My Grandmother’s Hands

My Grandmother’s Hands explores the impact of historical and intergenerational trauma related to race, highlighting the lasting effects experienced by black people, white people, and the police. Author Resmaa Menakem argues that violence among white peoeple predates the exploitation of black bodies, creating a legacy that includes the African slave trade and ongoing racial violence.

Menakem, a trauma therapist, emphasises the need for everyone to cultivate somatic resources to address and release embedded racial trauma, breaking the cycle of re-traumatisation. He counters myths about Black people’s physical strength and pain insensitivity, as well as white fragility, arguing that these misconceptions hinder progress and sustain white supremacy.

He introduces somatic abolitionism, which focuses on healing embodied trauma from racial injustice and provides five anchors to help stay grounded during distress. Menakem’s guidance aims to assist people in the journey to heal from and dismantle white supremacy while emphasising the importance of community partnership to break the ongoing cycle of violence and trauma.

Found here: https://amzn.to/4bNE8Bw

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