By applying an intersectional lens, we can name these systems of oppression that lead to increased stress and trauma for BIPOC folx. It is important for BIPOC folx to recognize and label how intersectional oppression, such as gendered racism, negatively impacts health and well-being. Name and Identify Sources of Stress and Trauma We offer the following five recommendations to promote radical healing at this time of fear and uncertainty.ġ. Radical healing encourages Communities of Color to draw on the resilience of our ancestors as we demand justice and equity to address the effects of COVID-19 and continued racial trauma on our lives. Radical healing reminds us that our personal health is connected to the collective it involves taking direct action to promote wellness at the individual, family, community, and societal levels. The key feature of radical healing is being able to exist in both spaces of resisting oppression while moving toward freedom, liberation, and wellness. While acknowledging the systemic nature of oppression, BIPOC folx can engage in radical healing from racial trauma through self-knowledge, critical consciousness, collectivism, strength and resistance, and hope. We believe key components of The Psychology of Radical Healing can provide insights about ways to build connection and community while we practice social distancing and work toward healing during this health crisis. Indeed, we are experiencing a collective mourning within our BIPOC communities. ![]() Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers compounds the grief and trauma BIPOC folx are experiencing while witnessing the constant violence against their bodies. The recent report of immigrant Latinx women being subject to mass non-consensual hysterectomies while in the U.S. Transgender and gender expansive BIPOC folx have fewer sources of support they can turn to in general, so the barriers to community support due to COVID-19 have also intensified. ![]() Additionally, many BIPOC women are assuming the burden of caretaking of family and community during this crisis and shouldering this stress in isolation. In an Essence magazine survey, more than 60% of Black women indicated COVID-19 had a negative effect on their emotional well-being and mental health. The intersection of racial and gender oppression during COVID-19 is also evident in how Black women are being impacted. There is also a rise in anti-Asian harassment and assaults due to xenophobia and use of inflammatory language by government officials regarding the “Kung Flu Virus” or “China Virus,” with Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) women being 2.4 times more likely to experience discrimination than AAPI men. These two crises of COVID-19 and systemic racism have combined to negatively affect BIPOC in unique and painful ways.īIPOC and immigrant folx make up the majority of food system workers in the farm and meat packing industries, where little protection is provided, and they have been exposed to COVID19, which has resulted in high rates of infections. The deaths of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Nina Pop, Andres Guardado, among others, have hit us hard. In addition to dealing with the anxiety and grief of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are reeling from the ongoing killings of BIPOC folx, many at the hands of the police. These racial disparities impacting our communities are causing increased levels of distress. Our communities are hurting because of the pandemic – our people are losing jobs, and some are losing housing. For example, according to data from the COVID Racial Data Tracker, Black people are dying from COVID-19 at 2.4 times the rate of white people. in terms of mortality and infection rates. ![]() Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) are being disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 in the U.S. To date, over 200,000 people in the United States (U.S.) have died as a result of complications related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Published by Division 45 on NovemNovemGrace A. Radical Healing during COVID-19 and Racism Crises
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