In the 16th century, the beginning of African enslavement in the Americas until the ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment and emancipation in 1865, Africans were hunted like animals, captured, sold, tortured, and raped. They experienced the worst kind of physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual abuse. Given such history, isn’t it likely that many of the enslaved were severely traumatized? And did the trauma and the effects of such horrific abuse end with the abolition of slavery?
Emancipation was followed by one hundred more years of institutionalized subjugation through the enactment of Black Codes and Jim Crow laws, peonage, convict leasing, domestic terrorism and lynching. Today the violations continue, and when combined with the crimes of the past, they result in yet unmeasured injury. What do repeated traumas, endured generation after generation by a people produce? What impact have these ordeals had on African Americans today?
Dr. Joy DeGruy, answers these questions and more. With over thirty years of practical experience as a professional in the mental health field, Dr. DeGruy encourages African Americans to view their attitudes, assumptions, and behaviors through the lens of history and so gain a greater understanding of how centuries of slavery and oppression have impacted people of African descent in America.
Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome helps to lay the necessary foundation to ensure the well-being and sustained health of future generations and provides a rare glimpse into the evolution of society’s beliefs, feelings, attitudes and behavior concerning race in America.
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michelle jones –
Haven’t finished it yet but that’s because I’m taking my time. This book will have you missing your stop on the train or bus. Dr. Joy Degruy has done her research extremely well. I am overwhelmed and overjoyed with the information in her book. This post Traumatic Slave Syndrome book is definitely one for the history books. A must have on any and every book shelve.
Amazon Customer –
This book is amazing! I viewed myself in the pages of this book. I was challenged to change my speech and the manner in which I speak of my child.
YSL_slimelife98 –
Such a good book and very thought provoking
rebecca horton –
I consider myself relatively informed but this book blew my mind. It has changed me forever.
Shykeria –
Awesome knowledge
Kaylin –
Got this for my mother as a gift. She really enjoyed it. Finished in 2 days!
bj,bj, –
Absolutely a must read to enlighten yourself in this turbulent times about the Black experience in America and the World. Real truth straight up.
Malcolm Harvey –
I LOVE THIS BOOK. IT SAVED MY LIFE
Judith P. –
Daughter is happy with it.
L. Young –
Important read. Well researched and informative.
Sam –
This is a MUST read, especially within the Black community. It educates on the psychology of racism while also offering suggestions on how to live forward. 10/10!
I love my KU Jayhakws –
Every Black person should read this!!! I love her and was truly moved in multiple way. We have been (and continue to deal with) too much to not have sustained some trauma.
100% Cotton –
Great book!! Very informative, thought and emotion provoking. Great read, and highly recommended
Kathryn L. Unger –
This is a fantastic book of information regarding Americ’s and the rest of the world and their racism and it’s effect on our lives. A great addition to any libary
FamilyGuy –
This explained so much, and gave me a reason to understand why our community does half the things we do, and do not know where or why we do them.The book was so good the my 24, 20, and 18 year old daughters are ready it together.
Aaron Bellow –
Great book that recounts the true history of black people in America
Amazon Customer –
As a Black man I loved reading this book. It put a lot of things in text that I was feeling and thinking internally. I highly recommend this book to all people. If more people took the time to read and educate themselves, we would start making progress with racism. Because at the end of the day, the burden for racial progress and equality shouldn’t have to start with Black people. Especially since we didn’t create the problem.
Amesha Jewell –
A must have in your collection. I attended a conference in New Orleans 2018 and was introduced the knowledge that this phenomenal woman had shared. I was instantly inspired and had to learn more. I purchased her book and the study guide as soon as I got back to the hotel. Thank you Dr. Degruy!!!
RJWilson –
I purchased this book plus the workbook because I took Dr. Joy’s PTSS class. This is fascinating information should you want to learn more about systemic racism and why it continues to harm people in 2021. Reading the book gives one the opportunity to read in the comfort of your own home and then do the research to corroborate what you have learned from other scholars. Dr. Joy is a master.
Amazon Customer –
This book is a must-have, The Doc is on point and she keeps it so real…
Amazon Customer –
Great Book
Sybil Cross-Nelson –
very informative. Clearing up many issues for me. Well written
Amazon Customer –
Classic. Informative. Inspiring change.
Amazon Customer –
This really puts words to what I’ve been researching for my creative projects.