DeCol-DeTraum™: Pronunciation: /diːˈkɒl diːˈtraʊm/ (DEE-kol DEE-trowm) Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: A holistic, ongoing process for personal and communal liberation and healing, particularly for Black individuals and communities. DeCol-DeTraum is structured around four interconnected parts:
- Decolonize: Unlearning the mental and cultural imprints of colonization and systemic oppression.
- Deconstruct: Critically reassessing inherited beliefs and traditions, especially those imposed by colonizers, to reshape worldviews and faith.
- De-traumatize: Healing from intergenerational, historical, and personal trauma, while practicing self-compassion and seeking support to avoid self-harm.
- Detox: In the context of Decol-Detraum, detox goes beyond cleansing the body of unhealthy foods or the mind of toxic thought patterns. It means actively stepping away from a harmful lifestyle that contributes to diseases like diabetes and heart disease. True detox involves embracing healthier choices—nourishing your body with nutritious foods, drinking plenty of water, staying physically active, and rejecting habits that undermine your well-being.
DeCol-DeTraum™ is a cyclical journey toward wholeness, resilience, and lasting freedom.
Example: Engaging in DeCol-DeTraum™ helped the community break cycles of inherited trauma and build healthier, more empowered lives.