GLORIA MHLANGA

Unions were created to protect workers — to be a shield during moments of vulnerability, injustice, and power imbalance. In theory, they exist to advocate, to listen, and to stand with workers when institutions fail them. Yet my lived experience has been far from this promise. Instead of support, I was met with further challenges. Instead of being heard, I was labeled. My frustration — rooted in injustice and real pain — was reframed as aggression . My advocacy for myself was interpreted as...

Racial trauma is a deeply rooted experience that affects many individuals and communities. It goes beyond isolated incidents of discrimination or prejudice, embedding itself in the body and mind over time. This trauma influences mental and physical health in profound ways, often through the nervous system. Understanding how racial trauma interacts with our nervous system can open doors to effective healing, especially when addressing intergenerational wounds passed down through families. This...

As Black people, we learn from a young age that the world does not always see us with safety, softness, or neutrality. We grow up navigating systems that were not built for our protection. Over time, these experiences shape more than our identity—they shape our nervous system. The body begins to anticipate judgment. The mind becomes alert. And sometimes, we don’t even realize we’re bracing until someone asks why we look “tense,” “cold,” or “serious.” But what looks like attitude is often...