How to talk with children about racialized trauma

A children’s book might not immediately come to mind when you think about trauma.

MPR News host Angela Davis talks with the authors of a new illustrated book that features grandmothers and is focused on healing from racialized trauma.

The authors say grandmothers can plant seeds of resilience by sharing memories of their pain and their joy. And they hope their book will help families have conversations about how generations of Black people have dealt with the trauma of racism.

Guests:

• Resmaa Menakem is a longtime therapist and licensed clinical social worker who specializes in healing racialized trauma. He describes himself as a “cultural provocateur” and is the founder of the Cultural Somatics Institute. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller, “My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies.” And he is the co-author of “The Stories from My Grandmother’s Hands.”

• T. Mychael Rambo is a regional Emmy Award-winning actor, vocalist, arts educator, and community organizer. He’s performed on stages throughout the Twin Cities and the country. And he is the co-author of “The Stories from My Grandmother’s Hands.” 

Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.       

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.