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Black People Breathe: A Mindfulness Guide to Racial Healing
A thoughtful, inclusive, and vividly illustrated guide to help Black people—and all people of color—heal from racial trauma using vital tools from an expert in mindfulness, meditation, and breathwork.
It is your right to survive. It is your right to thrive. Mindfulness and breathwork will help you do just that.
Racism is more than just an interpersonal experience. It is a systemic injustice that affects the lives of Black people, and all people of color, in countless ways. Doctors and psychologists have discovered the wide-ranging—and often devastating—effects of racism on one’s emotional, physical, and mental health, from high blood pressure and heart problems to anxiety and depression. Yet studies show that mindfulness, meditation, and breathwork can significantly reduce these issues. This is where Zee Clarke comes in.
In this powerful book, Clarke draws on her professional expertise and her lived experience as a Black woman to share mindfulness exercises, breathwork practices, and meditative tools centered on healing from and surviving racial trauma. Filled with deeply personal stories highlighting the many systemic challenges that people of color face, this mixture of guide and memoir offers thirty-three practical techniques based on the emotions elicited from these experiences. Whether you are coping with police brutality, racial profiling, microaggressions, or even imposter syndrome, Black People Breathe gives you the tools to process these complex feelings physically, mentally, and emotionally. Though this collection was created to facilitate healing for communities of color, it also offers allies insight into the discrimination and inequity that these communities face, creating a space for deeper empathy and the inspiration to drive change.
Beautifully designed with gorgeous, vibrant illustrations, Black People Breathe takes a radically inclusive approach to mindfulness, allowing communities of color the opportunity to embark on a journey towards racial healing.
It is your right to survive. It is your right to thrive. Mindfulness and breathwork will help you do just that.
Racism is more than just an interpersonal experience. It is a systemic injustice that affects the lives of Black people, and all people of color, in countless ways. Doctors and psychologists have discovered the wide-ranging—and often devastating—effects of racism on one’s emotional, physical, and mental health, from high blood pressure and heart problems to anxiety and depression. Yet studies show that mindfulness, meditation, and breathwork can significantly reduce these issues. This is where Zee Clarke comes in.
In this powerful book, Clarke draws on her professional expertise and her lived experience as a Black woman to share mindfulness exercises, breathwork practices, and meditative tools centered on healing from and surviving racial trauma. Filled with deeply personal stories highlighting the many systemic challenges that people of color face, this mixture of guide and memoir offers thirty-three practical techniques based on the emotions elicited from these experiences. Whether you are coping with police brutality, racial profiling, microaggressions, or even imposter syndrome, Black People Breathe gives you the tools to process these complex feelings physically, mentally, and emotionally. Though this collection was created to facilitate healing for communities of color, it also offers allies insight into the discrimination and inequity that these communities face, creating a space for deeper empathy and the inspiration to drive change.
Beautifully designed with gorgeous, vibrant illustrations, Black People Breathe takes a radically inclusive approach to mindfulness, allowing communities of color the opportunity to embark on a journey towards racial healing.
224 pages, Hardcover
Published March 14, 2023
16 people are currently reading
1808 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 29, 2023
Thanks NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC for an honest review.
This book is so necessary for Black people and people of color. As a yoga teacher and a meditation student, I found this book to be extremely informative and specific to the Black experience. Parts of the book felt like I could have read it while others left me saddened but not shocked by the experiences of the author.
Being Black in America is hard, but we deserve to show ourselves love whenever we can. Black People Breathe is the relatable, nurturing guide we should all reference in our self-care journey.
This book is so necessary for Black people and people of color. As a yoga teacher and a meditation student, I found this book to be extremely informative and specific to the Black experience. Parts of the book felt like I could have read it while others left me saddened but not shocked by the experiences of the author.
Being Black in America is hard, but we deserve to show ourselves love whenever we can. Black People Breathe is the relatable, nurturing guide we should all reference in our self-care journey.
April 19, 2023
Wow, wow, wow!!! This book is a must read for EVERYONE! I am so impressed with the author's grace, conviction, introspective, and honesty. Pair that with all of the breathing techniques, mindfulness strategies, detailed scenarios you are told to envision while practicing those and you have a winner! As a future social worker I can promise that this book will be put in my office and/or recommend to clients regardless of which area of the field I end up in. I have no words to accurately describe how invaluable this book is. It is extremely comprehensive detailing scenarios that are not surprising and highlighting some personal experiences of the author which were surprising. Go pick it up now!
January 20, 2024
This was interesting. At first I was annoyed by her flippant tone “the Black girl version of ‘Eat Pray Love’” merp.
But then I rapidly got over it when she started describing my life in exquisite detail. I felt seen. A book literally for me, discussing the issues I face every day. But also it seems a little counterintuitive to be told all your traumas are real and then try to breathe them away. I wish she had addressed that a little more instead of presenting it as trauma, fix!
I got this book from the library but maybe it would be better to own so you can use it as a reference later. Also the art is nice.
But then I rapidly got over it when she started describing my life in exquisite detail. I felt seen. A book literally for me, discussing the issues I face every day. But also it seems a little counterintuitive to be told all your traumas are real and then try to breathe them away. I wish she had addressed that a little more instead of presenting it as trauma, fix!
