Health and Wellness Statement on Racial Injustice:
The tragic events of recent days have once again highlighted the devastating impact of racial inequalities and injustice in America. The murder of George Floyd is just the most recent example of senseless violence towards the black community. We hear and share the anguish of the black community in response to these and other acts of racially motivated violence. While the work in H&W focuses on healing, finding solutions, and bridging differences, we recognize there is no easy fix for systemic racism. We can start by taking a hard look at the pernicious roots of racial bias in our country, our communities, our institutions and within ourselves – and take concrete steps to combat it. It is imperative that we acknowledge and identify the existing structures and worldviews that create and maintain cultural and racial disparities.
The Health and Wellness Unit at TCNJ strongly condemns racism and violence in all of its forms and understands the increasing level of trauma, anger and despair among black students, and the corresponding risks to mental health and emotional well-being.
MHS will be offering a Racial Trauma Support Group this summer (and into the fall) on Tuesdays at 3pm co-led by Debeka Bennett, Ph.D. and Robbin Loonan, DVS, LPC. If interested, please fill out a request for group services form HERE.
TCNJ Student Government has pulled together a list of advocacy resources consisting of petitions, ways to donate, and a variety of educational materials HERE.
TCNJ Division of Equity and Inclusion also has a variety of useful resources HERE.
The following resources from the STEVE FUND may also help you cope during this difficult period.
- Community Healing Network: Healing in the Face of Racial Trauma
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Taking Care of Yourself
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network position statement on racial trauma and African Americans
- Self-Care Tips For Black People Who Are Struggling With This Very Painful Week (Vice)
- Boston University Racial Trauma Toolkit
- NYU The Trauma of Racism
Text STEVE to 741741 to reach a culturally trained CRISIS TEXT LINE COUNSELOR
Additional Resources:
- https://blacklivesmatter.com/resources/
- https://www.beam.community/
- To Write Love On Her Arms: Black Lives Matter: Black Mental Health Matters Too
- What Will It Take To Bridge Our Differences?
- Can We Reduce Bias in Criminal Justice?
- How To Fight Racism Through Inner Work
- How to Sustain Your Activism
- How To Help All Students Feel Like They Belong
- How To Find Strength in Being Different
- Addressing COVID-19 with a racial and equity lens
- Addressing Race and Trauma in the Classroom: A Resource for Educator