SECONDARY TRAUMA IN BLACK, INDIGENOUS + RACIALIZED COMMUNITIES

The trauma doesn’t end when the trial ends.

“The purpose of doing something like Derek Chauvin did on camera was not just to create terror in the person he was murdering, but also to create terror in the community that was left behind.”

- Resmaa Menakem

We pray for the family of George Floyd to take a breath. For him. For themselves.
But secondary trauma is real. For George’s family. For his wife. For his Mother. The moments of panic, of grief, of despair, of breathlessness don’t just end.

THERE IS NO ACCOUNTABILITY FOR THE TRAUMA THAT REMAINS.

NONE of the charges against Derek Chauvin account for what he stole from the hearts and souls of Black Mothers, Black sons, Black sisters, Black brothers, Black Fathers + Black children.

Secondary trauma:

  • The emotional duress experienced by those who have witnessed, heard about, and held space for a community during a deeply traumatic event.

  • Can occur unexpectedly and suddenly.

  • Hyper-vigilance when walking down the street, the sleepless nights, the disconnect, the inability to get out of bed. The panic, the inability to settle.

Secondary trauma is real. For Black Mothers & Black Fathers. For Black sisters & Black brothers. For Black children & Black partners.
Secondary trauma is real. For billions of people around the globe who witnessed the murder of George Floyd.

There is no accountability for the trauma that is left behind. We remain. Left to carry that alone.

BEYOND JUSTICE.

RACIAL JUSTICECarla Beharryracial trauma, racial justice, systemic racism, george floydComment