Kara Walker’s works explores the themes of racial trauma, sexual violence, and enslavement—engaging with this exhibition may bring up painful and complex feelings, especially for those who have experienced trauma or are otherwise connected to the issues presented in Walker’s art. Here is a list of resources to offer additional context and support.
Organizations
- Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-4673; 24/7 hotline connects caller with a local sexual assault support provider and referrals for local services. Provides information for survivors of sexual assault regarding forensic exams, medical concerns, and legal questions.
- Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233; Provides 24/7 confidential support for individuals experiencing domestic violence, seeking resources or information, or questioning unhealthy relationships.
- Crisis Text Line: Text LA to 741741; For 24/7 live counseling support via text for any crisis such as anxiety, suicidal thoughts, depression, emotional abuse, and distress due to coronavirus.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-8255; Provides 24/7 support for individuals in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
- Access line at LA County DMH: (800) 854-7771; 24/7 crisis hotline, screening, and referrals for mental health services in Los Angeles County.
- California Youth Crisis Line: (800) 843-5200; 24/7 hotline for youth and families in crisis or in need of free or low-fee referrals for treatment.
- Don’t Call the Police: Community-based alternatives to calling the police.
Listening
- Collectively Speaking podcast (Ujima)
- Grounding Exercise (Mariah Shepherd)
Reading
- At the Dark End of the Street: Black Women, Rape, and Resistance—a New History of the Civil Rights Movement from Rosa Parks to the Rise of Black Power (Danielle McGuire)
- Dangerous Intersections (INCITE!)
- My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies (Resmaa Menakem)
- You Are Your Best Thing: Vulnerability, Shame Resilience, and the Black Experience (Tarana Burke and Brené Brown)
- Surviving the Silence: Black Women’s Stories of Rape (Charlotte Pierce-Baker)
Viewing
- How to Cope with Race-Related Stress and Trauma as a Person of Color (University of Arkansas)
- Dear Black Women, Let’s talk About Healing (Angela Bowden at TEDxMSVUWomen)