Usha Tummala-Narra - Addressing Racial Injustice and Trauma

Abstract: The current sociopolitical climate and the COVID-19 pandemic have been marked by a
rise in explicit forms of race-based hate. Racial injustice and trauma have significant impact on a
sense of identity and well-being. This presentation will focus on the impact of racial trauma as
well as on strategies within and outside of the mental health professions that can promote
individual and collective healing and empowerment. Specifically, I will explore how to address
racial injustice and trauma through conducting culturally informed research and psychotherapy,
engaging with communities to raise awareness regarding traumatic stress and mental health
issues shaped by injustice, and helping communities to mobilize their strengths that facilitate
healing and foster meaning-making and hope. In order to illustrate these approaches, the
presenter will draw on recent research with Indian Americans and involvement with mental
health education within Hindu communities in the United States.