Discussion Guide for: The Color of Compromise by Jemar Tisby

Compiled by Christie Love

Trauma Training Takeaways: Racism is a form of systemic trauma, complex trauma, and also a form of generational trauma.

“Generational trauma is trauma that extends from one generation to the next. It begins when a group experiences a traumatic event that causes economic, cultural, and familial distress. In response, people belonging to that group develop physical or psychological symptoms.” (1)

Researchers have found that “… epigenetic changes due to chronic stress and nutritional deficiencies of Black Americans during slavery in the United States. The author found that those changes have led to poor physical and mental health outcomes among Black Americans.” (2)

An excellent book to learn more about generational trauma and racism is Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America's Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing by Joy DeGruy Leary.

(1) Gillespie, Claire. “Generational Trauma Might Explain Your Anxiety and Depression.” Health. Accessed April 25, 2024. https://www.health.com/condition/ptsd/generational-trauma#:~:text=Generational%20trauma%20is%20trauma%20that,develop%20physical%20or%20psychological%20symptoms.

(2) Ibid.