I got this book from the library but maybe it would be better to own so you can use it as a reference later. Also the art is nice.
March 23, 2025
In today's political climate, having a book that addresses these topics was refreshing. Some of the topics in this book are... shopping while Black, being witness to assault on Black lives, to code switch or not to code switch, imposter syndrome or something like it.
My biggest takeaway is to cement 5 to 10 minutes every morning just for myself. I already read every night and morning, but I need to be more consistent about adding prayer, journaling, or meditation into that time. Starting the day with intention matters, and this book reminded me how important it is to pour into myself first.
My biggest takeaway is to cement 5 to 10 minutes every morning just for myself. I already read every night and morning, but I need to be more consistent about adding prayer, journaling, or meditation into that time. Starting the day with intention matters, and this book reminded me how important it is to pour into myself first.
March 19, 2024
“Black People Breathe: A Mindfulness Guide to Racial Healing” is a nonfiction book focusing on providing mindfulness techniques, breathing exercises, and meditation tools to promote healing and survival to who have experienced racial trauma.
The book consists of an introduction, twelve chapters, a list of resources, and acknowledgements.
In the introduction, Clarke describes how the effects of racism on Black people and racism’s effect on their health in the short and long term. Through this book, Clarke aims to empower Black people to use mindfulness to heal themselves from racism. By Clarke sharing her personal experiences and techniques she uses to help her own physical and mental health, this can help the reader feel motivated to employ some of the techniques in the daily lives. I appreciate that Clarke clarifies that although this book is written for Black people and tailored towards the black experience, people from other backgrounds who experience racism can also benefit from reading the book as well. Clarke ends the introduction by inviting white readers to educate themselves about the Black experience and think about their role in reducing racism against Black people.
Each chapter begins with a beautiful drawing and ends with a list of key points to remember followed by a list of mindfulness practice toolkit techniques.
In chapter one, “Black People Breathe,” Clarke describes attending a violin vigil in Aurora, Colorado to honor of Elijah McClain and feeling shocked when the non-violent group she is with are swarmed by riot police. Clarke shares her similarities with the recently killed McClain as a Black, vegetarian, violinist and wonders why Black people can’t live their lives without worrying about getting killed by the police. Eventually, Clarke decides to try meditation at a beginner’s class in Oakland, California and feels supported by a community of people that looked like her as well as different types of meditation including walking meditation and mindful eating. In an effort to learn more about meditation, Clarke went to India and refers to Martin Luther King Jr.’s visit to India in 1959 and how Gandhi’s nonviolent technique influenced boycotts in the United States. The mindfulness technique introduced in this chapter was three-part breath.
In chapter two, “Bearing Witness to the Assault on Black Lives,” Clarke describes being taught how to address the police from an early age as a way to hopefully prevent being a victim of police brutality. Due to the increase of social media, increased police body cameras and police car dash cameras, it has become commonplace to see black people being killed by police officers on a regular basis. Clarke shares the trauma created by continuously watching videos of police brutality and if one chooses to watches these videos, Clarke suggests journaling feelings down after watching the video as a way to not hold the stress in one’s body. The mindfulness techniques introduced in this chapter are hand to heart, sending and receiving (a.k.a. Tonglen,) and neck roll.
In chapter three, “Safety is a Privilege,” Clarke shares feeling unsafe due to her race for as long as she could remember and her experience receiving a death threat when she was the only black student at a predominantly white private school. Clarke expresses the effects of not feeling psychically or psychologically safe on the body’s nervous system. Unfortunately, many everyday situations can make Black people feel unsafe including going to the doctor office or exercising. Clarke shared her own experience of feeling frustrated and angry when her medical symptoms are dismissed by two different doctors before eventually being diagnosed with Lyme Disease. The mindfulness techniques introduced in this chapter are humming bee breath, straw breathing, and visualizing a world where you are safe, valued, and loved.
In chapter four, “Shopping While Black,” Clarke describes how Black people are often either ignored when shopping or treated as though they are planning to steal. Clarke shares her experience of being ignored while shopping and her response of finally getting assistance only after intervention by another white customer. Clarke also shares being racially profiled while grocery shopping and her feelings of hurt followed by writing an open letter to the CEO or the grocery store which lead to slow action. The mindfulness techniques introduced in this chapter are belly breath, name the emotion, and RAIN meditation.
In chapter five, “You’re Not Really Black,” Clarke describes what I call the “backhand compliment” of being told by white people that “you’re not really black” because you do something that doesn’t fit their stereotypes of Black people regarding their life experience, education, interests. Clarke shares having a mixed racial makeup of having a Jamaican father and a Filipina mother, feeling self-hate towards her hair. Clarke addresses how to deal with such misconceptions as being surprised by the Black person’s interest, when they assume a black person was born and raised in Africa, when they say “don’t see color,” and their negativity comments about Black people starts to wear you down. The mindfulness techniques introduced in this chapter are extra-long exhalation, heart-centered: what does being black mean to you, and black people you admire most.
