Celebrating Black voices in end-of-life care: Faith, family, and community

“My best friend told me, ‘I may not believe in God, but I believe in the power of my mother’s prayers.’ This encapsulates the essence of faith and spiritual practice.”

Zeena Regis, hospice chaplain and director of priority populations at Compassion & Choices, recently shared a meaningful conversation she had with her best friend while presenting in New Orleans at Doulapalooza, a national gathering of death doulas. 

Her reflection speaks to the intimate role personal beliefs play in our lives, including at the end of life. It also reminds us that spirituality takes many forms, and honoring someone’s beliefs and practices — whether rooted in religion, family traditions, or personal philosophy — is essential to providing person-directed care.

Understanding caregiving dynamics

Osha Towers, death doula and LGBTQ+ outreach director at Compassion & Choices, brings attention to the complex interpersonal dynamics that shape the caregiving experience. When caring for someone at the end of life, they encourage us to pay attention to the full picture:

“Who’s bringing the drama? Who is cooking in the back? Who is gossiping outside? These are essential things for us to be aware of as the dynamic is certainly going to shift.”

Being attuned to these dynamics allows caregivers to adapt and respond to the needs of those in transition, ensuring their end-of-life desires are honored even as relationships evolve and change.

Creating family when you need it most

David Copeland, a death doula and advocate in Cincinnati, Ohio, speaks to the transformative power of chosen family in end-of-life care:

“Get a death doula, because when I have a client that doesn’t have family, we make family. We have the ability to plan and ask the tough questions, even if it hurts.”

Copeland’s work exemplifies his community’s tradition of creating kinship networks and support systems that extend beyond immediate family.

Carrying forward a legacy of care

The leadership and lived experiences of advocates like Zeena, Osha, and David are shaping a more inclusive, culturally grounded approach to end-of-life care — one that honors diverse expressions of faith, recognizes the importance of community dynamics, and creates space for chosen family.

During Black History Month and beyond, we celebrate their contributions and commit to continuing the work of ensuring that each of us can access the information, support, and care we need to experience the end of life on our own terms.

To learn more about how Compassion & Choices is changing the tide of care for communities around the nation, visit CandC.org/Community.