Eighteenth International Conference on Diversity in Organizations, Communities & Nations

Abstract

This paper puts the current plight of our urban centers and urban citizens in historical context. Dr. Akbar, in both her book and her mental health practice, examines and takes into account the history, biology, and psychological conditions that urban communities face and identifies characteristics of urban trauma. These characteristics will enable increased awareness and understanding for clinicians and community providers alike to better navigate these issues as they arise in practice. These characteristics of anger, mistrust, manipulation, fear, perception, and rejection, have their roots in slavery and must be identified and overcome in order to create a better future for communities of color. The author then goes a step further and begins to identify how to build resilience in urban communities and offers suggestions for building trust and collaboration.