In chapter six, “That’s Not My Name!,” Clarke describes the irritation some Black people feel when experiencing name confusion or being mistaken for another Black person by a white person. Other issues addressed in the chapter include when people confuse you for another Black person, when people mispronounce your name, and when people decide your name for you. This chapter really resonated with me in that I have personally experienced being confused for another Black personal as well as having my name mispronounced but at this juncture in my life, when my name is mispronounced, I quickly correct them with the right pronunciation. I agreed with Clarke the irony that although people can learn to say Schwarzenegger, Tchaikovsky, and Dostoyevsky, they choose to not learn how to pronounce Black or other ethnic names. The mindfulness techniques introduced in this chapter are today, I choose me, cooling breath, and lion’s breath.
In chapter seven, “The Only,” Clarke describes the pressure Black people face as the first in personal and professional spaces whether it is being the only woman or in Clarke’s case, the only Black woman, Black person, or person of color. Being the only Black person can lead to feeling isolated and lonely, feeling a pressure to perform, being given extra work, being used to project a diverse work environment, and employing saying no if feeling overwhelmed personally or professionally and using position as only black personal in organization to work to drive change in hiring and promoting people of color. The mindfulness techniques introduced in this chapter are 4-7-8 breathing, the power of no, bellows breath, and “I Get to…”
In chapter eight, “R-E-S-P-E-C-T,” Clarke describes the lack of respect sometime given to Black managers by white subordinates as well as being perceived as aggressive when being vocal at work. It was interesting to learn the difference between microagressions and macroagressions as well as Clarke including examples including gaff you competence questioned, not getting promoted, and feeling ignored and invisible. Self-care techniques are provided including surrounding yourself with Black people whether it is online or in person, dancing. The mindfulness techniques introduced in this chapter are alternate-nostril breathing, squeeze and release, enhanced breath of fire, and conscious dance release.
In chapter nine, “Conquering Imposter Syndrome with Courage,” Clarke shares her first experience with imposter syndrome as an eight-year-old attending an expensive private school in the suburbs. Later in the chapter, Clarke provides eight symptoms of imposter syndrome before providing ways to overcome feeling like an imposter syndrome by using the WEBAV (framework. The mindfulness techniques introduced in this chapter are welcoming the voice, evidence gathering, affirmations, visualization, and solar plexus breath.
In chapter ten, “To Code-Switch or not to Code-Switch,” Clarke describes how often Black people often have to adjust their speech and dress more “professionally” to survive in white spaces. Clarke shared the experience of being told how to be “professional” by dressing in suits of business casual outfits, wearing straight hair, and liking what they like, leading to the creation of a separate work personality versus bringing their real authentic self to work. Although Clarke provides a dictionary definition of code-switching, she feels it is limited to speech and language and choices to highlight George B. Ray’s definition of African American code-switching. In way interesting to learn the other ways in which Black people code-switch such as hiding one’s socioeconomic background, suppressing nonverbal cues, culture, hobbies, and political views. The mindfulness technique introduced in this chapter is Byron Katie’s “The Work”: Four Questions.
In chapter eleven, “A Journey to Self-Love,” Clarke describes the importance of self-care and self-love. Clarke shares her own self-love journey and provides an insightful writing prompt as well as encouraging the reader to treat themselves on a weekly basis. Mindfulness techniques provided are creating intentional morning and evening self-love routines. The mindfulness techniques introduced in this chapter are what do I love about myself, intentional morning and evening routines, and treat yo’self weekly.
In chapter twelve, “Mindfulness and Breathwork Toolkit,” Clarke provides a guide to the thirty-four mindfulness practices listed throughout the book along with their corresponding page number. Video tutorials of key practices can be found at Clarke’s website. After chapter twelve, Clarke ends the book by providing a list of resources and acknowledgements.
As I finished reading this book, I appreciated that the chapters are short and Clarke provides the reader with tools they can begin using immediately. I also liked how vulnerable Clarke is in sharing her own personal racial trauma and a way to connect the techniques she’s referring to. I resonated with so many of the stories Clarke shares in relation to experiences with racism. Despite the heavy subject matter, Clarke’s writing system and techniques are is insightful and thought provoking. So many things mentioned in the book resonated with me so much, I recently bought my own personal copy of the book to refer to in the future. In closing, this book is a must have for any black person (or any person of color) who has experienced racial trauma and is looking for ways to heal which can be read repeatedly.
The book consists of an introduction, twelve chapters, a list of resources, and acknowledgements.
In the introduction, Clarke describes how the effects of racism on Black people and racism’s effect on their health in the short and long term. Through this book, Clarke aims to empower Black people to use mindfulness to heal themselves from racism. By Clarke sharing her personal experiences and techniques she uses to help her own physical and mental health, this can help the reader feel motivated to employ some of the techniques in the daily lives. I appreciate that Clarke clarifies that although this book is written for Black people and tailored towards the black experience, people from other backgrounds who experience racism can also benefit from reading the book as well. Clarke ends the introduction by inviting white readers to educate themselves about the Black experience and think about their role in reducing racism against Black people.
Each chapter begins with a beautiful drawing and ends with a list of key points to remember followed by a list of mindfulness practice toolkit techniques.
