Repeated, Ongoing, and Systemic Incidents of Racism and their Harmful Mental Health Effects:: Addressing Trauma in the Lives of African Americans

This article will examine the correlation between racial incidents faced by African Americans and the psychological impact these incidents have on members of African American communities, specifically focusing on the correlation between aggressive and frequent law enforcement contact/interaction and the traumatic impacts faced by African Americans as a result of said contacts and interactions. It will also attempt to contextualize the meaning of racial trauma and its ever-present reality for African Americans. Special attention will be paid to African American youth and young adults and the ongoing traumas faced by this group as they navigate through facets of American society, both within and without their communities. A historical analysis will bolster the theory that historical events can and do create trauma (peripheral) for African Americans. The article will then discuss racial trauma as the result of frequent and ever-present forms of discrimination, including how interactions with law enforcement can exacerbate mental health issues related to trauma. Finally, recommendations will be made to reduce and prevent trauma associated with law enforcement contact and interaction.