"Sitting with the sick": African American women's philanthropy

This article traces the historical development of informal and, to a lesser extent,formal health caregiving among African American women from slavery to the Great Depression. "Sitting with the sick," a metaphor for myriad ser vices, including preparing meals for, housekeeping for,feeding, bathing, an d generally visiting with people who are mentally or physically ill, injure d, or grieving, has been an important aspect of social support among Africa n American women for centuries. Implications are presented for practice and ways to enhance the health caregiving role using the historical record as a guide.