In chapter one, “Black People Breathe,” Clarke describes attending a violin vigil in Aurora, Colorado to honor of Elijah McClain and feeling shocked when the non-violent group she is with are swarmed by riot police. Clarke shares her similarities with the recently killed McClain as a Black, vegetarian, violinist and wonders why Black people can’t live their lives without worrying about getting killed by the police. Eventually, Clarke decides to try meditation at a beginner’s class in Oakland, California and feels supported by a community of people that looked like her as well as different types of meditation including walking meditation and mindful eating. In an effort to learn more about meditation, Clarke went to India and refers to Martin Luther King Jr.’s visit to India in 1959 and how Gandhi’s nonviolent technique influenced boycotts in the United States. The mindfulness technique introduced in this chapter was three-part breath.
In chapter two, “Bearing Witness to the Assault on Black Lives,” Clarke describes being taught how to address the police from an early age as a way to hopefully prevent being a victim of police brutality. Due to the increase of social media, increased police body cameras and police car dash cameras, it has become commonplace to see black people being killed by police officers on a regular basis. Clarke shares the trauma created by continuously watching videos of police brutality and if one chooses to watches these videos, Clarke suggests journaling feelings down after watching the video as a way to not hold the stress in one’s body. The mindfulness techniques introduced in this chapter are hand to heart, sending and receiving (a.k.a. Tonglen,) and neck roll.
In chapter three, “Safety is a Privilege,” Clarke shares feeling unsafe due to her race for as long as she could remember and her experience receiving a death threat when she was the only black student at a predominantly white private school. Clarke expresses the effects of not feeling psychically or psychologically safe on the body’s nervous system. Unfortunately, many everyday situations can make Black people feel unsafe including going to the doctor office or exercising. Clarke shared her own experience of feeling frustrated and angry when her medical symptoms are dismissed by two different doctors before eventually being diagnosed with Lyme Disease. The mindfulness techniques introduced in this chapter are humming bee breath, straw breathing, and visualizing a world where you are safe, valued, and loved.
In chapter four, “Shopping While Black,” Clarke describes how Black people are often either ignored when shopping or treated as though they are planning to steal. Clarke shares her experience of being ignored while shopping and her response of finally getting assistance only after intervention by another white customer. Clarke also shares being racially profiled while grocery shopping and her feelings of hurt followed by writing an open letter to the CEO or the grocery store which lead to slow action. The mindfulness techniques introduced in this chapter are belly breath, name the emotion, and RAIN meditation.
In chapter five, “You’re Not Really Black,” Clarke describes what I call the “backhand compliment” of being told by white people that “you’re not really black” because you do something that doesn’t fit their stereotypes of Black people regarding their life experience, education, interests. Clarke shares having a mixed racial makeup of having a Jamaican father and a Filipina mother, feeling self-hate towards her hair. Clarke addresses how to deal with such misconceptions as being surprised by the Black person’s interest, when they assume a black person was born and raised in Africa, when they say “don’t see color,” and their negativity comments about Black people starts to wear you down. The mindfulness techniques introduced in this chapter are extra-long exhalation, heart-centered: what does being black mean to you, and black people you admire most.
In chapter six, “That’s Not My Name!,” Clarke describes the irritation some Black people feel when experiencing name confusion or being mistaken for another Black person by a white person. Other issues addressed in the chapter include when people confuse you for another Black person, when people mispronounce your name, and when people decide your name for you. This chapter really resonated with me in that I have personally experienced being confused for another Black personal as well as having my name mispronounced but at this juncture in my life, when my name is mispronounced, I quickly correct them with the right pronunciation. I agreed with Clarke the irony that although people can learn to say Schwarzenegger, Tchaikovsky, and Dostoyevsky, they choose to not learn how to pronounce Black or other ethnic names. The mindfulness techniques introduced in this chapter are today, I choose me, cooling breath, and lion’s breath.
In chapter seven, “The Only,” Clarke describes the pressure Black people face as the first in personal and professional spaces whether it is being the only woman or in Clarke’s case, the only Black woman, Black person, or person of color. Being the only Black person can lead to feeling isolated and lonely, feeling a pressure to perform, being given extra work, being used to project a diverse work environment, and employing saying no if feeling overwhelmed personally or professionally and using position as only black personal in organization to work to drive change in hiring and promoting people of color. The mindfulness techniques introduced in this chapter are 4-7-8 breathing, the power of no, bellows breath, and “I Get to…”
In chapter eight, “R-E-S-P-E-C-T,” Clarke describes the lack of respect sometime given to Black managers by white subordinates as well as being perceived as aggressive when being vocal at work. It was interesting to learn the difference between microagressions and macroagressions as well as Clarke including examples including gaff you competence questioned, not getting promoted, and feeling ignored and invisible. Self-care techniques are provided including surrounding yourself with Black people whether it is online or in person, dancing. The mindfulness techniques introduced in this chapter are alternate-nostril breathing, squeeze and release, enhanced breath of fire, and conscious dance release.
