RACIAL TRAUMA & VETERANS

Research suggests the marginalization and cumulative adverse experiences of Black veterans and other Veterans of color during their time in the military can leave deep scars, on top of the traumatic experiences they may have experienced that are similar to those of other Veterans. Race-based trauma during military service coupled with civilian experiences of interpersonal or systemic racism can lead to poor mental health and create barriers to seeking mental healthcare.  Studies have shown Veterans of color have higher rates of mental health issues like PTSD, compared with white Veterans, even when controlling for where they were deployed and the pressures of returning from war. 

Learn more here - link

https://www.monnicawilliams.com/articles/Carlson_RaceTraumaVeterans_2018.pdf

Veterans of Color Testimonials

Listen to the stories of Veterans of color discussing their experiences with race-based trauma in the military

Lynching in America: Targeting Black Veterans documents the culture of targeted physical violence and social humiliation that Black veterans were forced to confront during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, despite their hopes of achieving racial equality through the patriotic commitment of military service.

eji.org

Documenting the violence against Black veterans.