Transforming Trauma: The Power of Creative Expression in Black America

From Rage to Art

In the face of systemic racism and police brutality, Black America has been forced to confront immense anger and frustration. For many, creative expression has become a vital lifeline, providing a means to cope with the trauma and transform it into something tangible.

Writing, often a trusted coping mechanism, was insufficient to process the emotions that came with witnessing the murders of Black people. Instead, many turned to alternative forms of creative expression, such as illustrations, card making, paper dolls, and comics, to redirect their energy and create something meaningful.

Crafting as Healing

Dr. Autumn A. Griffin, a yoga teacher in training and postdoctoral fellow, found solace in creating bookmarks inspired by ankara print cloth. The meditative state induced by serious crafting brings her a sense of peace and accomplishment. Griffin has donated the proceeds to various community organizations, including supply runs for protests in Minneapolis.

Jameelah Jones, a writer and graduate student, crafted handmade cards with Black feminist quotes and vernacular calls for joy, love, and support. Jones found comfort in creating these cards, which spoke to the emotions brought on by current events. “This seems like an occasion when you would send a sympathy card. I feel like I can hold something in my hand that represents who I am and what I feel.”

Baking as Conversation Starter

Aya Eltahir, a budding social worker, began baking as a way to make productive use of newfound idle time. Over baked goods, her family had difficult conversations about everything from the current protests to the insidious nature of capitalism. “Those conversations have brought a lot of growth and transformation to me and my family in a short period of time.”

The Power of Somatic Practices

Somatic therapy is often associated with physical techniques like meditation, tapping, or deep breathing. However, creative activities like crafting and baking allow us to raise awareness of our intense emotions and express ourselves in a positive, active state of consciousness. According to transformational coach Olivia Howard, our minds tend to overcontrol our body, erasing the deep wisdom our body holds.

Healing Through Creative Expression

For Black people, finding a creative mind-body connection is crucial. The tactile nature of activities like crafting or baking raises our awareness of physical sensations in our body, allowing us to move that energy through our bodies rather than letting it sit stagnant and stew. By expressing ourselves creatively, we’re healing our energy body and reclaiming our innate wisdom.

As Brittney Cooper reminds us, our rage is a “superpower.” But we can’t let it consume us. We need to figure out how to redirect this energy, make it yield to our will rather than consume us. By doing so, we can transform our lives and find a sense of liberation.