My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending our Hearts and Bodies

My Grandmother’s Hands by Resmaa Menkaem, MSW, LICSW, SEP (Central Recovery Press, 2017) is a powerful book that confronts the impact of racial trauma of black and white skinned peoples. The book is unique in that the author persuasively argues that healing from racial injustice in our country will only occur from deep investigation of the internalized trauma ​that leads to White Supremacy, and the aftermath we live over and over again in the experience of black-skinned peoples.

It is thoughtfully written, with clearly presented explanations and research as well somatic mindfulness practices for exploration and integration. The author invites the reader to examine the effects of conscious and unconscious acts of “othering” and violence perpetrated and its effects through body-based practices provided in each of the chapters. In addition, he recommends that each person personally investigate these practices, either individually, while reading this book alone and/or within the same racially identified affinity group. This book also compassionately explores the nature of trauma experienced and inflicted by police. The authors share his insights and the therapeutic work he has done with this sector of the population. This book is highly recommended for anyone who is interested to understand and work towards healing of racial and social injustice, and creating a different future for all our children. You may also access a free racialized trauma course on this book HERE.