ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces a range of African American relationships that are cultural, familial, gendered, and intimate. We structured the chapter around the idea that identities are appropriately and effectively affirmed and negotiated through relationships. What we do with those relationships determines, in part, how we construct and define our own identities as well as cope with relational stress and identity shifting. This chapter is divided into four sections exploring the following topics: African American children and youth, African American parenting, African American friendship, dating, and marital relationships, and African American workplace relationships. Gendered identities are examined as standpoint epistemologies at different points in the chapter and, thus, pervade every section.
