Healing the Trauma of Slavery – A Special Section
Jan 24, 2021 02:34PM ● By Paul Chen
Concept by Angelo Roland, Execution by Paul Marquardt, photo by Sonia Kapadia, sculpture by Kwame Akoto-Bamfo.
Presented in partnership with Sevananda Natural Foods Market
We are pleased and proud to present this five-article deep dive into the causes of the trauma that is still being visited upon African Americans every day as an ongoing testament to America's original sin. And critically, we discuss some possibilities for healing.
But before we take a look at each of the articles, a word from managing editor Diane Eaton.Be warned: The articles within this issue’s special section— “Healing from the Trauma of Slavery”—will probably trigger you!
No matter the shade of your skin color, the facts and ideas discussed within these pages are painful, uncomfortable and likely stomach-twisting. And as we wrote, we realized that the articles, in fact, stretch the boundaries of what this magazine usually focuses on: personal development and healing by means of providing information about e ective, alternative methods to help heal illness and disease.
Diane Eaton
Managing Editor
Our first article takes a look at the hardest evidence currently available that trauma might be passed along genetically. We are far from being able to assert that this is happening, but the story to date is compelling.
(Photo: Joshua Abner, via Pexels)
We explore the thoughts and words of two African American authors, Dr. Joy DeGruy, whose 2005 book, Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America's Legacy of Enduring Injury & Healing, and Resmaa Menakem's My Grandmother's Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies.
If awareness is the first step towards resolution, are African Americans well on their way to healing racial trauma? Executive, life coach and spiritual coach Dr. Deborah Egerton says, “It’s difficult to heal when the wounds keep coming.”
When I hear the word “slavery,” my stomach immediately tightens. I cringe when people refer to enslaved people as “slaves,” as if that is an identity instead of a circumstance. I am triggered by images of beautiful, young, brown-skinned souls that look like my uncles and aunties, barely clothed, chained and broken-hearted.
A collection of books, media, courses and links to further your knowledge.
Black & Vegan in Atlanta
You may be interested in checking out our first special section focused on Atlanta's African American community, published in August 2019.
Veganism Blossoms in Atlanta’s Black Community
Healthy, meatless eating regimens have been growing in popularity across America, and Atlanta. Read More »
Confessions of a Southern Vegan
Shyne Khm YahRa's personal evolution toward veganism. Read More »
Vegan RECIPES
Vegan recipes for conscious eating. Read More »
Black-Owned or -Managed Vegetarian/Vegan Resources in Atlanta
A business roundup of vegetarian and vegan resources in Atlanta. Read More »
