UMBC Counseling Center

Statement and Resources Regarding Racism and Systemic Oppression in Black Communities 

In light of recent events and in support of the recent statement by the University System of Maryland chancellor and presidents, the Counseling Center continues to take an unequivocal position against racism. Not only do we denounce the extrajudicial murders of Black people, with the recent tragic killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor,  George Floyd, and Tony McDade, but we are also tormented by the daily acts of aggression and weaponizing of majority power that lead to other experiences of racial trauma, most recently seen in the case of Christian Cooper. We continue to show solidarity for Black and Queer/Trans POC (QTPOC) faculty, students, staff, and communities. More personally, as a diverse staff serving students at one of the most diverse institutions on the East Coast, we grieve for the experience of our colleagues who hold these identities.  

As mental health providers, we acknowledge the negative mental health consequences of racism, as well as the detrimental impact of direct or vicarious experiences of race-based trauma. In the aftermath of these traumas, it is normal to experience a range of emotions, such as sadness, anger, shock, fear, helplessness, guilt, or anxiety. In the midst of these extremely trying times, we want to remind you that the Counseling Center staff are here for you, and are committed to providing affirming care to all students who are needing psychological support. If you, or someone you know, would like help coping with and healing from recent events, we encourage you to contact our office at 410-455-2472. 

It’s not lost on us that a little over two months ago we were writing a very similarstatement condemning xenophobia and racism being perpetrated on Asian American communities in the wake of Covid-19. We can’t help but acknowledge that with each new dehumanizing event that requires one of these statements can come the feeling like such measures aren’t enough or ring hollow. However, we implore you to not only see this as a message of support, but as a resource for action, healing, and growth. Below you will find a non-exhaustive list of resources on addressing systemic racism and anti-racism, resources for Black communities on coping with racial trauma, and resources for ways we can all get involved. Let’s all commit to finding our pathway towards bringing change and healing to our communities and our world.

Please continue to follow or check in with the Counseling Center via our website, myUMBC group, and social media platforms (@UMBCCounseling on Instagram and Facebook) for updates on our services and programming. 

Resources from UMBC Campus Partners:

• Campus Life’s (CL) Mosaic, Interfaith, and Pride Centers

• The Women’s Center

Resources Addressing Systemic Racism:  

• “We are living in a racism pandemic says APA president” 

• “A Timeline of Events that Led to the 2020 ‘Fed Up’-rising” 

• “3 Things Amy Cooper Did in Central Park to Damage Her Reputation and Career”

• George Floyd and the Dominos of Racial Injustice Video by Trevor Noah

Resources for Coping with Racial Trauma:

• Coping with Racism

• Institute for the Study and Promotion of Race and Culture: Racial Trauma Toolkit  

• Radical Healing Collective

• www.callblackline.com 

• www.thebipocproject.org

• BLM Meditation for Healing Racial Trauma by Dr. Candice Nicole

• www.liberatemeditation.com

• Books on Microaggressions and Traumatic Stress by Kevin Nadal

• The Racial Healing Handbookby Anneliese A. Singh

Resources Addressing Anti-Racism:

Videos on Anti-racism

• Anti-Racism Practices & the PandemicTim Wise 

• Anti-Racism EducatorJane Elliott  

• Deconstructing White Privilege with Dr. Robin DiAngelo 

• America is a Tale of Two Cities Chris Cuomo

*Books on Anti-racism

• How to be an antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi   

• Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson 

• White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo 

•  I'm Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown

Ways to Get Involved

• “75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice” 

• 26 Ways to be in The Struggle Beyond The Streets

• Information re: Financial Support & Donations

• Sign a Petition

• Register to Vote

• Showing Up for Racial Justice

• Color of Change