Childhood trauma Quote by Julia Sudbury
““I would like to see us grow in developing a deep understanding of the need for healing as an abolitionist practice. Many of us come to this work with our own wounds--whether from childhood trauma, racism, homophobia, or the violence of police and prisons. In fact, many of us draw energy and inspiration from these wounds and the anger they create. But we are also drained by these traumas. Or find ourselves neglecting our bodies and spirits in the same ways that we may have been neglected in the past. As a result, our movement can be very 'head' oriented--talking, planning, thinking, writing--and not body and emotion oriented. This work doesn't have to be individualistic or separate from movement work; we can include it all in our movement spaces and make it a collective activity, just like the community recovery movement. But a movement against a violent and violating phenomenon like the PIC cannot hope to be successful if we don't directly address and heal the effects of that violence.””
About This Quote
Healing must be central to abolitionist work; personal trauma fuels activism but also drains energy, requiring collective body‑mind care.
In simple terms: Healing is essential in activism.
Integrate collective healing practices.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- movement planning
- self‑care workshops
- community circles
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can movements balance healing and urgency?
- What practices support collective well‑being?
Healing focus may slow immediate political action.