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Dr. Joy DeGruy
Renowned Author, Educator, Researcher, and Speaker
Be The Healing, Inc. Executive Director, Dr. Joy DeGruy, is a nationally and internationally renowned writer, speaker, and social scientist. Throughout her career, she has held numerous workshops and seminars and given lectures about her research focused on the intersection of racism, trauma, and American chattel slavery. Her book Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America’s Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing interrogates the persistence of how that intersection pervades our daily lives. Dr. DeGruy travels the globe to share this message.
We are proud to share that our Executive Director, Dr. Joy DeGruy, has been appointed as a Distinguished Visiting Scholar at Morehouse College, one of the nation’s leading HBCUs, renowned for its legacy of excellence in scholarship and its transformative role in shaping generations of Black men into leaders. This prestigious honor recognizes her lifelong commitment to healing and advancing scholarship that uplifts communities.
The timing of this appointment is especially meaningful as Dr. Joy's research is firmly aligned with Morehouse’s mission to foster strong Black male identity. Notably, it coincides with Be The Healing’s renewed focus on African American boys and men—specifically addressing how we foster, support, and nurture healing within and among Black males. This work is central to our broader global movement, emphasizing collective healing from both historical injustices as well as the current climate and how we move forward with preparing our children for a future that may not embrace them.
Dr. DeGruy’s leadership continues to inspire meaningful dialogue, research, and action toward equity and well-being. Her appointment as a Distinguished Visiting Scholar affirms both the global significance of her scholarship and the transformative impact it has on creating pathways to healing and justice.
Read the official Morehouse announcement here.
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Malcolm-Jamal Warner
1970-2025
The staff and I at Be The Healing are heartbroken. Having developed a true friendship with Malcolm-Jamal Warner over the years, to learn of his untimely passing is devastating. He was a most genuinely beautiful human being.
Malcolm and I initially met at The Trumpet Awards in Atlanta many years ago. I was signing books when a dear friend walked me over to him where he was seated. I stood directly behind him as he was sharing with those around him how important my work was. I tapped him on the shoulder and surprised him with a signed copy of my book!
I later met him in, of all places, Whole Foods in Atlanta. What a delightful conversation we had! He even called his dear mother, who was also aware of my work, so that I could speak to her, affirming what a lovely son he was.
Most recently, we reconnected when he invited me to appear as a guest on his NAH (Not All Hood) podcast. We engaged in a soulful conversation full of meaning and reflection.
He was truly one of those with a heart larger than this world could contain.
I was honored to have shared space with him. I pray for the continued progress of his soul surrounded by light, love and joy.
God Speed Malcolm.
SEE DR. JOY DEGRUY FEATURED ON
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World Trust TV
What Others are Saying
Ryan Eng
"Dr. Joy DeGruy is not only an internationally renowned researcher, educator, and author, but she is my mentor and friend. She is a luminary that radiates truth to power. Her commitment to healing generational trauma within the Black community inspires me daily and informs my work. She encourages us to search for a deeper understanding of ourselves and society at large. She is an advocate for healing and restorative care, and her work is the balm we all need. I stand in deep reverence and gratitude for her and her expertise today and every day."
Oge Egbuonu
Filmmaker, Artistic Director and Storyteller-in-Residence, UCLA Center for Critical Internet Inquiry
Ekpe Udoh
"Dr. Joy Degruy speaks her truth not only by speaking but in the way she lives her life. Through her course, I have been able to receive hear truths, deal with my truths, and begin the healing process that many of us need.” I appreciate Dr. Degruy and I encourage you to tap in and share so everyone can have a chance to connect with her amazing work!"
Ekpe Udoh
Atlanta Hawks Assistant
Basketball Coach, Producer
#ekpesbookclub
"Dr. Joy Degruy, above all else, is a truthteller. In a world drowning in deadly falsehoods, her work is a lifeline, pulling us back to the shore of our spiritual nobility and our sacred responsibility for each other. A gifted storyteller, there is no one else who can break my heart and put the pieces back together again like she does. Her knowledge & wisdom are incomparable!"
Ruha Benjamin, Ph.D.
Professor of African American Studies, Princeton University
Founding Director,
IDA B. WELLS Just Data lab
Healing begins with telling the truth!
Be The Healing Executive Director Dr. Joy DeGruy shares a little-known truth about the Statue of Liberty that has gone viral, generating dialogue across social media throughout the United States and the world.
