What is Racial Trauma? Information and Resources
What is Racial Trauma?
Racial trauma is the term used to describe the emotional and physical reaction that People of Color often have to acts of racism. People of Color may react to acts of racism with fear and hypervigilance, headaches, insomnia, body aches, memory difficulty, self-blame, confusion, shame, and guilt after experiencing racism. The more often you experience acts of racism, the more profound these symptoms can be.
Why is important to learn about racial trauma?
The power of acknowledgment and validation. As a WCSU colleague and/or student of color, you may find yourself having a very difficult time feeling calm, feeling safe, feeling empowered when you are reminded of the racial injustices in our world. Knowing that you are not alone and that this reaction is warranted and normal can help. There is not “right” way of processing or reacting to racial trauma. But, the first step is learning about it.
What related resources can I find on this webpage?
You will find many resources to help validate the experience racial trauma, learn about intergenerational trauma and the potential impact of repeated experiences of racism. You will also find resources that will help you feel calm, feel empowered and feel safe despite the consistent reminders of racial injustice. The WCSU Office of Counseling Services is here to offer continual support with hopes that you find this list helpful.
As always, if you would like to meet with a counselor to talk more about racial trauma or feel triggered by any of these resources please contact the WCSU Office of Counseling Services at by email: https://www.wcsu.edu/counseling/ or by phone: (203) 837-8690 to provide additional support through counseling.
Resources on Racial Trauma
What is Racial Trauma and How Can We Address It?
Statistics on Mental and Behavioral Health- African Americans
Pre-recorded Videos, webinars and training information on racial trauma and healing
Candis Watts Smith: 3 myths about racism that keep the US from progress
Racial Healing Self-Care and Resilience- Jerry Tello
Rx Racial Healing | Dr. Gail Christopher | TEDxCharlottesville
Understanding How Trauma Affects the Black Community Pre-recorded Webinar
Coping with Racism and Racial Trauma – Part I (Recorded on June 16, 2020)
University of Maryland Medical System
Webinar: https://youtu.be/-3FNnlQBARo
Coping with Racism and Racial Trauma – Part II (Recorded on June 18, 2020)
University of Maryland Medical System
Webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6NaeY0aqmY&feature=youtu.be
November
Introduction to Implicit Bias and Microaggressions- November 6th 2021 @ 11:00AM- 1:00PM
Embodying Antiracist Allyship: A Workshop for White Allies– November 14th 2021 @ 4:00PM- 6:00PM
Let’s Talk… Conversations on Race, Equity and Belonging- November 18th 2021 @ 5:00PM- 6:30PM
December
Understanding Allyship- December 8th 2021 @ 2:00PM- 3:00PM
Embodying Antiracist Allyship: A Workshop for White Allies- December 12th 2021 @ 4:00PM- 6:00PM
January
Embodying Antiracist Allyship: A Workshop for White Allies– January 9th 2022 @ 4:00PM- 6:00PM
Let’s Talk… Conversations on Race, Equity and Belonging- January 19th 2022 @ 5:00PM- 6:30PM
February
Embodying Antiracist Allyship: A Workshop for White Allies- February 13th 2022 @ 4:00PM- 6:00PM
Let’s Talk… Conversations on Race, Equity and Belonging- February 16th 2022 @ 5:00PM- 6:30PM
March
Embodying Antiracist Allyship: A Workshop for White Allies– March 13th 2022 @ 4:00PM- 6:00PM
Let’s Talk… Conversations on Race, Equity and Belonging- March 16th 2022 @ 5:00PM- 6:30PM
April
Embodying Antiracist Allyship: A Workshop for White Allies– April 10th 2022 @ 4:00PM-6:00PM
Let’s Talk… Conversations on Race, Equity and Belonging– April 20th 2022 @ 5:00PM- 6:30PM
May
Embodying Antiracist Allyship: A Workshop for White Allies– May 8th 2022 @ 4:00PM- 6:00PM
Let’s Talk… Conversations on Race, Equity and Belonging- May 18th 2022 @ 5:00PM- 6:30PM