Grief as a Pathway to Liberation: A Reflection on Juneteenth and Intergenerational Trauma

When we think of Juneteenth, we often think of the celebratory milestone where hundreds of thousands of enslaved Black Americans in Galveston Bay, Texas were finally emancipated two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Its celebration is deeply important and deserves to be rightfully acknowledged for the progressive step that it is, however, the fight continues to this very day 160 years later.

The Black Community continues to face high rates of brutality, incarceration, economic inequality, and adverse health outcomes at higher rates than any other demographic. For many Black queer, trans, and gender-expansive folks, the journey toward liberation is even more adversarial. Here at Grounded Wellbeing, we see the celebration of Juneteenth as deeply important, and we also find it necessary to hold space for the less visible grief that is pervasive within these communities. In order to support our clients on their journey towards healing, especially our clients of color, we must be willing to sit with the weight of their unhealed wounds developed from intergenerational trauma and systemic racism.

 Our lack of direct involvement in history doesn’t negate the profound historical trauma the black community continues to experience. Unaddressed historical trauma shows up in our bodies, relationships, and our nervous systems. This can look like hyperviligence, imposter syndrome, desensitization, or racial battle fatigue/exhaustion. Many of us have not only inherited pain from previous generations but also adopted behaviors we reasoned as methods of survival because at one point they kept our ancestors alive. Unfortunately, now they can be maladaptive in certain settings and can impact our ability to feel safe, vulnerable, and connected in our intimate and social relationships. However, therapy, community care, and cultural rituals are potential ways in which communities can be proactive in witnessing and honoring their grief. 

 In liberation work, grief is sacred. It connects us to those who came before us and those who will come after. Grief work can be complex, nonlinear, and exhausting, however the potential benefits of it unburdening our body and nervous system, and creating space for you to foster deeper connection with yourself and your community could be rewarding enough. 

 This does not have to be a solitary journey.

Book a free consultation today if you are needing support on your journey toward liberation through healing. Click the link HERE