we can’t grieve: talking about black grief, trauma and health inequality

＂When Black people mourn, it is not only for the passing of loved ones. As a community, Black people will also be mourning the systemic inequalities, racial prejudices and oppressions we experience daily.＂

The stories and poems in this anthology illuminate the unique ways loss affects the Black community, and the effects of the widespread lack of understanding of traditional rituals and beliefs. They show us how experiences of collective loss during the pandemic, the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire and ongoing systemic health inequalities are experienced not just as individuals but also as part of a global community. Contributors from a range of backgrounds, professions, and identities discuss the challenges of grieving under the shadow of continuing adversity, including threats of deportation. Sources of strength and healing are also explored, from personal and spiritual responses to community initiatives and activism.

Poignant and inspiring, these are stories we all need to read, and provide us with insights into lives and losses which are all too often misunderstood and sidelined.

Dr Yansie Rolston FRSA - Facilitator/Trainer
Yansie works in Europe, Africa, America and the Caribbean designing, implementing and evaluating actionable strategies on health equality and community cohesion and setting up culturally appropriate health and social care projects for marginalised communities.
Patrick Vernon OBE - Social Commentator and Mental Health Campaigner
Patrick is associate Director for Connected Communities for the Centre for Ageing Better. He is also Independent Adviser on Equality and Diversity for Lambeth and Harrow Council, and was the first director of Black Thrive, a mental-health multi-agency tackling mental health in Lambeth. He is currently chair of Citizenship Partnership for HSIB and Non-Executive Director for Hertfordshire NHS Trust. Patrick was awarded an OBE in 2012 for his work on tackling health inequalities and ethnic minority communities.