Cook Center Core Faculty Keisha Bentley-Edwards was interviewed for the “Silence in Sikeston” documentary and in the “Silence in Sikeston” podcast episode, Racism Can Make You Sick. These projects tell the story of the 1942 lynching of Cleo Wright and the ensuing failure of the first federal attempt to prosecute a lynching.
In the episode, Dr. Bentley-Edwards emphasizes the mental and emotional toll that racial trauma takes on Black Americans, pointing out how individuals who experience such trauma are often forced to question the reality of their experiences. She highlights how racial trauma is frequently minimized or invalidated, adding to the psychological burden. Her perspective brings attention to the long-lasting effects of racial violence on both individuals and communities.
The “Silence in Sikeston” documentary, a co-production of KFF Health News and Retro Report, premieres Sept. 16 at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT on WORLD’s “Local, USA,” online at worldchannel.org, on YouTube, and on the PBS app.
See the episode and transcript here.
Learn more about the documentary here.
