The Significance of Juneteenth and African-American Resilience

This special episode of Your Brain at Work Live explores the recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday and the wisdom we gain from African-American stories of resilience. Dr. Michaela Simpson and Janet M Stovall discuss the neuroscientific perspective on resilience and its relevance in addressing current realities and future possibilities. Resilience is defined as the capacity to cope and adapt in the face of adverse experiences, both intrinsically and through social relations. The brain's response to threat, chronic stress, and adverse experiences is explored, as well as the impact on African-Americans in various contexts, such as the workplace. The discussion emphasizes the need to acknowledge and support resilience while working towards dismantling systemic barriers.