Caregiving is a long standing tradition in the African American community. This book provides historical and contemporary insight into caregiving. The authors intertwine the African American struggle for dignity and social justice with their discussion of various aspects of caregiving. An overarching theme of the book is the resilience of African Americans in carrying out their caregiving responsibilities. Although disparities are a part of the caregiving landscape, the authors individually and collectively present a rhythm of caregiving that engages the reader in caregiving across the life span. This in depth look at the African American caregiving experience exposes readers to a broader lens, thus avoiding the often overly simplistic view or culturally limited view of their caregiving experience. Caregiving is not limited to any particular groupthe old and the young are a part of the caregiving experience that is discussed in this book. The book is a collaboration between social work programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities---Howard University (Washington, DC) and Alabama A&M University (Normal, Alabama). The book includes a wide range of content, from caring for older persons with dementia to younger disabled children. The authors/contributors also range in age and experience as caregivers. All of the authors have extensive experience working with African Americans. These are authentic accounts of the caregiving experience within the African American community.

Most of the HIV/AIDS caregivers in Kenya live in various parts of the country and share many of the trials and tribulations associated with providing care to someone suffering from a terminal illness. Some have been forced into the role due to the death of their love one, while others may have voluntarily taken on the responsibility on a firm belief that the care they provide will make a difference. The experiences shared in this book capture some of day-to-day political, social, economic, cultural challenges and obstacles encountered by the HIV/AIDS caregivers in Nairobi, Kenya. Caregiver challenges are reviewed and recommendations are offered on the way forward. It also explores the role of the church and international social work in addressing international issues. ___________________________________ Dr Charnetta Gadling-Cole is an Assistant Professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in the College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Sociology and Social Work. She holds an appointment as a Scientist in the Center on Aging and a Scholar in the Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Center. Her research interest is in the areas of gerontology, care-giving and international social work. Dr. Sandra Edmonds Crewe is the Director of the Multidisciplinary Center for Social Gerontology at Howard University, Washington, DC. She is also associate Dean for academic & student affairs and equally serves as a member of the faculty of the School of Social Work's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Dr. Crewe's primary research interests are in the areas of aging, care-giving, and kinship care. Professor Mildred C. Joyner is Chair of the Undergraduate Social Work Department at West Chester University. Professor Joyner currently also serves as the President of the Council on Social Work Education. She is equally a member of the CSWE Gero-Ed Center (gerontological education) as well as a member of the National Association of Social Workers. Her research interests include child abuse, diversity issues and gerontology.