African American Culture and Trauma

Any effort to understand the African American experience and its legacy needs to include a consideration and critique of some of the forms of trauma associated within this cultural community: individual, inter-generational, and sociohistorical trauma. Because this population has a history of being discriminated against in numerous institutions and structures in the United States, access to health care, social services, and even equitable education are seen as delivery systems guided by policies and practices that produce unequal outcomes and trauma. In addition, generations of African Americans have been subject to a history of marginalization in housing and employment. Thus, a recognition and understanding of the social fabric that perpetuates oppression, disadvantage, and vulnerability is essential in working with African Americans who experience traumatic events.

In addition ...