Word Warrior
A Most Intellectual Explanation...
Updated: Aug 14, 2020
Dr. Joy DeGruy is a globally acknowledged educator and speaker with a background in clinical psychology, social work and research. Her focus on the the African American experience and its physiological and cultural fallout culminated into a book titled, Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America's Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing. This video is one of her earlier lectures explaining the complex intricacies of post traumatic slave syndrome that has and still besets the African American community. As an African American with a lean toward my ancestral history, my ethnic community and human psychology, this very much interests me.
Dr. Joy DeGruy is an articulate educator who is very knowledgeable having done extensive research; over six years of research at the time of this lecture. Her subject is an often debated topic in this country from all perspectives. Many responses are more than clinical assertions but stem from emotional reactions that spur passionate controversy. The racial divide in the USA has volleyed this issue back and forth for decades but this presentation by Dr. DeGruy is one of the best I've seen. Not only is it on point but it is delivered without any visible racially charged militant emotion on her part. Well done Dr. DeGruy!
ABOUT DR. JOY DEGRUY
Joy Angela DeGruy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication, a Master's degree in Social Work (MSW), a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology, and a PhD in Social Work Research. Ms. DeGruy is a nationally and internationally renowned researcher and educator. Twenty plus years, she served as an Assistant Professor at Portland State University’s School of Social Work and now is President and Chief Executive Officer of Joy DeGruy Publications Inc.
Dr. DeGruy's research focuses on the intersection of racism, trauma, violence and American chattel enslavement. With more than thirty years of practical experience as a professional in the field of social work, she conducts workshops and training in areas of inter-generational/historical trauma, mental health, social justice, improvement strategies and evidence based model development.