CULTURE | Shanique Victoria Psychotherapy & Wellness

C.u.L.T.U.R.E. Framework

An AfriDiasporic Model
for Healing-Centered Mental Health
Practice in the Black Community

Developed by Shanique Victoria Edwards, the C.U.L.T.U.R.E. © Framework is an
AfriDiasporic, equity-driven, and healing-centered model that blends clinical evidence
with Black cultural wisdom. It offers a clear, culturally responsive roadmap for advancing
identity, dignity, and collective wellbeing across mental health, leadership, and organizational spaces.

What’s an AfriDiasporic Approach?

An AfriDiasporic approach, a term coined by Shanique Victoria Edwards, is anchored in the shared histories, resilience, and wisdom of people of African descent across the diaspora. It frames healing as a collective act of reclamation—one that is deeply rooted in culture, history, and interdependence. Guided by the principles of Sankofa, Ubuntu, and the Nguzo Saba, this approach invites practitioners and leaders to embody truth, connection, and accountability in the pursuit of transformative and sustainable wellness.

Purpose and Effectiveness

The C.U.L.T.U.R.E. © Framework bridges the gap between Western clinical models and culturally grounded healing by centering Black identity, spirituality, and relational care. It equips professionals, researchers and change leaders with actionable strategies to challenge bias, foster equity, and build restorative relationships within the Black community that lead to meaningful, sustainable change.

Target Audience

Designed for clinicians, leaders, educators, and advocates, the framework supports anyone committed to embedding cultural intelligence, equity, and healing-centered care into their work. It is ideal for those leading within clinical, organizational, educational, community,

or policy contexts in the Black community.

C.u.L.T.U.R.E. Principles

The seven tenets of the C.U.L.T.U.R.E. Framework offer a holistic roadmap for healing, centering Black identity, ancestry, and collective well-being. Each pillar guides practitioners to honour cultural history, unlearn biases, deeply listen to lived experiences, tailor interventions to the individual, uplift community voices, practice restorative rituals, and advocate for equity-driven change—all grounded in Africentric wisdom and designed for transformation that goes beyond traditional mental health models.

C.u.L.T.U.R.E. Principles

The seven tenets of the C.U.L.T.U.R.E. Framework offer a holistic roadmap for healing, centering Black identity, ancestry, and collective well-being. Each pillar guides practitioners to honour cultural history, unlearn biases, deeply listen to lived experiences, tailor interventions to the individual, uplift community voices, practice restorative rituals, and advocate for equity-driven change—all grounded in Africentric wisdom and designed for transformation that goes beyond traditional mental health models.

Contextual Understanding (Sankofa)

Healing begins with acknowledging the historical, cultural, and systemic factors shaping our experiences. Sankofa reminds us to draw wisdom from the past to inform present understanding and growth.

Unlearning Biases (ma'at)

This principle calls for examining and dismantling personal and systemic biases. Rooted in Ma’at, it promotes truth, balance, and ethical responsibility in all forms of practice.

Listening with Empathy
(Ubuntu and Ujima)

Through Ubuntu and Ujima, practitioners cultivate compassion, relational care, and shared responsibility. Empathetic listening strengthens trust and fosters authentic connection.

Tailored Approaches (Nguzo Saba)

Culturally grounded interventions guided by the Nguzo Saba ensure that care is relevant, purposeful, and rooted in community values. This approach centers collective empowerment and cooperation.

Uplifting Voice
(Kujichagulia & Nommo)

By honoring Kujichagulia and Nommo, this principle amplifies storytelling, self-definition, and narrative ownership. It affirms the transformative power of language and authentic expression.

Restorative Healing Practices
(Holistic Healing and Nia)

Grounded in Nia, this principle emphasizes holistic healing that restores purpose, balance, and wellbeing. It calls for reflection, rest, and intentional practices that nurture renewal.

Equity-Driven Advocacy
(Intergenerational Healing)

This principle promotes justice-centered action and intergenerational healing. It challenges systemic inequities while advancing collective accountability and sustainable transformation.

Want More?

To learn more about the C.U.L.T.U.R.E. © Framework, access training and licensing opportunities, and to stay informed about the upcoming launch of the C.U.L.T.U.R.E. © Learning Hub, email hello@shaniquevictoria.com.

C.u.L.T.U.R.E.

Framework

Copyright Notice

© 2025 Shanique Victoria Edwards. All rights reserved.
The C.U.L.T.U.R.E. Framework is the proprietary intellectual property of Shanique Victoria Edwards, protected under Canadian and international copyright and trademark law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or adaptation of this material in any form is strictly prohibited without prior written consent.

APA Citation

Edwards, S. V. (2025). The C.U.L.T.U.R.E. Framework: An AfriDiasporic, Equity-Driven, and Healing-Centered Model for Mental Health and Organizational Change.

Shanique Victoria Psychotherapy & Wellness.

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