In chapter nine, “Conquering Imposter Syndrome with Courage,” Clarke shares her first experience with imposter syndrome as an eight-year-old attending an expensive private school in the suburbs. Later in the chapter, Clarke provides eight symptoms of imposter syndrome before providing ways to overcome feeling like an imposter syndrome by using the WEBAV (framework. The mindfulness techniques introduced in this chapter are welcoming the voice, evidence gathering, affirmations, visualization, and solar plexus breath.
In chapter ten, “To Code-Switch or not to Code-Switch,” Clarke describes how often Black people often have to adjust their speech and dress more “professionally” to survive in white spaces. Clarke shared the experience of being told how to be “professional” by dressing in suits of business casual outfits, wearing straight hair, and liking what they like, leading to the creation of a separate work personality versus bringing their real authentic self to work. Although Clarke provides a dictionary definition of code-switching, she feels it is limited to speech and language and choices to highlight George B. Ray’s definition of African American code-switching. In way interesting to learn the other ways in which Black people code-switch such as hiding one’s socioeconomic background, suppressing nonverbal cues, culture, hobbies, and political views. The mindfulness technique introduced in this chapter is Byron Katie’s “The Work”: Four Questions.
In chapter eleven, “A Journey to Self-Love,” Clarke describes the importance of self-care and self-love. Clarke shares her own self-love journey and provides an insightful writing prompt as well as encouraging the reader to treat themselves on a weekly basis. Mindfulness techniques provided are creating intentional morning and evening self-love routines. The mindfulness techniques introduced in this chapter are what do I love about myself, intentional morning and evening routines, and treat yo’self weekly.
In chapter twelve, “Mindfulness and Breathwork Toolkit,” Clarke provides a guide to the thirty-four mindfulness practices listed throughout the book along with their corresponding page number. Video tutorials of key practices can be found at Clarke’s website. After chapter twelve, Clarke ends the book by providing a list of resources and acknowledgements.
As I finished reading this book, I appreciated that the chapters are short and Clarke provides the reader with tools they can begin using immediately. I also liked how vulnerable Clarke is in sharing her own personal racial trauma and a way to connect the techniques she’s referring to. I resonated with so many of the stories Clarke shares in relation to experiences with racism. Despite the heavy subject matter, Clarke’s writing system and techniques are is insightful and thought provoking. So many things mentioned in the book resonated with me so much, I recently bought my own personal copy of the book to refer to in the future. In closing, this book is a must have for any black person (or any person of color) who has experienced racial trauma and is looking for ways to heal which can be read repeatedly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2023
This book is incredible! It's so rare to read something that is so full of personal experiences, deep societal analysis, and concrete tools on how to take care of yourself- all at the same time! Zee Clarke has given us such a gift with this book.
The book is also gorgeous- with the most beautiful illustrations and with super easy-to-follow tips at the end of each chapter. It's a resource that you will find yourself returning to again and again.
Can't recommend this enough!
The book is also gorgeous- with the most beautiful illustrations and with super easy-to-follow tips at the end of each chapter. It's a resource that you will find yourself returning to again and again.
Can't recommend this enough!
November 13, 2023
ZERO STARS!!!
FALSE ADVERTISMENT!!!
i personally did not like or appreciate this book because of the false advertisement in the title.
i know it is false advertisement because On May 25, 2020, George Floyd, a 46-year-old black American man, was murdered in Minneapolis by Derek Chauvin, a 44-year-old white police officer. Floyd had been arrested after a store clerk alleged that he made a purchase using a counterfeit $20 bill. Chauvin knelt on Floyd's neck for over nine minutes while Floyd was handcuffed and lying face-down in a street. Two other police officers, J. Alexander Kueng and Thomas Lane, assisted Chauvin in restraining Floyd. Lane had also pointed a gun at Floyd's head before Floyd was handcuffed. A fourth police officer, Tou Thao, prevented bystanders from intervening.
Before being placed on the ground, Floyd had exhibited signs of anxiety, complaining about having claustrophobia, and being unable to breathe.After being restrained, he became more distressed, still complaining of breathing difficulties, of the knee on his neck, and of fear of imminent death. After several minutes, Floyd stopped speaking. For the last few minutes, he lay motionless, and Kueng found no pulse when urged to check. Despite this, Chauvin ignored bystanders' pleas to lift his knee from Floyd's neck. The next day, after videos recorded by witnesses and security cameras became public, the Minneapolis Police Department fired all four officers. Two autopsies, and one autopsy review, found Floyd's death to be a homicide.
On March 12, 2021, Minneapolis agreed to pay US$27 million to settle a wrongful death lawsuit brought by Floyd's family. On April 20, Chauvin was convicted of unintentional second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter, and on June 25 he was sentenced to 22+1⁄2 years in prison. All four officers faced federal civil rights charges. In December 2021, Chauvin pleaded guilty to federal charges of violating Floyd's civil rights by using unreasonable force and ignoring his serious medical distress (stupid lil silly nigger). The other three officers were also later convicted of violating Floyd's civil rights. Lane pleaded guilty in May 2022 to a state charge of aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter and was sentenced on September 21, 2022, to three years in prison to be served concurrently with his federal sentence of 2+1⁄2 years. Kueng pleaded guilty on October 24, 2022, to the state charges of aiding and abetting manslaughter and was sentenced to 3+1⁄2 years in prison, to be served concurrently with his federal sentence. Thao waived his right to a jury trial on the state charge in lieu of a review of the evidence and a determination by a judge. He was found guilty of aiding and abetting manslaughter in a written verdict delivered on May 2, 2023, and he was sentenced to 4+3⁄4 years in prison.
