Dear Reader,
Sometimes, when I’m lying in bed at night, I like to imagine that America has truly overcome the deep injustices of systemic racism. I dream of a world where my family is safe, where we are no longer judged by the melanin in our skin but by the content of our character. But when morning comes, when I step out into the world, I am reminded that my dream is still just that—a dream.
The reality is stark: Black and brown Americans continue to experience life differently. We witness gentrification pushing our communities out, police violence claiming innocent lives, and media narratives that vilify us simply for existing. The recent Netflix documentary on George Floyd is another painful reminder of how racism operates in America.
Words cannot express the sadness, disgust and utter heartbrokenness that I feel.
Understanding the Grief and Anger
As a mental health therapist specializing in racial trauma, I have been trained to help people process emotions—anger, sadness, grief, and fear. While I know that dismantling systemic racism is not something I can do alone, I want to offer solace and strategies for those struggling with the weight of injustice.
Why the Protests Matter
Many people struggle to understand the motive behind protests and civil unrest. Protests, like those we saw following George Floyd’s murder, are a way for marginalized communities to make their voices heard. However, media outlets often conflate peaceful protesters with rioters to delegitimize the movement.
Rioting is not a solution, but it is a response—one born from centuries of oppression and pain. Research from The Brookings Institution and The Equal Justice Initiative highlights how racial trauma manifests in communities and why protests emerge as a call for justice. Understanding this history is crucial in recognizing why movements like Black Lives Matter exist.
Can You Imagine?
Imagine you’re 17 years old. You walk home from school with a bag of Skittles in hand. As you step inside, your mother collapses in tears. You turn to the TV and see someone who looks like you—17 years old, holding Skittles—who has just been killed by a police officer.
Now imagine that happening every day. Imagine the exhaustion, the fear, the constant uncertainty of whether your father, your sister, or your best friend will survive another day. Imagine knowing that the very officers meant to protect you are shielded by qualified immunity and rarely held accountable.
This is not imagination for Black Americans. This is reality. And that is why we protest.
Finding Ways to Cope
The pain of systemic racism is overwhelming. As a therapist, I know that coping is essential—for our mental health, our well-being, and our ability to keep fighting. Here’s how you can take care of yourself while navigating these painful realities:
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Take Control Where You Can
Feeling powerless can deepen trauma. You may not be able to dismantle racism overnight, but you do have control over how you engage. Whether it’s attending a protest, speaking out on social media, or educating friends and family, you are contributing to change. Anti-racism education is one way to reclaim agency. -
Prioritize Your Mental Health
Witnessing racial violence—whether on the news or in your own life—can be deeply traumatizing. Therapy can be a vital tool in healing. If you’re struggling, consider reaching out to a therapist specializing in racial trauma or finding a support group through organizations like The Loveland Foundation. -
Know That It’s Okay to Disconnect
You do not have to consume every news update or engage in every debate. Stepping away from social media, engaging in art, music, or physical activity, and allowing yourself moments of peace are not acts of apathy—they are acts of self-preservation. Self-care is resistance in a world that wants to wear you down. -
Lean on Community
You are not alone in this fight. Connecting with others who understand your experiences—whether through local activism, online communities, or faith-based groups—can be incredibly healing.
A Final Word
As we move through these painful days, we must remember: We are part of something greater. We are resilient and strong. And we are worthy of love and joy. Love yourself. And do not let the world steal your light.
Rest in power, George Perry Floyd.