One mental health organization has launched a series of conversations focused on understanding the impact of police violence on Black mental health, particularly for Black women. It provides a safe space for Black women to share their experiences with law enforcement.
The community-led conversation series will be held in cities across the state with the goal of raising awareness and understanding of how police violence can contribute to generational trauma within marginalized communities. Jewel Woods, founder of Male Behavioral Health, initiated this series to address the gaps in understanding how police violence affects marginalized groups and institutional betrayal trauma (IBT) in a gender-specific way that focuses on the unique intersections of race and gender, especially for Black women.
Woods emphasizes the importance of accountability for men whose actions cause harm and suffering. The series will explore how police violence impacts Black mental health, specifically in the areas of Black suicidality and Black parenting. By hosting these events, Woods hopes to gather data, make recommendations, and create positive change within the Black community by addressing generational trauma.
These open and honest conversations aim to break the cycle of trauma and provide parents with tools to address and heal from past traumas passed down through generations. The ultimate goal of the series is to empower individuals to make a meaningful impact within their communities and promote mental well-being in marginalized populations.