AntiRacism Task Force: Study & Practice of “Somatic Abolitionism”
View Testimonies from 2024 cohort members here:
Heal. Learn. Transform.
Join Riverside Church members and friends in a powerful journey of healing racialized and generational trauma through the practice of somatic abolitionism.
This study is rooted in the groundbreaking work of Resmaa Menakem and his book, My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies. Using both the book and its accompanying practice guide, we will explore how trauma is stored in our bodies and how we can begin to heal—individually and collectively.
Why This Matters
Racialized trauma doesn’t just exist in our minds—it lives in our bodies. Healing personal trauma is essential to dismantling racism and creating a society that is no longer rooted in white-body supremacy. This practice fosters:
- Resilience – Strengthen your ability to hold discomfort and grow.
- Discernment – Deepen your awareness of how trauma operates.
- Mutual Respect – Build genuine connections across racial experiences.
Program Structure
Who This Is For
This study is for ALL bodies—whether Black, White, or Bodies of Culture. Each group will engage in work specific to their historical and lived experiences while also practicing individual exercises between sessions.
Community Groups
- Black Bodies
- White Bodies
- Bodies of Culture
Each group will meet separately to process and practice within a supportive space.
What to Expect
- Monthly gatherings to discuss, reflect, and engage in somatic practices
- Individual exercises from the practice book between sessions
- Commitment to personal and collective healing
View Testimonies from 2024 cohort members here:
Schedule & Logistics
Information & Orientation Session
- Date: February 19
- Time: 6:30 p.m. (Eastern Time)
- Location: Zoom
Regular Monthly Sessions
- Third Wednesday of each month: March 19, April 16, May 21, and beyond
- Groups may adjust dates as needed
Participation Requirements
- Obtain a copy of My Grandmother’s Hands
- Contribute what you can toward the practice book ($50 retail)
- Commit to at least four monthly sessions
- Complete assigned readings and exercises before each session
In 2024, most participants successfully completed the full 12-month curriculum.
How to Register & Learn More
- Visit our table at Sunday coffee hours on February 2, 9, and 16
- Join the Zoom session on February 19 at 6:30 p.m.
- Contact us at msj@trcnyc.org for more information
Let’s embark on this journey toward healing, resilience, and collective liberation—together.