01: Addressing Historical Trauma

“And we do not, as a people, do not want to deal with the trauma because we believe that if we deal with the trauma that validates that there's something wrong with us and that the system will use it against us.”

Black boys and men are the subject of negative racial and gender-based stereotypes that significantly impact their health and social standing within the U.S. This episode provides an overview of the series and the need for us all to collectively change the narrative.

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Sam Simmons is licensed as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor, who has over 27-year experience as a behavioral consultant specializing in practical culturally sensitive trauma informed work with African American males and their families. He is currently SAFE Families Manager at The Family Partnership managing the Be More Project and the culturally-specific trauma informed curriculum Healing Generations that engages African American males to promote healthy relationships to end violence against women and girls and community violence.  Sam is an Adverse Childhood Experience Interface Trainer in the state of Minnesota. He was awarded the 2009 Governor’s Council on Faith and Community Service Initiatives Best Practices Award for his work with MN Department of Veterans Outreach Services, prison reentry and in the African American community. In 2014 he was awarded the Minnesota Fathers & Families Network Excellence in Fatherhood Award for his work to advance fatherhood policy and practice throughout Minnesota. Sam received the 2016 Healing the Hidden Wounds of Racial Trauma award and the 2016 Black Tear Drop Award for his vision and leadership for his culturally sensitive trauma informed work in the community. He is co-host of "Voices” radio show on KMOJ FM that addresses issues of the urban community. Sam is co-creator the Community Empowerment Through Black Men Healing conference called “Groundbreaking and Visionary”. He is respected for his African American historical trauma work around the country.