Building Awareness About Intergenerational Trauma
75-105 Minutes
Resource Review(minus 15 minutes if completed before class)
The Beautiful Black Man
Breathing Exercise
Guided Discussion
The Hurt That Binds Us
Breathing Exercise
Guided Discussion
Resource Review(optional, add 20 minutes)
Send a Postcard(optional, add 5 minutes)
Guided Discussion
Closing Thoughts and Evaluations
Participants will be able to:
Interpret information about Intergenerational Trauma
Describe how Intergenerational Trauma can impact different people and their relationships using specific examples
Identify actions we might take to support ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities, knowing the impacts of Intergenerational Trauma
"Building Awareness About Intergenerational Trauma" invites participants to deepen their understanding of intergenerational trauma through two impactful short films. Participants are invited to read and reflect on an overview, a definition of trauma response, what intergenerational trauma can look like, what can cause it, and how it can be passed on, as well as treatment and healing. Using this foundation, they will analyze the experiences and perspectives of the films’ protagonists. The first, an experimental film, examines the intergenerational trauma experienced by some Black men, followed by structured reflection. The second, a documentary, offers an intimate look at three generations of one Indigenous family's journey. The class concludes with a discussion on actionable steps for fostering awareness and healing.
Notes:
- This class includes supplementary materials that can be completed at the start of class or assigned as homework. If assigned as homework, the class duration may be approximately 15 minutes shorter.
- This Class includes two Optional Supplementary Materials as resources. ADD 30 MIN.
topics covered
Cultural Stigma, Intergenerational Trauma, Racism
aom nutrients
Empathy, Respect for Practical Constraints, Honest Self Reflection
casel sel
Social awareness, Relationship skills
wellness wheel
Emotional, Social, Intellectual
identities
College age, Black, Indigenous, Man / male, Woman / female, Adult
film style
Documentary, Drama, Experimental
Films Included
The Hurt That Binds Us
THTBU provides an intimate look into an Indigenous family’s journey to come to terms with their intergenerational trauma due to the Indian residential schools. Seen through the eyes of three generations and bound together by the same hurts.
film style
Documentary
identities
College age, Indigenous, Man / male, Woman / female, Adult
The Beautiful Black Man
The Beautiful Black Man is a tonal poem that examines the generational trauma of black men. Mitchell comes from a family of growers, men who grow flowers in their hair. This has been the shame for every man in his family. So, they teach their sons to pluck themselves in order for their flowers not to be seen. Plucking is a bloody mess that causes physical and emotional harm. However, it is the cost of being man enough in society.
film style
Drama, Experimental
identities
Black, Man / male, Woman / female, Adult