Urban Trauma - by Maysa Akbar (Hardcover)

About the Book

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."

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"This book helps me understand the impact of Urban Trauma on

conditions in my city that my administration works to ameliorate. Dr.

Akbar's poignant stories and insight into negative, often disruptive

behaviors of children--and adults--living with multigenerational

trauma provides a foundation for understanding these problems and

provides tools to address these complex limiting behaviors."

-Toni Harp, Mayor, New Haven, Connecticut

"Dr. Akbar pokes her finger deep into the painful pulse of today's

urban communities--clearly outlining behaviors and characteristics

that have proven efficacious for some but a detriment to many

others. As the mother of two black boys, Urban Trauma is a

cultural masterpiece connecting the dots 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's

subconscious of things unsaid, but certainly understood by so

many. With both eloquence and unapologetic candor, Dr. Akbar

excavates the root causes of racism and 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

"Understanding the complex experience of the African diaspora

requires consideration of the impact of Urban Trauma on their

health and mental health outcomes. Dr. Akbar, in her seminal

work, is challenging the field of psychology and practitioners,

specifically, to integrate the experiences of groups whose voices and

experiences have continued to be muted as we work to heal the ills

that they experience. Important, timely, and required!"

-Derrick M. Gordon, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry (Psychology

Section) Division of Prevention & Community Research Yale

University School of Medicine Director of Research,

Policy & Program on Male Development,

The Consultation Center at Yale

"Urban Trauma is a must read for clinicians and all professionals

working within and across the color-line. Dr. Akbar provides the

reader with a unique and comprehensive view of trauma; one that

expands our understanding and deepens our work with children,

adolescents, adults, and families that have lived and adapted to

traumatic experiences. We are compelled as clinicians, physicians,

and clergy to utilize this knowledge in our efforts to heal the

invisible wounds of our communities."

-Dr. Brett S. Rayford, Director of Program Development,

Albert J. Solnit Children Center, A program of

the CT Department of Children and Families

"Urban Trauma is a powerful and thoughtful piece on racism and the

impact it has on Black communities. Dr. Akbar gives a detailed script

for clinical and social practitioners as well as community advocates

who are in the daily trenches fighting for social change and equality."

-Shahid Abdul-Karim, New Haven Register

Community Engagement Editor