HIV in the Ghetto: An Analysis of the Lived Experiences of African American Women with HIV in Chicago’s Inner City

This project addresses the need for shalom communities for African American women infected with HIV and who also live in the inner-city or ghettos of Chicago. I advocate for these shalom spaces because they are a vital element in helping African American women with HIV heal physically, mentally, and spiritually. The current study comprised one-on-one interviews with three groups of people: 1. African American women who have HIV, 2. individuals who share the Black experience in the ghetto, and 3. individuals who work in the religious, healthcare, and nutrition sectors in Chicago. The investigation is centered on the lived experiences of African American women with HIV who live in the inner-city and identifying the level of need for shalom communities to support their holistic development. Data were analyzed qualitatively and summarized into themes. The results show that the lived experience of African American women with HIV in Chicago’s inner city is one that consist of many themes surrounding poverty, healthcare, and more. Data confirms the biblical and theological correlations to the Black experience and that the voice of women in the ghetto has few outlets. They also support the theory that African American women with HIV in Chicago's ghettos need shalom communities that give purpose, clarity, insight, and life to their experiences.