Kellogg Community College’s Center for Diversity and Innovation (CDI) will host acclaimed author and speaker Dr. Joy DeGruy for a presentation on the residual effects of slavery in the U.S. in February.
The presentation, titled, “Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome,” is free and open to the public and will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, at the Kool Family Community Center, 200 Michigan Ave. W, Battle Creek. Light refreshments will be served.
DeGruy’s theory of Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome suggests that centuries of slavery followed by systemic racism and oppression have resulted in “multigenerational adaptive behaviors” in the African-American community – some of which have been positive and reflective of resilience, and others that are detrimental and destructive.
In DeGruy’s “Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome” presentation, which has its roots in her book of the same name, DeGruy presents research illustrating how varying levels of both clinically induced and socially learned residual-stress-related issues were passed along through generations as a result of slavery.
DeGruy holds master’s degrees in social work and clinical psychology and a doctorate in social work research, and has more than 20 years of experience in the social work field. Her work provides practical insight into various cultural and ethnic groups that form the basis of contemporary American society.
For more information about the KCC CDI’s presentation of DeGruy’s “Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome,” contact Timeaka Reese, executive assistant at the CDI, at 269-565-7946 or visit www.kellogg.edu/kcccdi.
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