Generational trauma in the Black community is real. From the trauma of slavery and segregation to systemic racism and microaggressions, we have inherited not just our ancestors’ strength but also their pain.
We weren’t meant to just survive—we were meant to thrive. But first, we have to break the cycles that no longer serve us. The good news? Healing is possible. And it starts with us.
What is Generational Trauma and How Does It Affect Black People?
Have you ever felt like you’re carrying a weight that isn’t just yours?
Generational trauma (also called intergenerational trauma) happens when the pain of past generations gets passed down—emotionally, behaviorally, and even biologically. The American Psychological Association defines it as “a phenomenon in which the descendants of a person who has experienced a terrifying event show adverse emotional and behavioral reactions to the event that are similar to those of the person himself or herself.”
For Black people, that trauma didn’t start with us. It’s the result of:
- The trauma of slavery and its lasting effects
- Jim Crow laws and segregation
- Police violence and mass incarceration
- Economic and healthcare disparities
- Being valued for our labor over our humanity
Our ancestors survived unimaginable hardships. But survival mode has a cost—it teaches us to suppress emotions, push through pain, and keep going even when we’re breaking inside. And without healing, we pass these patterns on to the next generation.
Is Trauma Passed Down Through Our DNA?
Have you ever wondered why stress feels deep in your body—like it’s always been there?
Science backs up what many of us already know: trauma is inherited.
Through epigenetics, researchers have found that traumatic experiences can alter how our genes are expressed. Studies show that the descendants of enslaved people, Holocaust survivors, and communities that have suffered collective trauma are more likely to experience heightened stress, anxiety, and even chronic health conditions—because trauma literally rewires our nervous system.
But just as trauma can be passed down, healing can be passed down, too.
How Does Generational Trauma Show Up in Black Families?
You don’t have to be directly harmed to inherit the pain. Trauma shapes culture, and in Black families, it often looks like:
- “Tough love” parenting – Using criticism or harsh discipline instead of emotional support.
- Emotional suppression – Not talking about feelings because “we don’t have time for that.”
- Fear of authority – Distrusting doctors, therapists, or institutions because of historical harm.
- Hypervigilance – Always being on edge, waiting for the next bad thing to happen.
- Workaholism and perfectionism – Feeling like you have to do more just to be seen as enough.
- Ignoring mental health – Believing therapy is “for white people” or that prayer alone is enough.
These patterns were survival skills—but survival isn’t the same as healing. And we deserve more than just survival.
How Do We Break the Cycle and Heal?
1. Acknowledge the Trauma Without Shame
Black families often avoid talking about pain because we’ve been told to just “be strong.” But strength isn’t about suppressing—it’s about facing reality.
- What painful experiences shaped your family?
- What patterns do you see repeating?
- What are you carrying that isn’t yours to hold?
Naming the trauma is the first step toward releasing it.
2. Be Open to Therapy and Mental Health Support
For generations, Black people have been told therapy isn’t for us. But the truth is, we need spaces to heal.
- Have you considered therapy with a culturally competent provider?
- Could healing circles, group therapy, or community support help?
- Have you explored alternative healing methods like breathwork, EMDR, or somatic therapy?
Therapy isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s an act of resistance against generational pain.
If you’re looking for a Black Therapist, find one close to you here:
3. Prioritize Rest and Nervous System Healing
Rest is revolutionary for Black people. Slavery, capitalism, and racism have conditioned us to overwork—but healing happens when we slow down.
- Are you practicing mindfulness, deep breathing, or meditation?
- Are you setting boundaries around work and emotional labor?
- Are you giving yourself permission to rest without guilt?
Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s ancestral healing.
Check out the following resources to help on your journey:
- Feb 22: ROOTS Ancestral Breathwork to Heal Generational Trauma (virtual)
- April 6: Vitality Tune-Up to reset your nervous system (virtual)
- Guided Meditation to Heal from Microaggressions & Racism
- 20 Minute Sound Bath
4. Be Different for the Next Generation
If we want to break the cycle, we have to parent and mentor differently.
- Are we creating safe spaces for our children to express emotions?
- Are we moving away from “tough love” and toward compassionate guidance?
- Are we teaching our kids to set boundaries, say no, and protect their peace?
Healing isn’t just about us—it’s about what we pass forward.
The Cycle Ends With Us
Breaking generational trauma is hard. But it’s also liberation.
We are not just our ancestors’ pain—we are their prayers answered. They survived so we could heal.
So, take a deep breath. The cycle ends with you. 💜
Zee Clarke is the author of the book, Black People Breathe (Penguin Random House). She has been featured in many leading publications including ABC, Fortune, Forbes, CNBC, Ebony, Essence, and Fast Company.
She is a Harvard Business School graduate who applies holistic healing practices to corporate environments. Zee leads transformative workshops on mindfulness, breathwork and stress management tools at organizations such as Google, Visa, AMC Networks and more.
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