The Race Conversation explores how the damage and distress caused by racism lives not just in our minds, but principally in the body. As well as helping us to develop a cognitive understanding by exploring the history and development of the race construct, the book focuses specifically on the non-verbal communication of race, both as a means of social control and as an essential part of navigating oppressive patterns. This guide supports black, white and mixed heritage people to emerge from the tight grip of race discomfort to a trauma-informed, neurophysiological approach that emphasises resourcing, body awareness, mindfulness and healing.
Eugene Ellis is the Director and founder of the Black, African and Asian Therapy Network, the UK's largest independent organisation to specialise in working therapeutically with Black, Africa, Caribbean and South Asian people. He is also a psychotherapist with a special interest in body-orientated therapies and facilitating a dialogue around race and mental wellbeing through articles, podcasts and blog posts as well as within organisations and psychotherapy trainings.
1. Introduction - Being Colour Conscious Everyday racism Race, the body and the mind A dance partner designed to trip us up The language of race The genetics and race question Shared journeys 2. Beyond Word The Race Construct Race Construct Shame and Black Rage Our quest for safety Being trauma informed Beyond words Safety and danger 3. Witnessing the Wound The need to be heard Hiding in plain sight Are all white people racist? Whiteness and blackness Mixed race - walking the line 4. Inside the Race Construct Uncovering the reality distortion field The cry of the Ancestors The past and the present Race and the law Race, class and gender History - the facts The transmission of fear - Intergenerational trauma 5. Being with Race The Problem of Internal Discomfort Non-relational being 6. Finding your Voice Making a decision Race Construct Arousal Towards a Race Aware Paradigm 7. Becoming Race Construct Aware Mind, Body and Heart Mindfulness Bodyfulness Compassion Getting Ourselves Resourced 8. Feeling it Without Being It Chapter yet to be completed
It would be impossible to exaggerate how important this book is for our times. Eugene Ellis brings both personal experience and psychotherapeutic insight into this, often fraught area, with compassion, thoughtfulness and rigor. - Judy Ryde
