Silent Wounds: Rethinking Healing in Black Communities
Reflections on the documentary “Homicide and Suicide in the Black Community: Addressing the Impact of Trauma and Hopelessness”
Understanding the Deeper Impact of Trauma and Hopelessness
I had the pleasure of attending a screening of the documentary Homicide and Suicide in the Black Community: Addressing the Impact of Trauma and Hopelessness, which takes a powerful look at how gun culture, trauma, and social issues intersect, particularly within Black communities and among youth. It reveals how quick, emotional reactions driven by anger or disrespect can lead to life-altering consequences like imprisonment or death.
The film also highlights accidental shootings involving children, America’s obsession with guns, and the role of social media in shaping harmful perceptions of Black identity. Through stories and statistics, the documentary connects the dots between mental health challenges, poverty, and community disconnection, reminding us that trauma often grows where support is lacking.
The Role of Faith, Love, and Community
Following the film, a panel of community leaders offered a spiritually rooted reflection on trauma and healing. Senior Pastor Marc A. Tibbs of Centenary United Methodist Church served as moderator, emphasizing the creation of sacred spaces where painful conversations can take place openly. Each panelist offered their own wisdom; for example, local psychologist Dr. Josephine Ridley explored generational trauma and collective pain. Deputy Chief Michael Miller of the Akron Police Department described trauma as a “heavy vest” that requires community support. Together, all of the panel members reminded us that healing requires faith, love, and honest acknowledgment of pain to break cycles of generational trauma.
Culture, Music, and Identity
One of the most impactful segments of the documentary examined how rap music has changed over time, evolving from stories of empowerment for the Black community to sometimes glorifying violence and stereotypes placed upon the Black community. As the music industry has shifted toward commercialization and prioritizes profit over people, it prompted me to consider how media and messages influence identity, particularly for young Black and brown youth seeking their worth and place in society.
The music industry’s reinforcement of negative stereotypes, including the normalization of violence, hypersexuality, and drug use within the Black community, can distort perceptions of reality in some and shape how young listeners view themselves and their communities. Despite
this, music retains a profound ability to empower, educate, heal, and motivate when used intentionally. This raised many questions about why the industry has shifted the type of music it promotes.
Reflections on Faith and Inclusivity
The panel discussion following the screening highlighted the need for a deep examination and conversation of systemic oppression among Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC). Although faith-based discussions can bring comfort to many, they may also seem restrictive for those seeking healing through alternative ways. Growing up in a Black, Christian household, I personally experienced the strength that faith offers by providing a sense of community and connection to something greater than myself. Still, as I’ve grown, I’ve found my own healing through holistic and spiritual practices like mindfulness, yoga, self-reflection, and cultivating knowledge and insight. Throughout my journey, I have found that many individuals share a similar experience.
One of the themes I found most interesting in the panel conversation was how the use of the Bible became the primary focus. Many panelists mentioned returning to church and reading the Bible as solutions, which, in a community sense, is understandable. However, the Bible has historically been used to justify oppression, such as the suppression of women and the enslavement of Black people, particularly in American history. For instance, passages like Ephesians 6:5 (KJV)— “Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ”, were frequently cited by slaveholders to defend slavery, despite the broader biblical messages of love, justice, and equality. Likewise, 1 Timothy 2:11-12 (KJV)— “Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence”, was used to restrict women’s voices within faith communities. These examples remind us that scripture, when taken out of context, can be used to uphold power structures rather than challenge them. Religion plays a vital role in healing for some in the Black community, and I recognize faith offers hope to many. However, when discussing the important issue of understanding how trauma impacts the Black community deeply, promoting the Bible as a solution might be rejected by some in the BIPOC community for those reasons.
I also believe we should thoroughly examine how religious teachings, similar to the analysis of the impact of “Black music” in the film, have been interpreted and sometimes used to uphold inequality. Not to question anyone’s faith, but as philosopher George Santayana said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” (Flamm) If we want to have an inclusive discussion about how systemic oppression has affected the black community, including in music. We must be willing to explore how systemic oppression has historically impacted the community from all angles, even those that make us uncomfortable. I believe taking a deeper look into the impact of disenfranchised grief is the only path to genuine holistic healing within the community, not through any single book or belief system, but through connection, kindness, and a deep understanding of our shared human experience.
More discussion about the deeper impact of homicide, suicide, feelings of hopelessness, and disenfranchised grief within the black community is desperately needed. Support groups and resources exist for those who have experienced other forms of trauma. However, there are very few resources specifically for people within the Black community or the BIPOC community in general who have faced racially charged experiences. I haven’t personally come across any support groups for individuals within the black community that recognize the ongoing impact of disenfranchised grief on the community today. A safe space where BIPOC individuals can unpack the profound emotional toll it can take, not only on their mental health but also on the community's overall well-being, is greatly needed. Whether society wants to admit it or not, race-based trauma and systemic oppression truly leave a lasting impact on the nervous systems of BIPOC individuals(Allie-Turco, 2023). I believe healing should be inclusive, welcoming everyone in conversations about trauma and recovery. This includes individuals who find comfort in the church, those who look inward, and those who find connection through community and culture.
Final Takeaway
The documentary’s core purpose is vital, and more attention and care urgently need to be directed toward the issue of disenfranchised grief affecting Black Americans and BIPOC individuals overall. Healing begins with awareness and advances through connection. Whether through faith, mindfulness, or community dialogue, everyone must feel welcome to participate in the healing process. By listening, learning, and creating inclusive spaces, we can help the next generation transform pain into purpose and rebuild communities grounded in love and understanding.
This event strengthened my commitment to developing a multiethnic support group for youth who face racism, prejudice, or discrimination. My aim is to establish a safe environment where young people can share their experiences, understand how trauma affects the nervous system, and build self-awareness through mindfulness and open discussions about disenfranchised grief. Using compassionate dialogue, psychoeducation, and self-regulation techniques, I aspire to help youth shift from merely surviving to thriving, redefining resilience for themselves and their communities.
References
Allie-Turco, P. (2023, July). Treatment strategies for race-based traumatic stress. American Counseling Association. https://www.counseling.org/publications/counseling-today-magazine/article-archive/article/legacy/treatment-strategies-for-race-based-traumatic-stress?utm_source=chatgpt.com#
KJV. (1989). The king james version of the Bible. Project Gutenberg.
Flamm, M. C. (n.d.). George Santayana (1863—1952). Internet encyclopedia of philosophy. https://iep.utm.edu/santayan/
Written by Melyssa Martin, MSW Student Intern – Carve Your Own Path