Healing Racial Trauma

November 25, 2019
In this useful work, abuse and trauma counselor Rowe (The Well of Life) uses her own experiences as a Christian and the stories of her friends to address systemic racism. Rowe shares eye-opening stories of racial injustice including her own personal stories, such as when her brother was arrested for holding a BB gun in his own yard—as well as profiles of others, such as a Japanese-American who suffered prejudice in a WWII-era internment camps as a child and later, his son, during the L.A. riots. She also includes definitions of relevant terminology (such as white privilege, internalized racism, and defensive othering), stressing the universal experience of pain and the burden that people of color carry due to unhealed wounds of racial trauma. Speaking specifically to Christian readers, Rowe provides “Reflection and Prayer Prompts” to address topics covered in each section (such as silence, rage, fear, and resilience) and to help readers enact change. Rowe’s evenhanded approach, while welcoming to all, leaves much to be desired, as it never delves into how systemic changes will look in practice. While Rowe’s analysis will be helpful for readers looking for a simple introduction to structural racism, those seeking more concrete steps forward will be disappointed. (Jan.)Correction: An earlier version of this review misstated the title of the author's previous book. It also incorrectly stated the author used stories of her clients in the book, and conflated the experiences of two Japanese-American men.

Starred review from January 1, 2020

Ministering to trauma and abuse survivors, counselor Rowe (The Well of Life) has helped people confront their pain and work through a Christian-centered approach to healing. In all nine chapters of this latest work, the author shares the stories of others, including her own, who have experienced racial prejudice. Also discussed is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and how events occurring to one person are carried forward in their lives and the lives of their families across generations. Using a Christian-based model, Rowe draws from scripture to help frame the issue of racism and understand God's role in path forward. Definitions of relevant terminology, such as racial profiling, microaggressions, systemic racism, along with questions at the end of each chapter are supplied, as are prayer prompts and meditations, along with a genogram to help identify racial trauma experienced within a family tree and a discussion guide. VERDICT A thoughtfully well-written and powerful volume best suited for those interested in race relations, community engagement, and religious ministry.--Jacqueline Parascandola, Univ. of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

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