Hidden Among the Hidden

The growing number of elder men providing hands-on care to loved ones, particularly spouses, undeniably represents a hidden segment of the home care population. With that in consideration, caregiving in communities of color, in particular, is increasing while numbers of informal (unpaid) caregivers are projected to triple by 2030. Despite statistics, studies on African-American men who care for other elders (such as spouses and parents) — indeed, "the hidden amongthe hidden" — are negligible. This text follows a study conducted by Helen Black, a research scientist focusing on aging, alongside John Groce and Charles Harmon, founders of Mature Africans Learning from Each Other (M.A.L.E.), in which they interviewed elderly African-American men in caregiverroles. As a whole, The Hidden Among the Hidden is unique in its study of caregiving in the areas of subject matter, methodology, and presentation of findings. The men whose attitudes and behaviors toward caregiving are recorded in this book share a wealth of knowledge for other caregivers, gerontologists, healthcare professionals, students, and the community in general.

This is a highly significant work for several reasons. First, it fills a major gap in research in gerontology and family sociology and history, by focusing on male caregivers of impaired and infirm older adults. Second, it confronts major stereotypes of African-American men, showing how they take on responsibilities for family caregiving, even when these tasks are difficult or nearly impossible. Finally, it links the act of giving care for a family member to African-American history, and in so doing, it deeply expresses the historical linkages among African-American generations and a powerful sense of shared community and love. It is an excellent and important book." - Robert L. Rubinstein, PhD, MA, Professor of Anthropology, University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), The book is a welcomed and vital addition and enhancement in the fields of gerontology, social Work, sociology, and African-American studies because it deepens and expands the existing knowledgebase. The book uses an ethnographic and a deeply engaging interviewing method with the informants that yields beautiful stories with a candid range of emotions, difficulties, and joys that these men experience and even, in some cases, concluding with the painful death of their wives. This book can be easily adapted for use in a college course or would even be a welcomed addition for laypeople who are interested in enhancing their knowledge in this underexplored subject area. I commend authors Black, Groce, and Harmon for aptly filling a void in the research literature and illuminating such expansive accounts of African-American life." - Richard M. Cooper, PhD, MSW, Clinical Assistant Professor, Center for Social Work Education, Widener University, In The Hidden Among the Hidden, Black, Groce, and Harmon, who have firsthand experience as caregivers, explore the caregiving experiences of African American elderly men, a group that has garnered limited attention in the caregiving literature. The authors, using their strong interpersonal skills, created the space for the men who participated in the study to share their poignant and heartbreaking stories, narratives, trials, tribulations, and joys associated with the practice of caregiving. . . . Black, Groce, and Harmon are to be congratulated for focusing on the positive accomplishments of African American men as it is a refreshing break from the negative, demeaning images and representations of African American men that tend to dominate the media. With this volume, 'the hidden among the hidden' will become more visible and recognized for the critical and important roles of caregivers." - David Este, PhD, MSW, MA, Professor, Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary

Helen K. Black, PhD, has designed and conducted federally- and privately-funded gerontological research studies, ethnographically interviewing participants, analyzing qualitative data, and writing up results on subjects as varied as suffering, poverty, forgiveness, African-American veterans, and childless women. She has authored over 40 articles, five book chapters, and three books in the field of gerontology.John T. Groce, DEd, co-founder of M.A.L.E. (Mature Africans Learning from Each Other), is a long-time activist. His training in social work placed him in the arena of education, administration, and the city streets — gaining human services for the most vulnerable. He has authored several articles on elder males and, along with Black and Harmon, the book From Zero to Eighty: Two African American Men's Narrative of Racism, Suffering, Survival, and Transformation.Charles E. Harmon, co-founder of M.A.L.E. (Mature Africans Learning from Each Other), is a long-time activist. As a radio personality on the progressive radio station WDAS in the 1960s and 1970s, his guests were the "movers and shakers" in the African-American community. He has authored, along with Black and Groce, From Zero to Eighty: Two African American Men's Narrative of Racism, Suffering, Survival, and Transformation.