The aim of this phenomenological qualitative research study was to explore the secondary experiences of Black males in the United States who heard, read or viewed the fatal shooting of Stephon Clark by the Sacramento Police Department on March 18, 2018. Utilizing in-depth interviews of (n=62) Black males candidly shared their experiences. Results indicated that 95% of participants reported a theme of posttraumatic stress related symptoms (fear for their own lives; hyper-vigilance; flashbacks) as a result of viewing, hearing or reading about the fatal shooting of Stephon Clark. Three major themes emerged in the study: (1) emotional reactions of anger and sadness among Black men; (2) psychophysiological symptoms of hypervigilance, avoidance and dissociation;and (3)injustices around Black male bodies being targeted. The findings suggest the importance of culturally sensitive practice interventions around understanding and assessing race-based secondary trauma by way of viewing, reading, or hearing racial traumatic events. In addition, further research is necessary on identifying additional cultural and historical barriers that may impede treatment for this vulnerable population if experiencing secondary race-based trauma.

I CAN'T BREATHE! Social distance! I CAN'T BREATHE! Stay six feet apart! I CAN'T BREATHE! Make sure you wash your hands! I CAN'T BREATHEEEE! When can I schedule a session? The duality of being Black in America and a mental health professional during a global pandemic is stressful enough; however, coupled with a simultaneous racial pandemic, the intrapsychic, interpersonal and professional responsibilities feel incessant. This article seeks to explore the lived experiences of two Black mental health professionals residing and providing clinical services in Los Angeles County during a dual pandemic. Utilizing autoethnography methodology, the authors will reflect upon their personal and professional experiences of being Black and a mental health provider during a dual pandemic. Special attention will be allocated to unpacking issues of systemic racism, White supremacy, White fragility, anti-racism and third space oppression while providing clinical services to White and Black clients and attempting to engage in ongoing self-care activities. In addition, the authors will explore recommendations examining the nexus between racial identity, social location and professional expectations during a dual pandemic.

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Although Black males have experienced mental health challenges analogous to other marginalized populations, Black men dealing with loss and trauma have a greater risk of experiencing severe mental health challenges than their White counterparts due to racism, classism, economic inequalities and socio-political injustices in existence since slavery. Although slavery was legally abolished in the United States in 1865, the legacy of slavery continues via systemic oppression, historical trauma and race based economic inequality. Thus, Black males’ lived experience is entrenched with elements of psychological, historical, interpersonal, and intrapsychic anguish. Black men experience grief from multiple avenues, including loss, trauma and the psychological impact of oppression. The authors explored the grief experiences of Racialized Black Men (N = 77) to identify the needs and challenges of this vulnerable population. Utilizing a Critical Race Theory (CRT) lens, recommendations are provided to educate mental health therapists both in graduate programs and as practitioners in the field regarding anti-oppressive clinical practices. Finally, effective clinical intervention practices are explored, with specific strategies for White and non-White therapists when working with this unique and often underserved population in the United States.