Centering Social Work Approaches to Racial Trauma Among Black and Afro-Latinx Individuals

This workshop centers the experiences of racial trauma among Black Americans and AfroLatinx individuals, calling attention to the unique and intersectional ways racial oppression is experienced across these communities. AfroLatinx refers to individuals who racially identify as Black and ethnically as Latinx, which remains underrecognized within broader discourses on race and ethnicity in the United States. For instance, Caribbean Latinx populations, due to their historical and cultural lineage rooted in African, Spanish, and Taino ancestry, often include a higher percentage of darker-skinned individuals than other Latinx subgroups. This workshop draws on the lived experiences, research, and teaching of the facilitators, Black and Afro-Latinx-identified scholars and practitioners, who have devoted their work to understanding the impact of historical, socio-political, intergenerational, and interpersonal forms of racial trauma and promoting healing, joy, and liberation within these communities. Social workers are increasingly encountering the effects of racial trauma—also known as race-based traumatic stress (RBTS)—in the lives of Black and Afro-Latinx clients. Racial trauma stems from repeated exposure to racial bias, systemic discrimination, and hate crimes, resulting in complex psychological and physiological responses similar to those found in post-traumatic stress disorder However, traditional trauma frameworks often fall short in addressing the pervasive, ongoing, and systemic nature of racial trauma, especially when compounded by intergenerational oppression and marginalization. This workshop provides an essential framework for social workers to understand, recognize, and respond effectively to racial trauma in ways that are culturally grounded and justice-oriented. Participants will gain insight into how manifestations of racism may differ based on the intersection of racial and ethnic identities and how these lived realities are influenced by cultural, historical, and geographic contexts. The facilitators will explore how racial trauma is internalized, how it impacts individual and community well-being, and how it intersects with issues such as immigration, anti-Blackness within Latinx communities, and systemic exclusion. Through the use of self, case studies, reflective discussion, and interactive activities, participants will engage with tools to center and assess for racial trauma and develop practice strategies that affirm identity, foster resilience, and center community voice. Emphasis will be placed on strengths-based, anti-racist, and healing-centered approaches to social work that move beyond clinical diagnosis to promote liberation, healing, and collective care. By the end of the workshop, participants will be better equipped to: Define and contextualize racial trauma among Black and Afro-Latinx individuals. Recognize how intersecting racial and ethnic identities shape experiences of oppression and resilience. Apply culturally responsive strategies for supporting clients impacted by racial trauma. Engage in ongoing self-reflection to address implicit bias and promote anti-racist social work practice. Engage in joy and liberation