Part-time instructor of mass communications Adalia Ellis’s “Generational Trauma and Healing” class presented their final projects on Nov. 30 in the Chapman Auditorium in the McNair Science Building.
Offered by the African and African-American Studies, psychology and Honors programs, the course focuses on the theory of “Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome,” which was coined by Dr. Joy DeGruy in her book of the same name. The book discusses how this syndrome can affect African Americans in the present day and how African Americans can heal from the trauma passed down through generations.
As the event began, history major and teacher Devon Long gave a presentation on the Hartsville Museum and his work with the organization in which he helped digitalize documents.
Long discussed how this experience opened his eyes to the vast history of racism within the country.
After Long’s presentation, the eight students in the course took turns showcasing different forms of art. Students presented photographs, visual art and recited poetry. Each student used art to provide insight into how the course and current events had shaped how they viewed the world and the topic of race.
After the presentation, the audience was able to ask the students questions and engage in a dialogue about racism. Many of the audience members shared their own experiences with racism and expressed what they believe.
One of the students presenting, senior sociology major Tykeria Blakely, offered insight to students who are considering taking similar courses.
“I would say the best thing for you to do is learn more about your culture, learn more about your ancestors and learn more about the other people around you,” Blakely said. “The only way you can be able to know about other things is to know about the other person’s history.”
Ellis also advised students who may take courses similar to this in the future, telling them about the universal nature of the course.
“In preparation, be ready to come in with an open mind, an open heart and be ready to talk,” Ellis said. “It centers on the voices and the experiences of people of African descent, but it doesn’t mean that students who are white, or Hispanic, or Asian shouldn’t take the course because it’s the human experience”.
Ellis also spoke about the artistic aspect of the course.
“I always enfold the arts into it,” Ellis said. “The art part is anything the students are drawn to. You don’t have to be a professional artist to take the course.”
Though this course will not be offered in the spring, Ellis is offering a similar course that is also in the African and African-American Studies, psychology and Honors programs entitled “Ready to Act!”