Floyd's murder led to worldwide protests against police brutality, police racism, and lack of police accountability.
FALSE ADVERTISMENT!!!
i personally did not like or appreciate this book because of the false advertisement in the title.
i know it is false advertisement because On May 25, 2020, George Floyd, a 46-year-old black American man, was murdered in Minneapolis by Derek Chauvin, a 44-year-old white police officer. Floyd had been arrested after a store clerk alleged that he made a purchase using a counterfeit $20 bill. Chauvin knelt on Floyd's neck for over nine minutes while Floyd was handcuffed and lying face-down in a street. Two other police officers, J. Alexander Kueng and Thomas Lane, assisted Chauvin in restraining Floyd. Lane had also pointed a gun at Floyd's head before Floyd was handcuffed. A fourth police officer, Tou Thao, prevented bystanders from intervening.
Before being placed on the ground, Floyd had exhibited signs of anxiety, complaining about having claustrophobia, and being unable to breathe.After being restrained, he became more distressed, still complaining of breathing difficulties, of the knee on his neck, and of fear of imminent death. After several minutes, Floyd stopped speaking. For the last few minutes, he lay motionless, and Kueng found no pulse when urged to check. Despite this, Chauvin ignored bystanders' pleas to lift his knee from Floyd's neck. The next day, after videos recorded by witnesses and security cameras became public, the Minneapolis Police Department fired all four officers. Two autopsies, and one autopsy review, found Floyd's death to be a homicide.
On March 12, 2021, Minneapolis agreed to pay US$27 million to settle a wrongful death lawsuit brought by Floyd's family. On April 20, Chauvin was convicted of unintentional second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter, and on June 25 he was sentenced to 22+1⁄2 years in prison. All four officers faced federal civil rights charges. In December 2021, Chauvin pleaded guilty to federal charges of violating Floyd's civil rights by using unreasonable force and ignoring his serious medical distress (stupid lil silly nigger). The other three officers were also later convicted of violating Floyd's civil rights. Lane pleaded guilty in May 2022 to a state charge of aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter and was sentenced on September 21, 2022, to three years in prison to be served concurrently with his federal sentence of 2+1⁄2 years. Kueng pleaded guilty on October 24, 2022, to the state charges of aiding and abetting manslaughter and was sentenced to 3+1⁄2 years in prison, to be served concurrently with his federal sentence. Thao waived his right to a jury trial on the state charge in lieu of a review of the evidence and a determination by a judge. He was found guilty of aiding and abetting manslaughter in a written verdict delivered on May 2, 2023, and he was sentenced to 4+3⁄4 years in prison.
Floyd's murder led to worldwide protests against police brutality, police racism, and lack of police accountability.
March 29, 2023
Black People Breathe: A Mindfulness Guide to Racial Healing by Zee Clarke
Released March 14, 2023
<3 This was triggering, maddening and depressing AF. I had to reset for a day before sharingthis. BIPOC FOLKS do so much unconciously and conciously to just exist. Several of her experiences took me way back to grade school events, teen years and present day Exixsting While Black experiences.
OMG! The supermarket scene and the aftermath of that racial profiling incident...I don't think that would have ended well for me if I were in that situation... It sure did bring up a similar experience that happen when I was shopping with a high school friend for a class trip the next day.
Being an ACODF, it never even occured to me to tell the adults in my home what happen. I totally believe in my Meditation practice (that I NEVER MISS) and THE healing benefits that YOGA provides (which I need to get back to) for my overall health. I definitely need to add a #BreathWork practice to my #sanitymaintenace kit. I highly recommend folks read/listen to this #self-care and #preventative wellness memoir and incorporate some of these techniques. I hope a video of all the holistic approaches she mentioned.
#MustRead #MustListen #BreatheBlackFolksBreathe
#microaggressions #Macroagressions #affirmations #ImposterSyndrome #MichelleObama #BarackObama #RacialProfiling #MentalHealth #PreventativeCare #meditation #Yoga #Breathwork #MovingMeditation #codeswitching #HowToWatch #GeorgeFloyd #GenerationalTrauma #BlackPeopleBreathe #NetGalley <3
It is your right to survive. It is your right to thrive. Mindfulness and breathwork will help you do just that.
Racism is more than just an interpersonal experience. It is a systemic injustice that affects the lives of Black people, and all people of color, in countless ways. Doctors and psychologists have discovered the wide-ranging—and often devastating—effects of racism on one’s emotional, physical, and mental health, from high blood pressure and heart problems to anxiety and depression. Yet studies show that mindfulness, meditation, and breathwork can significantly reduce these issues. This is where Zee Clarke comes in.
In this powerful book, Clarke draws on her professional expertise and her lived experience as a Black woman to share mindfulness exercises, breathwork practices, and meditative tools centered on healing from and surviving racial trauma. Filled with deeply personal stories highlighting the many systemic challenges that people of color face, this mixture of guide and memoir offers thirty-three practical techniques based on the emotions elicited from these experiences.
