01
C
Sankofa
Contextual Understanding
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.
A Framework by Shanique Victoria Edwards
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.
Sankofa
Go back and fetch it.
The Approach
What is an AfriDiasporic Approach?
Anchored in the shared histories, resilience, and wisdom of people of African descent across the diaspora.
An AfriDiasporic approach, a term coined by Shanique Victoria Edwards, 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.
Definition
AfriDiasporic (adj.)— centering the shared histories, cultural practices, and wisdom of people of African descent across the global diaspora. Distinct from strictly Afrocentric frameworks, an AfriDiasporic lens honors the plurality and movement of Black experience across regions, generations, and contexts.
Term coined by Shanique Victoria Edwards. A short video explaining the distinction is coming soon.
Purpose & Effectiveness
Bridging Western clinical models with culturally grounded healing.
The C.U.L.T.U.R.E. © Framework equips professionals, researchers, and change leaders with actionable strategies to challenge bias, foster equity, and build restorative relationships within the Black community — leading to meaningful, sustainable change.
Target Audience
Designed for those embedding cultural intelligence into their work.
Clinicians, leaders, educators, and advocates committed to equity and healing-centered care. Ideal for those leading within clinical, organizational, educational, community, or policy contexts in the Black community.
The Seven Tenets
C.U.L.T.U.R.E. Principles
Each pillar guides practitioners to honour cultural history, unlearn biases, deeply listen to lived experiences, tailor interventions, uplift community voices, practice restorative rituals, and advocate for equity-driven change.
02
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Ma’at
Unlearning Biases
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.
03
L
Ubuntu & Ujima
Listening with Empathy
Through Ubuntu and Ujima, practitioners cultivate compassion, relational care, and shared responsibility. Empathetic listening strengthens trust and fosters authentic connection.
04
T
Nguzo Saba
Tailored Approaches
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.
05
U
Kujichagulia & Nommo
Uplifting Voices
By honoring Kujichagulia and Nommo, this principle amplifies storytelling, self-definition, and narrative ownership. It affirms the transformative power of language and authentic expression.
06
R
Holistic Healing & Nia
Restorative Healing Practices
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.
07
E
Intergenerational Healing
Equity-Driven Advocacy
This principle promotes justice-centered action and intergenerational healing. It challenges systemic inequities while advancing collective accountability and sustainable transformation.
Deeper Practice
Open Knowledge BaseExplore how each tenet lives in clinical practice.
In Practice
Organizations Engaging with the Framework
The C.U.L.T.U.R.E. Framework has been presented to and positively received by organizations across clinical, governmental, correctional, community, faith-based, and research contexts.
Black Mental Health Canada
Community Mental Health
Public Health Agency of Canada
Government
Correctional Service Canada
Correctional Services
Covenant Remnant Ministries
Faith-Based
InnerCity Family Health Team
Primary Care
National Black Mental Health Conference
Research
Partner With Us
Bring the framework to your organizationSample Pricing
Choose Your Tier
Five tiers of access, each mapped to a distinct practitioner or organizational use case. Pricing below is indicative and final pricing is to be confirmed.
Basic
For Helpers & General Clinicians
Fast, accessible, practical
$19/month
- Concise CULTURE walkthrough
- DISCERN summary
- Aligned Action suggestions
- Quick reflection prompts
- Limited monthly prompts
Free 7-Day Trial
Premium
For Practicing Clinicians
Full clinical depth & scripts
$49/month
7-day free trial, then $490/year (save 2 months)
- Full CULTURE framework application
- DISCERN step-by-step formulation
- Aligned Action at all levels
- Sample clinician scripts
- 8-session treatment formulations
- Tenet video library
- Downloadable worksheets (annual)
Supervisor
For Supervisors & Trainers
Fidelity review & scoring
$89/month
- Everything in Premium
- Gold-standard case formulation
- Competency scoring rubric
- Clinical errors identification
- Low vs. high-fidelity script review
- Growth recommendations
- Train-the-trainer tools
Research
LicensedFor Researchers & Academics
Case to knowledge generation
- Thematic analysis tooling
- Ethical interpretation cautions
- Knowledge translation support
- Research question generation
- Qualitative coding categories
- Policy brief templates
Enterprise
LicensedFor Organizations & Institutions
Systems-level transformation
- Organizational CULTURE application
- Risk analysis & metrics
- Policy recommendations
- Leadership accountability tools
- Custom implementation support
- Dedicated account manager
- Audit questions & KPIs
Every tier is wrapped with the core framework guardrails: Continuum, Reflexive Inquiry, and the full CULTURE to DISCERN to Aligned Action flow. Research and Enterprise tiers require separate licensing agreements.
This tool is intended for educational and clinical guidance purposes only. It does not replace therapeutic care, clinical supervision, or sound professional judgment.
Begin Your Journey
Experience the Learning Hub
Access the AI-powered clinical guide, explore case scenarios, and apply AfriDiasporic principles to your practice.