Racialized Violence and Trauma - Listening Sessions - UB Counseling

[Student Affairs]

Dear Students, Staff, and Faculty:

There are two listening sessions left through UB Counseling. Please see the message from UB Counseling and the links listed below.

Bernadette Gargano
Vice Dean of Student Affairs

In the past month, the news has been filled with examples of unarmed black men and women (George Floyd in Minneapolis, Ahmaud Aubrey in Georgia, and Breonna Taylor in Kentucky to name a few) being killed by the police or other citizens. UB Counseling Services (UBCS) joins the rest of the UB community in expressing our grief, sorrow and compassion to all who have been impacted by the race- based tragedies that have been occurring across our nation. These tragedies reflect a longstanding and entrenched history of structural and systemic injustice that we condemn and are dedicated to addressing. While these tragedies can be traumatizing for all of us, we recognize that they may be especially injurious to members of our Black and African-American community. In the aftermath of experiencing or witnessing trauma, it is normal to experience a range of feelings and emotions, such as shock, fear, sadness, anger, helplessness or guilt. As a mental health service, UBCS is committed to affirming and providing care for all of our students who have been directly or vicariously impacted by trauma. We encourage you to contact our office if you (or someone you know) would like support with coping and healing. UBCS is already offering virtual workshops and therapy groups specific to students of color and international students. However, in response to the recent incidents we will be hosting virtual drop-in community listening workshops that focus on recognizing and coping with racialized trauma. Listening Sessions provide an opportunity for the UB community to share how they have been emotionally and psychologically impacted by recent incidents of racialized violence in the U.S. and the subsequent civil unrest that has followed. Ways to identify peaceful action, inclusivity, coping and support will be discussed.

Students, faculty, and staff are welcome to participate. Specific information is provided below.

With compassion and solidarity,
The Staff at UBCS

Community Listening Sessions

Thursday, June 4, 10-11:00 AM
https://buffalo.zoom.us/j/99678903522?p ... 0Ym0yZz09

Friday, June 5, 10:00 – 11:00 AM
https://buffalo.zoom.us/j/96788602919?p ... zTkxyQT09