Dancing Through Trauma, Writing Through Pain: Creative Healing in Black History
Black communities have consistently used art—whether through dance, poetry, or music—as a form of self-expression, healing, and resistance. In the face of systemic racism and oppression, art has been a powerful tool for empowerment, allowing individuals to not only express their humanity but also challenge societal norms. Simply existing, refusing to internalize negative stereotypes, and asserting one’s identity is a profound form of resistance. Art has long been a way to process emotions, connect with others, and build community, serving as a vital tool in overcoming the isolation and fragmentation imposed by systemic racism. By recognizing and celebrating this, we can better understand the roots of inequality and take steps toward a more just and equitable society.
Throughout history, Black individuals have used art to share their stories and challenge oppression, even when the consequences were dire. Phyllis Wheatley, an enslaved African woman in the 18th century, exemplifies the power of art as a form of resistance. Despite facing immense adversity, she found a voice through poetry, offering a glimpse into the depths of her experience. Wheatley was the first African American woman to publish a book on poetry in 1773: Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral, and became the first American enslaved person, the first person of African descent, and only the third colonial American woman to have her work published. Wheatley used artistic poetic expression and wrote on subjects varying from biblical themes to the horrors of slavery, shedding light on a horrific truth within society. Black artists have used their creative expression to transform pain into storytelling. Another example is James Baldwins’ No Name in the Street that is a response to the collapse of the Black-freedom movement and the country’s failures.
In addition to writing, dance has always been more than just a physical activity in Black culture. It has been a vital form of self-expression and a means of healing. Dance movement therapy, as highlighted by the Honey Lake Clinic, offers numerous mental health benefits such as stress relief, improved self-expression, and enhanced emotional regulation. For Black individuals, dance becomes a way to reclaim agency over their bodies and minds, providing an outlet for deep-seated trauma and a means to connect with their cultural roots. Trauma is not only stored in the mind but within the body, and dance allows individuals to express what words cannot. As Erica Hornthal summarizes, dance therapy taps into the most primal parts of our nervous system, providing a bottom-up approach to healing. Through movement, the body speaks truths that are often too profound to express in language, helping individuals heal and integrate their emotions in ways that bring balance to both body and mind.
Furthermore, music has also provided Black communities with a form of self-expression and resilience. Specifically, music captures both beautiful tunes and melodies, in addition to sharing challenging truths about the world. Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On is an iconic example of Black artists using their craft to process and respond to societal pain. Released in 1971, the song captures the tumult of the time, including the Vietnam War, racial injustice, and societal disillusionment. Through lyrics like, 'War is not the answer, for only love can conquer hate' and 'Don’t punish me with brutality... talk to me so you can see, oh, what’s going on,' Gaye highlights the power of love and dialogue in healing a fractured society. The song remains an anthem of resistance, reminding us of the importance of humanity even in the face of systemic violence and oppression.
Artistic expression is a powerful tool for Black individuals, especially in the context of navigating the unique challenges and stressors that we face. It offers a safe space to process emotions, express inner turmoil, and even work through complex feelings of resilience. Creative movement also serves as an excellent complementary practice, allowing us to embody emotions that words sometimes fail to capture. Both practices—writing and movement—create opportunities for deep emotional release and self-discovery, helping to slow down the mental clutter and build emotional intelligence. Whether it's journaling, poetry, or other forms of writing, each word can help bring clarity. Similarly, creative movement can help release physical tension, fostering a connection between mind and body.
Do you practice writing or creative movement as a way to process your own emotions? Is there a specific form of artistic expression that resonates with you?
References:
Phillis Wheatley: Her Life, Poetry, and Legacy | National Portrait Gallery