Urban Trauma: A Legacy of Racism

by Maysa Akbar

Survived physical abuse.Witnessed community violence.Conquered the streets.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 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.

Genres: Nonfiction

223 pages, Paperback

Published October 3, 2017

Reviews

[Luke Schumann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned about trans-generational trains at the same time I was taking a class on crisis and trauma therapy for graduate school (ironically, it wasn’t actually discussed in the class at all aside from the presentation I did on it). My research for it led me to this book, which I read afterward, and I wish it could have been a book utilized for the class.

It discusses how trauma is both passed down physically (like The Body Keeps the Score, but on steroids), and how it can even affect one’s genetic makeup. In America’s Black community, much of this genetic change is shown to date back to slavery, and has a direct impact today.

I would recommend it for all students and others in academia involved in working with communities of color (counseling, psychology, sociology, anthropology, and even theology), as well as those working in non-profits or racial justice activists.

Though there are some elements of the book that I cannot speak to as a white man, and even as someone who is cis-gender and heterosexual, I would still count it as essential reading for those hoping to become more culturally competent and more trauma-informed.

[Domina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Akbar presents the concept of Urban Trauma in a way that is understandable, tangible, and impactful. I believe this should be mandatory reading for anyone who works with the Black community and/or truly wants to be a better ally. I will be recommending this book to everyone I know!

[Emma Mecozzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written book that encompasses the trans generational impact of trauma alongside urban trauma in todays society