Overview

Survived physical abuse. Witnessed community violence. Conquered the streeAts. Saved by education. This is Dr. Maysa Akbar's story. A story of overcoming Urban Trauma. It's easy to look down at urban communities and wonder why economic and social disparities still exist when so many people of color, despite facing severe adversity, have done better. They have broken the cycle. Yet there are those in urban communities who continue to be plagued by what Dr. Maysa Akbar has defined as Urban Trauma - a set of conditions that sustain modern day oppression. In Urban Trauma: A Legacy of Racism, Dr. Akbar makes the case that since the time of slavery, systemic trauma in our urban centers is a result of poverty, overcrowded housing, poor physical and mental health, despair, violence, crime, and drug abuse. Drawing from historical events, intergenerational biology, and psychology she expertly illustrates that not only is Urban Trauma real, but that by denying it's existence we deny our communities of color the chance to heal and break their cycle.

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9781946384294

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This book helps me understand the impact of Urban Trauma on conditions in my city that my administration works to ameliorate. Dr. Akbar's poignant stories and insight into negative, often disruptive behaviors of children--and adults--living with multigenerational trauma provides a foundation for understanding these problems and provides tools to address these complex limiting behaviors. -Toni Harp, Mayor, New Haven, Connecticut Dr. Akbar pokes her finger deep into the painful pulse of today's urban communities--clearly outlining behaviors and characteristics that have proven efficacious for some but a detriment to many others. As the mother of two black boys, Urban Trauma is a cultural masterpiece connecting the dots of history and the burden of proof that deals directly with what has been, what is, and what is to come. -Staci L. Hallmon, Vice President, Essence Communications Urban Trauma defines a harrowing space in America's subconscious of things unsaid, but certainly understood by so many. With both eloquence and unapologetic candor, Dr. Akbar excavates the root causes of racism and the ensuing broken social paradigms through which our youth must navigate. This work is long overdue. -James R. Nowlin, J.D., Best-selling author of The Purposeful Millionaire, and CEO of Excel Global Partners Understanding the complex experience of the African diaspora requires consideration of the impact of Urban Trauma on their health and mental health outcomes. Dr. Akbar, in her seminal work, is challenging the field of psychology and practitioners, specifically, to integrate the experiences of groups whose voices and experiences have continued to be muted as we work to heal the ills that they experience. Important, timely, and required! -Derrick M. Gordon, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry (Psychology Section) Division of Prevention & Community Research Yale University School of Medicine Director of Research, Policy & Program on Male Development, The Consultation Center at Yale Urban Trauma is a must read for clinicians and all professionals working within and across the color-line. Dr. Akbar provides the reader with a unique and comprehensive view of trauma; one that expands our understanding and deepens our work with children, adolescents, adults, and families that have lived and adapted to traumatic experiences. We are compelled as clinicians, physicians, and clergy to utilize this knowledge in our efforts to heal the invisible wounds of our communities. -Dr. Brett S. Rayford, Director of Program Development, Albert J. Solnit Children Center, A program of the CT Department of Children and Families Urban Trauma is a powerful and thoughtful piece on racism and the impact it has on Black communities. Dr. Akbar gives a detailed script for clinical and social practitioners as well as community advocates who are in the daily trenches fighting for social change and equality. -Shahid Abdul-Karim, New Haven Register Community Engagement Editor

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