African-American Perspectives on 9-11^*

* Presented by the first author at the American Psychological Association’s Public Interest Directorate symposium - The Disproportionate Impact of September 11, August 24, 2002.

Abstract

In the past few years, terrorism has introduced most Americans to trauma on their own soil. However, African-Americans have lived through trauma and terrorism within the U.S. for centuries. African-Americans have very different perceptions of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. Historical data reveal that African-Americans have endured various forms of domestic terrorism for hundreds of years. Based on a national survey, most African-Americans have very different perceptions of 9/11 than European-Americans. The authors propose there is a great deal to be learned from African-Americans regarding how to manage terrorism. But, to cull the valuable lessons from African-Americans’ experience of terrorism, there has to be respect for African -American experiences.

Notes

* Presented by the first author at the American Psychological Association’s Public Interest Directorate symposium - The Disproportionate Impact of September 11, August 24, 2002.