Wounded Healers
Wounded Healers: Overcoming by Word of Our Testimonies
A Spoken-Word Performance Written Composed, and Directed by Dr. Timothy Berry
Set Design – Michael Berry
Paintings by Derrick Abner
Lighting and Sound Design by Josiah Berry
Abstract
In America, there is a need to understand precolonial Africa. However, due to systemic racism, Black bodies have been excluded from upward mobility, victimized by dehumanization, fallen prey to biased and racist policing practices, and plagued by disparities in health and education. Such conditions have led to internalizing toxic race-based stress, causing damage to the central nervous system. Yet, against all odds, Black bodies have creatively persisted and survived. Drawing upon a conceptual framework inspired by Tupac Shakur–imagery of roses growing through concrete–this story addresses historical trauma and creative resilience. Related to the oral tradition of African/Black Djalis, this spoken-word performance play focuses on five movements/historical periods that function as a chronology of Black bodies grappling with racialized trauma in America: (1) Chattel Hands and Feet; (2) Reconstruction: My Sin is My Skin; (3) The Great Migration: Running for Our Lives; (4) Civil Rights Without Democracy; and (5) Black Body Commodities and Wounded Healing. Combining multiple disciplines including, Africana/Black Studies, Critical Race Theory (CRT), History, Neuroscience, Music Composition, and Creative Writing, this work expresses the ways in which Black bodies have suffered, transcended their own pain, and fostered healing through creativity. A post-performance discussion is offered for audience members to engage in reflection and critical discourse with the writer, and performers. Drawing upon experiential education models for reflection, this discussion aims to inform audiences about the wounded healing process by better understanding the history and connection between structural racism, body trauma, and self healing.
Optional Professional Development Session
Dr. Timothy Berry – Racial Equity Facilitator
Wounded Healers and The Road to Somatic Liberation
Outline
This training engages participants in a comprehensive approach to learn about racialized trauma. Foundational to this professional development experience is a historical, theoretical, and cultural examination of racism. The conceptual framework introduced during this seminar includes: Racial Literacy, Somatic Exercise, and healing from racial trauma. Participants are encouraged to use Glenn Singleton’s protocol for Courageous Conversations About Race as a process to discuss critical race perspectives necessary for interrupting hierarchies of oppression. Participants will better understand psychological, physiological, and biological body trauma; the wounded healing process; and, how to explore holistic well-being.
Costs: email Dr. Berry to get the costs of the following options
Option 1 - Performance/Discussion Format (2 hours)
Option 2 - Performance 3-hour professional Development (4 hours)
Bookings: Contact Dr. Timothy Berry from the contact me page.
The Road to Racial Justice
The Road to Racial Equity and Social Justice: A Pathway for Systemic Transformation
Outline
This seminar engages participants in a comprehensive approach to learn about the social constructs of race. Foundational to this professional development experience is a historical, theoretical, and cultural examination of racism and what it takes to advocate for racial justice across industry such as healthcare, education, business, and law enforcement. The concepts and framework introduced during this day-long seminar includes: Critical Race Theory, Racial Literacy, and Participatory Action Research. Participants are introduced to Glenn Singleton’s protocol, Courageous Conversations About Race as a process to discuss critical race perspectives necessary for interrupting hierarchies of oppression. Additionally, the power of language is explored to promote critical inquiry in order to begin organizational efforts in policy-making, practice, and transformational racial justice initiatives. This seminar will enhance an individual's or organization’s ability to identify and address inequities in the work place or in communities.
Outcomes
Participants will learn the skills and language necessary to:
- Explore their own racial literacy.
- Examine race as a mediating factor for social justice.
- Recognize how critical race perspectives can influence racial equity.
- Distinguish the complexities of race, culture and diversity.
- Work in teams to understand action research processes toward building a better working and living environment for all people.