The business of death in Black communities

Maxine Edgar explores the history, customs and rituals of funerals in the Black community

During the enslavement of Black people in the Americas, the enslaved did not have the right to a funeral. However, after much protest, slave masters granted this request, and respectful funeral ceremonies were held.

Slaves worked by day. Burials took place at night on plantations. A Black preacher would lead mourners by torchlight and hold a short ceremony by the graveside, followed by a reception of food and beverages held until early hours.

Henrietta Duterte (1817–1903), an African American pioneer, was the first female funeral director. Her Philadelphia mortuary had been founded by her deceased husband, Francis. Henrietta also played a courageous role in the Underground Railroad, providing a safe haven for those seeking freedom from enslavement.

Mary Collins was the first Black female funeral undertaker in London. As the face of the renowned African Caribbean Funeral Directors in Stoke Newington, Mary achieved notoriety
as a leading light in the representation of Black funerals.

In 2018, I founded BronzeAsh Funeral Directors, the first Black-owned, independent funeral directors in Essex. It has not been an easy feat.

Funeral-arranging forms a very small part of my role. I also find myself serving as a mediator, judge, counsellor and therapist. The trauma and instability I have witnessed within grieving families has been eye-opening.

Black people grieve differently. Loss is not exclusive to the death of a human being; it can also represent lost time, rejection, missed opportunities and non-accomplishments – all of which can become intertwined with the loss of the deceased.

For many, loss also represents injustice – what should have been, what could have been, and what will now never be.

Historically, the role of the Black undertaker was not one that simply organised funerals. My office has become a safe space where the bereaved lay bare their feelings in prayer, in tears or in anger.

Families face legal challenges concerning finance and probate. Arguments arise concerning cemetery or grave and coffin choices. Resentment and bitterness ensue when one child has been the main carer for a parent and, out of the blue, the ‘prodigal sibling’ arrives wanting to take over funeral arrangements. With that, we have ‘unfinished business’. In a moment, plans for a final viewing in the chapel can change. Before entering, memories of sexual abuse and domestic violence can be relived. Past events are conjured up in minds and thoughts, and traumatised mourners often leave the funeral home without ever entering the chapel.

Sometimes, seeing the person who has died means confronting far more than death. Grief uncovers issues. Eight siblings attended to arrange their mother’s funeral. Three hours later, they left declaring: “We did not realise that we had problems.” The funeral arrangements were put on hold for another day.

Around 85% of UK funerals are cremations. Once shunned by religious and Black
communities, cremation is now widely chosen. While cheaper than burials, greater emphasis is now being placed on wakes, receptions and the aesthetics of the day. It is not unusual for the reception to be paid for before the funeral itself.

I love my work serving the community. I know we make a difference in the lives of the bereaved. The ‘calling’ has become ‘ministry unto the Lord’ but my community lacks knowledge.

In 2018, I ran a workshop called ‘Can We Talk About Death?’ It remains evident that Black families do not plan for funerals, yet have the largest funeral budget. The churches showed little interest in the workshop.

Then COVID happened.

We do not like to talk about death, but COVID demonstrated the importance of getting our houses in order.

In Scripture, Joseph of Arimathea had prepared for the inevitable (Matthew 27:57–60). He had prepared his own grave, and it was there that the body of Jesus was laid.

I often think of Henrietta, who was an entrepreneur but also a Civil Rights activist, and how she took risks to lead her people to freedom.

I think of Mary Collins, working in the 90s, now in her 80s and still quietly serving the funeral profession where she can. I think of how she paved the way for Black funeral directors like myself, in the process receiving much hostility from other funeral operatives who did not look like her.

The Black community execute wonderful funerals. The subject of death is vast. Whilst studying for my masters in Death, Religion and Culture, there was much to learn from the different practices and rituals globally.

I’m reminded of our ‘liminal space’ and our status in death, which is unaffected by flowers, limousines, horses and music. I’m also reminded that our ‘rite of passage’ is only ever correctly executed within a living relationship with God. It is my prayer that my community understands the value of ‘life’ over ‘death’.

MAXINE EDGAR
Founder, BronzeAsh Funerals Visit www.bronzeashfunerals.co.uk
Email bronzeashfunerals@outlook.com to book a Can We Talk About Death workshop.