Title: Experts Discuss Racial Healing and Justice in Live Conversation
On Wednesday, October 25, at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET, Word In Black will host a special Facebook Live conversation with renowned researchers and educators, Dr. Joy DeGruy and Dr. Bahia Cross, to explore the concept of racial healing and justice for the Black community. This thought-provoking discussion will delve into the essential roles that institutions, communities, and individuals must play to establish justice, equity, and unity.
Dr. Joy DeGruy, the founder of the Be The Healing movement, has dedicated almost 40 years to studying and addressing the impacts of racial trauma and violence, particularly in relation to the enslavement of Black people. Her powerful work emphasizes the need to confront and break the cycle of suffering, honor the resilience of our ancestors, and ultimately restore the promise of liberation.
Reflecting on the pervasive influence of anti-Black sentiment in the United States, Dr. DeGruy observed, If you grew up in America, you’ve been socialized to be anti-Black — including Black people. All of us have been socialized to be anti-Black.
Dr. Bahia Cross, Dr. Joy DeGruy’s daughter, holds a doctorate in social work research and has dedicated her career to understanding the experiences of Black female adolescents in foster care. Together with her mother, Dr. Bahia is actively involved in building the Be The Healing movement and is the founder and executive director of the Black Parent Initiative, a Portland-based nonprofit that aims to improve the lives of Black and multi-ethnic children by promoting health, cultural identity, and parent education.
In a recent op-ed for Word In Black, Dr. Bahia articulated the need for self-affirmation and empowerment within Black communities, asserting, It’s time to show off ourselves in our communities in a new way and in a beautifully organic, positive, knowing manner that allows us to shine with the brightness we’ve always had — but that institutions, policies, and laws have continuously sought to dim and extinguish.
Joining the conversation will be Liz Courquet-Lesaulnier, the managing director of Word In Black, as well as Ashanti Branch, the founder and executive director of the Oakland-based Ever Forward Club.
The aim of this conversation, as expressed by Dr. Bahia, is to beam light and love to every Black child, woman, man, and all the other ways we identify ourselves.
This event offers an opportunity for all individuals interested in racial healing and justice to gain valuable insights and contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding these crucial topics.