Whether you are coping with police brutality, racial profiling, microaggressions, or even imposter syndrome, Black People Breathe gives you the tools to process these complex feelings physically, mentally, and emotionally. Though this collection was created to facilitate healing for communities of color, it also offers allies insight into the discrimination and inequity that these communities face, creating a space for deeper empathy and the inspiration to drive change.
Released March 14, 2023
<3 This was triggering, maddening and depressing AF. I had to reset for a day before sharingthis. BIPOC FOLKS do so much unconciously and conciously to just exist. Several of her experiences took me way back to grade school events, teen years and present day Exixsting While Black experiences.
OMG! The supermarket scene and the aftermath of that racial profiling incident...I don't think that would have ended well for me if I were in that situation... It sure did bring up a similar experience that happen when I was shopping with a high school friend for a class trip the next day.
Being an ACODF, it never even occured to me to tell the adults in my home what happen. I totally believe in my Meditation practice (that I NEVER MISS) and THE healing benefits that YOGA provides (which I need to get back to) for my overall health. I definitely need to add a #BreathWork practice to my #sanitymaintenace kit. I highly recommend folks read/listen to this #self-care and #preventative wellness memoir and incorporate some of these techniques. I hope a video of all the holistic approaches she mentioned.
#MustRead #MustListen #BreatheBlackFolksBreathe
#microaggressions #Macroagressions #affirmations #ImposterSyndrome #MichelleObama #BarackObama #RacialProfiling #MentalHealth #PreventativeCare #meditation #Yoga #Breathwork #MovingMeditation #codeswitching #HowToWatch #GeorgeFloyd #GenerationalTrauma #BlackPeopleBreathe #NetGalley <3
It is your right to survive. It is your right to thrive. Mindfulness and breathwork will help you do just that.
Racism is more than just an interpersonal experience. It is a systemic injustice that affects the lives of Black people, and all people of color, in countless ways. Doctors and psychologists have discovered the wide-ranging—and often devastating—effects of racism on one’s emotional, physical, and mental health, from high blood pressure and heart problems to anxiety and depression. Yet studies show that mindfulness, meditation, and breathwork can significantly reduce these issues. This is where Zee Clarke comes in.
In this powerful book, Clarke draws on her professional expertise and her lived experience as a Black woman to share mindfulness exercises, breathwork practices, and meditative tools centered on healing from and surviving racial trauma. Filled with deeply personal stories highlighting the many systemic challenges that people of color face, this mixture of guide and memoir offers thirty-three practical techniques based on the emotions elicited from these experiences.
Whether you are coping with police brutality, racial profiling, microaggressions, or even imposter syndrome, Black People Breathe gives you the tools to process these complex feelings physically, mentally, and emotionally. Though this collection was created to facilitate healing for communities of color, it also offers allies insight into the discrimination and inequity that these communities face, creating a space for deeper empathy and the inspiration to drive change.
January 25, 2024
Black People Breathe: A Mindfulness Guide to Racial Healing (Hardcover)
by Zee Clarke
heard author this date on the radio: Our Body Politic • A Podcast from Farai Chideya
https://ourbodypolitic.com/how-black-...
On this episode of Our Body Politic, guest host Mara S. Campo looks at the idea of the “soft life” as a form of self-care for Black women. Mara speaks with Dr. Judith Joseph, a board-certified psychiatrist, and Chair of Women in Medicine Collaborative at Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons about the concept. Mara also talks with the founder of Saddie Baddies, Priscilla O. Agyeman, about using her skills to teach women how to embrace a soft life. We round out the show with Zee Clarke, author of Black People Breathe who offers practical methods to embrace rest.
I started studying breathing in the 60's. I have used breathing extensively in my health care. I probably wouldn't be alive without it. (!) I have been through serious surgeries and rebuilding of my skull and face. My breathing teachers and practitioners are as important as any other of my health care providers.
I liked everything she said.
by Zee Clarke
heard author this date on the radio: Our Body Politic • A Podcast from Farai Chideya
https://ourbodypolitic.com/how-black-...
On this episode of Our Body Politic, guest host Mara S. Campo looks at the idea of the “soft life” as a form of self-care for Black women. Mara speaks with Dr. Judith Joseph, a board-certified psychiatrist, and Chair of Women in Medicine Collaborative at Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons about the concept. Mara also talks with the founder of Saddie Baddies, Priscilla O. Agyeman, about using her skills to teach women how to embrace a soft life. We round out the show with Zee Clarke, author of Black People Breathe who offers practical methods to embrace rest.
I started studying breathing in the 60's. I have used breathing extensively in my health care. I probably wouldn't be alive without it. (!) I have been through serious surgeries and rebuilding of my skull and face. My breathing teachers and practitioners are as important as any other of my health care providers.
I liked everything she said.
November 1, 2023
What a powerful book! Any person of color who has ever experienced veiled or overt racism will benefit from the spiritual advice and detailed breathing strategies in this manual. Kudos to Zee Clarke for providing such an important resource. It's not only good for coping with problems and crises, but also comes in handy during moments of introspection. While meditating, I keep it by my side so I can practice the breathwork and enhance my inner journey. Black People Breathe will definitely be on my gift-giving list this Christmas.
