Black Trauma and Hip Hop as a medium for wellness.

In the 1970’s Hip Hop was born in the South Bronx. Decades later, the art form has impacted and transformed millions of people lives. Many believe Hip Hop was a key instrument for oppressed people in inner cities of America. This presentation will explore how Hip Hop aided my trauma recovery and personal transformation. Hip Hop Saved My Life is more than a book title, it’s my testimony!

OBJECTIVES:

Analyze the evolution of the Hip Hop Generation.
Define the key elements of Hip Hop
Define Black trauma and its current state.
Describe how artistic medium (Hip Hop) correlates with Black trauma recovery.

BIO:

Aza Njeri is a St. Louis based mental health professional, griot, author, award winning- filmmaker, educator, and second-generation Hip hop recording artist who uses Hip Hop to inspire and heal the masses. She earned a B.S. in psychology from the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, where she studied under African scholars that groomed her to appreciate self knowledge and enlightenment. Aza is the author of Hip Hop, You Saved my Life, a workbook to aid self-discovery and a companion memoir, Hip Hop Saved My Life: A Black Girl’s Narrative. Her writing style is raw, hip, poignant and compassionate. Aza believes we all have a story but lack the courage to share. She is dedicated to healing arts, and her independent research in complex trauma and expressive art therapy has lead her to facilitate healing circles, professional training workshops and lectures around the country.

You may find Aza’s book here: https://www.trueandlivingpress.com/shop.html

2018 Traumatic Stress Conference – March 28, 2019 – Chesterfield, MO