ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses research on memorable messages to further ground and argues that African Americans experienced virulent racial prejudice in the United States, but neither have many explored the memorable messages that have helped them cope with such oppression. Family communication researchers interested in furthering their knowledge about ways the family unit serves a critical function in the lives of its members will benefit from this specific glimpse into the African American family. Researchers have also reported memorable messages to be supportive. For example, L. A. Ford and B. H. Ellis investigated memorable supportive messages recalled by nurses working in a stressful hospital environment. Because of the importance of intergenerational communication practiced in the African American family, the chapter examines intergenerational transmission of messages concerning racial prejudice. The most prevalent type of memorable messages reportedly received and the type of intergenerational memorable messages reportedly shared most by participants involved faith and religion.
