Meet Dr. Akbar

I am often asked about the motivation behind developing the concept of Urban Trauma® and the Allyship Identity Model. Why did I decide to write about it, and what triggered me to make this my life’s mission and passion?

One morning early in my career, I was sitting around a table, surrounded by people who did not look like me, who were trying to figure out how to help “these poor” Black and Brown children. They spoke about our beautiful children as if they were defective and in dire need of salvation. They had no personal insight into how our children came to live in their neighborhoods, how their families struggled, or how their schools lacked the resources to provide them with a proper education. I knew that structural racism was alive and well; I have often witnessed its path of destruction, both personally and professionally. At that moment, I decided that I would not be a spectator watching others make decisions for our kids, our families, our community – so instead I stepped up and challenged the status quo.

“In all meaningful moments, there are catalyst events that raise us up and call us to action.”

I refused to passively sit by one more day, as folks carelessly labeled our children – disenfranchised, troubled, at risk, noncompliant. I committed to being a disruptor who would educate and inform others about racism’s role in the collective traumatic experiences of diverse people. I committed to deepening my healing work with individuals to being an agent of systemic change for communities of color. I have been able to slowly dismantle racism with the support of allies who funded my work, the accomplices who lifted the Urban Trauma® framework, and advocates who secured my seat at the table. For all these reasons, Urban Trauma® framework and the Allyship Identity Model were born.

“I am relentless in my pursuit of racial justice and mental health.”

Are You Ready to Get Started?

Are you ready to be a part of the solution and learn more about Urban Trauma® in order to fight for racial justice? Urban Trauma® Informed and Urban Trauma® Certified courses are available online today. We can’t rest until everyone is treated equally. Start your journey today.

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