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Impact

What did you feel? How has this impacted you?

Common emotional reactions: anger, hurt, pain, grief, overwhelmed, helpless, hopeless, powerless, defeated, exhausted, numb, grief

When the racial scabs you have developed over a lifetime come off…

How do these murders & negative images of Black people impact your sense of self?

How do these murders & negative images of Black people impact your racial identity?

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Vicarious (secondary) Trauma

Hearing about/seeing traumatizing events can traumatize you. Common effects:

Emotional — feeling numb or detached; feeling overwhelmed or maybe even hopeless. Physical — having low energy or feeling fatigued.

Behavioral — changing your routine or engaging in self-destructive coping mechanisms.

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The Trauma of being Devalued

Consequences of historical & current devaluation of Black lives

Self-worth & self-esteem
Depression, anger, fear, anxiety, hurt, emotional disconnection, trust issues
Questioning one’s-self
Self-consciousness, Imposter Syndrome, loss of diverse relationships

Underestimating Black people’s significant contributions
Not being taught true history
Having “universal” knowledge base be shaped by others
Limited ability to shape one’s own destiny; limit growth & potential
Not seeing Black people’s needs as being important

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How to cope

Emotional Permission & Awareness:

Recognize this as a grief/loss issue: every time a Black person is killed, we hurt & we are angry
Reach out to one another; consider counseling
Allow yourself to have “Black moments”
Acknowledge the impact of racialized stress; recognize triggers
Understand cultural taxation & it’s impact
Be able to identify what you are feeling & when you are feeling it; accept strong feelings

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Coping Skills

Make self-care a priority on a daily basis

Mindfulness, meditation, exercise, prayer, social support, relaxation

Don’t feel the need to justify or explain.

Practice emotional grounding

Decrease emotional exposure to known racialized stressors (e.g. media)

Have an adequate support system

Protective factors of a positive racial identity

Acceptance

Accept what you cannot change and allow yourself to believe in systemic change.

Being proud of who you are is a form of self-love, resistance & action

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Andrew Brown, Jr.; Daunte Wright; Rayshard Brooks; Daniel Prude; George Floyd; Breonna Taylor; Atatiana Jefferson; Aura Rosser; Stephan Clark; Botham Jean; Philando Castille; Alton Sterling; Freddie Gray; Janisha Fonville; Eric Garner; Michelle Cusseaux; Akai Gurley; Gabriella Nevarez; Tamir Rice; Michael Brown; Tanisha Anderson; Laquan McDonald; Ahmaud Arbery; Sean Bell; Sandra Bland; Ma’Khia Bryant; Michelle Lee; Walter Scott

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Unity and Support

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Conclusion

Key Take-home Points

Allow yourself to feel deep feelings & know that it is normal
Figure out healthy ways to cope with your thoughts & feelings
Find ways to “make good” out of the bad
Protect yourself from secondary trauma by limiting the 24-hour news cycle
Try not to watch disturbing images (once or repeatedly)
Take care of yourself
Find positive images of Black people everywhere
Recognize the importance of community support

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