Artifact 1: Argumentative Assignment 

​Assignment Description:

This assignment required me to develop and sustain a clear argument using evidence from a scholarly source—in this case, Dr. Joy DeGruy’s research on Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome (PTSS). My task was to explain the concept, analyze how generational trauma continues to affect Black communities today, and argue for solutions that help break the cycle of systemic harm. 

Full Essay:

Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome Disorder is a generational trauma that Dr. Leary researched and explained that the trauma resulting from slavery continues to affect the black communities' emotions and negatively affect ability to make decisions (2008) . Slavery happened many years ago, but the effects of the institution still shapes and affects black people’s lives today. Dr. Leary details the traumas of enslaved black people went through segregation, systematic injustice, extreme discrimination, and how all of these things traumatized the black population in America. This can still be seen in generations today. Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome Disorder still affects families like mine due generational trauma. Now, we are still victims of systematic racism and it must be met with that with historical education, racial awareness, family support systems, and mental health therapy. 

    The generational impact of slavery still lives on and impacts black families to this day. Dr. Leary explains, “The trauma continues to affect the black community without us even knowing or being aware of it” (Dr.Leary 0:20). Even years after slavery has ended, we still have not fully recovered economically or socially. Dr Leary says “two hundred and forty six years after slavery as it were in American history's shadow starting from 1619 to the ratification of the 13th Amendment in the United States we are now looking at the past and just a shadow in American history to this day” (Dr.Leary 5:46). Throughout this video, Leary talks about the effects of PTSSD constantly being reinforced in society today through systematic racism and inequality. Dr. Leary says “Systematic racism stays alive in the patterns of inequality that began with slavery, making it harder for African Americans to fully heal” (Dr.Leary 7:59). The statement tells us that we not only need to try and heal within, but fix the systematic structures around us so we can get equal opportunities. For me, systematic racial structures can be seen in my hometown of Natchez, Mississippi. In a predominately white area, the history of slavery is inescapable. Confederate flags can often be seen, along with many white people who are stuck in the past. Furthermore, Dr. Leary states that “There were many more lynchings that happened after slavery, not during because this is a reaction to white fear of what opportunities we can have once freed” (57:23). This statement by Dr. Degruy tells us that history is not as distant as we think. It is very much present in our everyday lives and familial struggles. Although racial violence is not as common anymore, white people are constantly trying to inhibit black people’s job opportunities, freedom of speech, and equal rights. Personally, this can also be relatable through the amount of homelessness seen in the south. More often than not, victims of oppression are often African American. Whether it be drug abuse, mental health disorders, or economic disadvantages, there are issues from slavery that are interweaved into modern American society.

One way we can combat the Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome Disorder is by staying up to date with education and racial awareness. Dr. Leary explains, “Recognizing that we have PTSSD is the first step to properly healing and breaking the cycle, so we can create new systems and patterns…” (Dr.Leary 1:01:32). This is telling black people we need to be aware and accepting of our problems that stemmed from slavery. This way, we can educate ourselves on this problem and work against it. In my opinion, Dr. Degruy’s book on PTSSD should be a critical learning tool for young black Americans. With this, black  people can learn firsthand about PTSSD.

Knowing that Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome Disorder is a real thing is not enough to combat the effects of 246 years of black people being enslaved. It’s essential to understand that the past will always affect what happens in the future. If our generation does not address these issues or take action, black communities, families, and spaces will not survive in modern society. By facing these truths head on, it can help break the destructive and unjust cycles that will continue to attack generations to come. We should not only embrace the struggles we have gone through as black people, but help create stronger and healthier communities for our children, youth, and future generations. 

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