Reflecting on Racial Trauma

I had the honor of conducting a speaker series on racial trauma for the Calgary Police Service. Today, I want to share some key takeaways from this important discussion, and I invite you to view the full video for a more comprehensive understanding.

Acknowledging the Landscape:

In my presentation, I emphasized the importance of acknowledging that our work on racial trauma is not about blaming or shaming. It's about understanding the systemic and institutional nature of these issues. We're all on a spectrum of awareness, and it's vital to recognize where we stand and allow ourselves to feel uncomfortable in the process of learning and growing.

Understanding Trauma:

I delved into the concept of trauma, particularly racial trauma, and its manifestation in our bodies. It's crucial to understand that trauma, whether it's personal, historical, or intergenerational, can significantly impact us and show up in various forms in our day-to-day lives.

Historical Context:

One key aspect I discussed was the historical context of trauma, especially as it relates to racialized communities. This includes acknowledging the persistent institutional trauma faced by these communities and understanding how these experiences are passed down through generations.

The Concept of Dirty and Clean Pain:

I introduced the idea of 'dirty pain' versus 'clean pain'. Dirty pain is about moving around the issue without dealing with it directly, often leading to unhelpful narratives within communities. Clean pain, on the other hand, involves taking the time to sit with discomfort, understand it, and work through it constructively.

Building a Culture of Healing:

I stressed the importance of developing a living, embodied anti-racist culture. This means creating an environment where we can address these issues head-on, with compassion and understanding for each other's journeys and experiences.

The Way Forward:

Finally, I spoke about the path forward, emphasizing the need for post-traumatic growth, both individually and communally. Self-care is paramount in this process, not just on a personal level but organizationally and communally as well.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to share these insights with the Calgary Police Service and now with you. These discussions are crucial in our journey toward understanding and healing from racial trauma. For a more in-depth exploration of these topics, I invite you to watch the full video below.