September 28, 2024
4.5 wonderful reference book for mindfulness exercises. Greatly appreciate the key points to remember after each chapter. Along with mindfulness practice toolkit points.
The author’s real experiences listed are relatable to most black women across several generations. Many of the concepts discussed can be felt by women of all ethnicities.
Great pictures. Only complaint is the fine print. The orange ink and pages can be difficult to read.
Overall this is a useful calming toolkit for mindfulness!
The author’s real experiences listed are relatable to most black women across several generations. Many of the concepts discussed can be felt by women of all ethnicities.
Great pictures. Only complaint is the fine print. The orange ink and pages can be difficult to read.
Overall this is a useful calming toolkit for mindfulness!
April 10, 2023
This is a powerful, important book. Lots of personal stories, you get a vivid sense of how the author has experienced both big and small traumas and how micro-aggressions can really impact a person's life. I'm now much more aware about the struggles my Black and other BIPOC friends experience, and more empowered to be the best ally I can be. The book is also very readable with so much actionable advice. I'm grateful it was recommended to me, and I'll continue to pass it along!
August 3, 2023
I listened to this on audio and found it so helpful that I'm going to check out the print copy from the library. Zee Clarke includes lots of breathing techniques for when you're feeling overwhelmed seeing Black lives being taken on television, encountering racism and work microaggressions. I found her chapter on code switching helpful. I know I do it a lot, mainly because I'm tired of explaining what something means. Every Black person should read/listen to this.
February 26, 2024
Great breathing techniques and good to know for mindfulness. I couldn’t completely relate to all the situations but the ways to deal with difficult social justice situations in the news was helpful. I related to more than I didn’t. But I may have enjoyed it more if I had read it. I listened and found some of the ways it was narrated to come satirical even when not intended to be. Good book, but not sure I would be rushing to recommend it.
April 10, 2023
This is an extraordinary book by an extraordinary person. It's not always easy to read, but truth often isn't. And at the end of the day this is a book about healing. Zee Clarke makes sure to balance her own experiences with racial injustice with the techniques she used to overcome them. Inspiring.
(Side note, the illustrations are amazing!)
(Side note, the illustrations are amazing!)
April 16, 2023
I keep finding myself picking Zee’s book back up to review breathing techniques, get ideas, and to get inspired as I work on my own meditation and breathing practice. This is a health improving, life saving book.
But at first read, you also get swept up in Zee’s story and the bravery and honesty with which she shares it. We need more Zee Clarke’s.
Beautifully written must read book!
But at first read, you also get swept up in Zee’s story and the bravery and honesty with which she shares it. We need more Zee Clarke’s.
Beautifully written must read book!
April 18, 2023
An inspirational and powerful book by mindfulness teacher Zee Clarke that offers mindfulness exercises, breath work practices, and meditative tools focused on healing and survival for those who have endured racial trauma. Containing beautiful illustrations to assist in the process, this is a truly unique and inspiring read, written in a lovely format that will appeal to all.
March 15, 2023
Thank you, Net Gallery, for the advanced copy of this book.
This is a heartfelt and practical guide for both pranayama and mindfulness. The author shares specific, often racially motivated, instances of difficult situations that can create a stress response. She then pairs them with techniques that help calm and soothe that response. Nicely done.
This is a heartfelt and practical guide for both pranayama and mindfulness. The author shares specific, often racially motivated, instances of difficult situations that can create a stress response. She then pairs them with techniques that help calm and soothe that response. Nicely done.
March 14, 2023
Amazing!!! Super helpful techniques that I can use immediately. Grateful this book was written! I feel I can take better care of myself and how I feel no matter what is happening around me. Thank you
Read
March 28, 2023Great book! However, I couldn’t finish it. I purchased the audiobook on Audible. The author’s voice shrills at such high pitches. Since the content itself is wonderful, I tried to push through. But nope! Wonderful content cannot compete with a voice that squeaks in such an annoying way.
July 23, 2023
As we deal with the stresses of life, it’s important that we employ tools to help us cope. The breathing techniques in this book are great. I especially found the illustration helpful for the various techniques. I highly recommend this one!! Self-care is essential.
September 10, 2023
I need to buy a physical copy of this book because the exercises in here (there are many and they come with descriptions and visuals) are exactly what I need to survive all the things life is and will continue to hand me as a Black woman in the US.
March 20, 2023
Excellent book on managing stress and navigating the challenges of today's workplace for people of color.
March 21, 2023
Inspiring, candid, vulnerable read with great illustrations. Really practical and insightful.
June 6, 2023
4.75 out of 5 stars.
March 7, 2024
This was absolutely a great read for POCs, especially women. I've already established a routine for breathing and meditation, but so much more was covered!
March 25, 2025
This is hands down one of the BEST books I’ve ever read 5 stars
December 19, 2024
Really great practical tools, highly recommend both audiobook and hardcover.
Felt like she was speaking directly to me as a black woman.
Felt like she was speaking directly to me as a black woman.
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