Race-Based Trauma

The September toolkit addresses race-based trauma. Race based trauma is defined as reactions to racial discrimination that can potentially lead to emotional pain, inability to cope, physical harm, and/or an overwhelming sense of helplessness (Bryant-Davis, 2007; Evans, et al, 2016; Forsyth & Carter, 2014; Hemmings & Evans, 2018). Below, please find resources that may advance personal, professional, and classroom-based interventions in addressing this pervasive issue.

NY Times: 26 Narratives to Explore Race, Bias, and Identity with Students
This link will direct the reader to a series of videos that examine racial identity from diverse perspectives. This resource may be helpful for personal development and to assist in classroom discussions.

2018 FBI Hate Crime Statistics
Did you know that between 2013 to 2017, hate crimes in Virginia increased by 70%? Please visit this link to learn more about hate crimes and the increase of racially motivated hate crimes (visual graphics.).

Types of Racism
This link will provide an overview of the types of racism (individual, institutional, and cultural) and resources to assist with personal development and/or class instruction.

Racial Trauma
This website developed by Mental Health America describes racialized trauma and how exposure can negatively impact physical and mental health.

Tolerating Racism is Racism - Additional Resources

Antiracism Resources
This website provides a number of free resources for individuals and educators to infuse antiracism into their work.

Become a Better Ally
Providing a framework for individual study, this resource can assist individuals in becoming a better ally to Black Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC).

Teaching Tolerance
An organization that supports educators, Teaching Tolerance supports educators in cultivating antiracist classrooms. Providing both electronic and media resources, educators can infuse Teaching Tolerance materials into all classrooms.

JMU's Counseling and Psychological Services
Funding provided by the Graduate Psychology Department, CAPS has hired a staff member to provide race-based trauma informed counseling services to individuals, groups, and communities. Please contact CAPS for more information.