What is racial trauma?

“A traumatic event is an event that is overwhelming to a person physically or emotionally. A person is traumatized by an event if they are unable to bring body and mind back into balance after the event is over…On a broad level, trauma is anything from one’s life experience that remains trapped and unresolved, causing disturbances at the biological, physiological, emotional, mental or behavioral levels.” 

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                                Hala Khouri and Kyra Haglund 

             “Trauma-Informed Yoga: Concepts, tools and skills”

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“Ethnic and racial stress and trauma carry both physiological and psychological effects, leaving scars for those who are dehumanized by its impact. Some of the effects include being on high alert to threat; nightmares; aversion to certain people or experiences; flashbacks; headaches; stomach disorders; rapid heartbeat; insomnia; anxiety and depression, to name a few. Additionally, the cumulative experiences of racial stress and trauma over generations, caused by the historical trauma of genocide, enslavement, colonization and dislocation, left unaddressed and unhealed, have intergenerational impact. Yes, the effects of racial stress and trauma go beyond the individuals who are directly impacted and affect entire communities for years to come.” 

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                                               Dr. Gail Parker

“Restorative Yoga for Ethnic and Race-Based Stress and Trauma”