlearning the Strong Black Woman narrative. After experiencing postpartum depression and realizing her mother and grandmother couldn't give what they didn't have, she discovered this trauma-rooted narrative passes through maternal lineages, teaching daughters strength without support and creating cycles of silent suffering. Dr. Moore breaks down the unlearning journey, introduces the shift from "strong" to "well-resourced" Black woman, and explains "seed planting," sharing your healing without forcing family to change. We discuss why this narrative starts in girlhood, creating homes demanding strength everywhere with softness nowhere, and explore practical ways to have vulnerable conversations with friends while protecting your peace.With this episode you'll be able to:Understand how the Strong Black Woman narrative originated in slavery and gets passed down as generational trauma through maternal lineagesRecognize the unlearning process: catalyst moments, letting go of indoctrination, self-discovery, self-investment, and boundary settingShift from "strong black woman" to "well-resourced black woman" by investing in accessible healing like reading and community supportPractice "seed planting" with family members, sharing your healing journey without taking responsibility for their outcomes or forcing changeNavigate the hardest places to unlearn (familial/intimate relationships and work) by prioritizing self-awareness and safetyHave vulnerable conversations with friends by asking for consent, checking capacity, and being the support you want to receiveConnect with Brittney:Instagram: @theBrittneyScottWebsite: www.brittneymscott.comConsultation to work with BrittneyFree ResourcesDon't forget you can submit your questions about mother-daughter relationships for me to answer in future episodes! Connect with Dr. Cecily Moore at drcecilymooore.com for free reading resources and newsletter updates.Mentioned resources:Dr. Cecily Moore's website: drcecilymooore.com (free reading resources and newsletter)Books by Audre Lorde and other Black authors on the Strong Black Woman narrativeDr. Moore's dissertation research on Black women unlearning the Strong Black Woman narrativeHelp me reach more mothers and daughters by following the show & leaving a rating or review on Apple & Spotify!Keyword tags:Strong Black Woman narrative, generational trauma, Black maternal mental health, postpartum depression, unlearning strength narratives, well-resourced Black women, seed planting healing, mother wound in Black families, asking for help, boundary setting, Black women's mental health, cycle breaking, recovering strong Black woman, emotional labor, Black daughter healingMentioned in this episode:Q2 '26 Ad