Navigating Grief : A Reflection for People of Color

Grief is a universal experience, yet it often carries a unique weight for people of color.

Reflections on grief reminded us of the stories shared in Disney Pixar's Coco which beautifully portrays the complexities of grief, memory, and cultural connection for people of color. For many, it’s more than just a film—it’s a heartfelt representation of how we honor our loved ones and keep their spirits alive.

The Cultural Significance of Grief in Coco

In Coco, we see the story of Miguel and his family unfold against the backdrop of Día de los Muertos, a deeply rooted tradition in Mexican culture. This celebration reminds us that grief isn't just about mourning; it’s about cherishing the memories of those we've lost and ensuring they remain a part of our lives.

For people of color, this resonates deeply. Many of us come from cultures that emphasize ancestral reverence, where grief is intertwined with storytelling, ritual, and connection. Watching Coco can feel like seeing a piece of our own lives reflected on screen, making the themes of love, loss, and remembrance all the more poignant.

Grief and Representation 

Coco does something rare in mainstream media: it validates the grief of marginalized communities by celebrating cultural practices and family bonds. For people of color, this kind of representation matters. It reminds us that our ways of grieving and remembering are not only valid but beautiful and worthy of being shared with the world.

However, watching Coco can also stir deep emotions, particularly if we are carrying unresolved grief. The film’s exploration of family legacies and the pain of forgetting may mirror the struggles many of us face in real life, especially those tied to systemic barriers, migration, or disconnection from our roots.

Healing Through Cultural Traditions

Coco teaches us that grief doesn’t have to mean letting go; it can be about holding on in meaningful ways. Whether you celebrate Día de los Muertos or have other ways of honoring your ancestors, there’s power in connecting with your heritage during times of loss.

Here are a few lessons Coco offers about navigating grief:

1. Honor Their Memory
   Create your own version of an ofrenda (altar) by displaying photos, mementos, or items that remind you of your loved ones. This practice can help you feel closer to them, even if they’re no longer physically present.

2. Share Their Stories
   In the film, stories keep the memory of loved ones alive. Sharing anecdotes about their lives, struggles, and triumphs can be a healing way to honor their legacy.

3. Embrace the Joy Amid the Sorrow
   Grief isn’t just sadness—it’s a testament to love. Coco reminds us that joy and celebration can coexist with mourning, and embracing this duality can be deeply healing.

4. Connect with Your Community
   Grief can feel isolating, but community traditions offer collective spaces for healing. Participating in cultural rituals or simply talking about your feelings with loved ones can bring comfort.

Moving Forward with Love and Memory

Watching Coco is a reminder that grief doesn’t have to be a solitary journey. By leaning into cultural practices, we can find ways to honor our loved ones and carry their legacies forward.

Grief During The Holidays

The holiday season can be a poignant time for those navigating grief. As festivities unfold, the absence of loved ones can feel more profound. The sights, sounds, and traditions of the holidays often bring a wave of memories—some comforting, others bittersweet.

Grief during this time can manifest in unexpected ways. It might look like a reluctance to join gatherings, an ache during familiar songs or rituals, or even an emotional numbness as a way to cope. For some, it’s the pressure to “be merry” that adds to the weight, making it harder to honor personal feelings.

Cultural expectations around the holidays can further complicate grief. For people of color, traditions often carry ancestral connections, family histories, and deep cultural meaning. When those ties are disrupted by loss, the holidays may feel incomplete or even isolating.

However, this season can also be an opportunity to reimagine how we honor our grief. Whether through intimate acts of remembrance or by seeking support within our communities, there are ways to acknowledge the depth of loss while finding moments of connection and peace.

At GoodWerk, we understand the layered experience of grief, particularly for marginalized communities and we want you to know that it’s okay to seek support.

We’re here to help you navigate your grief and connect with your own story of healing. For grief support and resources such as counseling and group therapy, you may reach our team anytime at info@thisisgoodwerk.com.

Let’s continue to cherish our loved ones, honor our roots, and embrace the beauty of remembering together.