Urban Trauma: A Legacy of Racism

"This book helps me understand the impact of urban trauma onconditions in my city that my administration works to ameliorate. Dr. Akbar'spoignant stories and insight into negative, often disruptive behaviors ofchildren - and adults - living with multigenerational trauma provides afoundation for understanding these problems and provides tools to address thesecomplex limiting behaviors."
-Toni Harp, Mayor, New Haven, Connecticut
 
"Dr. Akbar pokes her finger deep into the painful pulse oftoday's urban communities - clearly outlining behaviors and characteristicsthat have proven efficacious for some but a detriment to many others. As themother of two black boys, Urban Trauma is a cultural masterpiece connecting thedots of history and the burden of proof that deals directly with what has been,what is, and what is to come."
-Staci L. Hallmon, Vice President, Essence Communications
 
"Urban Trauma defines a harrowing space in America'ssubconscious of things unsaid, but certainly understood by so many. With botheloquence and unapologetic candor, Dr. Akbar excavates the root causes of racismand the ensuing broken social paradigms through which our youth must navigate.This work is long overdue."
-James R. Nowlin, J.D., Best-selling author of The Purposeful Millionaire, and CEO of Excel Global Partners

Survived physical abuse.
Witnessed community violence.
Conquered the streets.

Saved by education.

This is Dr. Maysa Akbar's story. A story of overcoming Urban Trauma.

It's easy to look down at urban communities and wonder why economic and social disparities still exist when so many people of color, despite facing severe adversity, have done better. They have broken the "cycle."

Yet there are those in urban communities who continue to be plagued by what Dr. Maysa Akbar has defined as Urban Trauma - a set of conditions that sustain modern day oppression.

In Urban Trauma: A Legacy of Racism, Dr. Akbar makes the case that since the time of slavery, systemic trauma in our urban centers is a result of poverty, overcrowded housing, poor physical and mental health, despair, violence, crime, and drug abuse.

Drawing from historical events, intergenerational biology, and psychology she expertly illustrates that not only is Urban Trauma real, but that by denying it's existence we deny our communities of color the chance to heal and break their cycle.