Black Voices Matter: Racial Trauma, Challenging Systemic Oppression and Shifting the Narrative

As educational psychologists (EPs), we are driven by improving outcomes and opportunities for children and young people. The resurgence of the “Black Lives Matter” movement prompted us to reflect on issues relating to the impact of systemic racism in the UK, experiences of EPs from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds, and the role of the EP in challenging the dominant narrative.

This paper will discuss the current social climate, specifically anti-Black racism and how this may lead to experiences of racial trauma among Black people. We will also discuss institutional racism in systems including education and its link to the school to prison pipeline. Professional and personal reflections will be shared, as well as thoughts about working in a predominantly White profession. Throughout this piece, the authors will be keeping in mind the lived experience of children and reflecting on how the issues discussed, can relate to EP practice.