ESTHER L. BUSH
In this month’s New Pittsburgh Courier, Dr. Beth Hoffman, assistant professor at Pitt, addresses grief and coping, including the role online communities play in supporting grieving people during the early stages of mourning and beyond.
To complement that, we asked Esther L. Bush, Interim President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburg, to share her insight on grieving from a community standpoint.
Q: Esther, how do communities served by the Urban League come together to help people navigate grief when tragedy strikes?
Esther: Grief touches every member of our community, whether through the loss of a loved one, violence in our neighborhoods, or broader injustices that disproportionately impact African American lives.
In times of sorrow, having a supportive network is not only comforting, but also essential. At the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, we see every day how the strength of community can help individuals move through pain, restore dignity, and begin healing. Our communities have long relied on faith, family, and fellowship to navigate grief. Whether it’s a neighbor delivering food after a funeral, or a church member offering a listening ear, these grassroots traditions provide immediate, personal support.
But in an increasingly digital world, we also recognize the value of online communities, especially for those who may feel isolated or unsure where to turn. These digital spaces can create powerful, affirming connections, particularly for our youth and seniors.
Q: So true! Would you please highlight programs or events the Urban League hosts that may help people build support systems that are so important when coping with or grieving a loss?
Esther: To reinforce and expand these networks of care, the Urban League offers several programs and initiatives aimed at building connection, fostering resilience, and promoting mental wellness. They include:
Black Male/Female Leadership Development Institute (BMLDI/BFLDI): This program not only shapes future leaders but also provides young men and women with mentors and peers who walk alongside them during challenging times. It’s a space where grief, anxiety, and trauma can be spoken about openly and where healing begins with being heard.
Family Support Centers: Located in various neighborhoods, our centers serve as hubs where parents and caregivers can build community, access resources, and find strength in shared experiences. When loss occurs, whether through violence, incarceration, or personal tragedy, these centers provide critical wraparound support.
Grieving is never easy — but when we come together, healing becomes possible. The Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh strives to be a place where individuals can receive support while dealing with grief. We constantly work to improve our programs and services and be a place people can rely on. Whether through in-person programs, online communities, our plethora of resources, or generational wisdom, the Urban League remains committed to ensuring that no one carry the weight of loss alone.
About Post Author
