Dr. Joy Angela DeGruy is Oscar Degruy sister, she grew up in a challenging neighborhood and faced violence, poverty, and racism daily. Let’s look into her life and how her childhood in Los Angeles shaped her growing up.
Overcoming Childhood Challenges: Dr. DeGruy’s Path to Healing and Empowerment
Angela DeGruy faced many challenges during her childhood, but her teenage years in the 1970s offered a new sense of hope. Her brother, Oscar, introduced her to the Bahá’í Faith and its teachings of peace, which he also promoted through Bahá’í step dance performances designed for young people.
Looking back Oscar Degruy sister said that:
“I don’t know what I would have done if there wasn’t a Bahá’í Youth Workshop. It gave us a way of expressing ourselves and getting past a lot of the suffering in our community.”
Furthermore, she drew inspiration from her faith to pursue a career as a doctor and started a mission to help children like her. She earned a doctorate in social work and dedicated her career to supporting abused children, underserved communities, and those experiencing homelessness.
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She authored a book addressing racism and actively educates others on the importance of race unity and diversity. Joy defines her purpose as ensuring that everyone understands every human being has the right to be treated with respect and dignity.
The Legacy of Slavery: Dr. DeGruy Explains Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome
In an interview, Dr. DeGruy shared memories of her childhood, which began in Louisiana before her family moved to California to escape the pervasive racism in the southern United States. She revealed that her only fond memory from that time is from when she was seven years old, spending time with her siblings Aaron, Oscar Jr., and Iris.
She further said that:
“My sister and my older brother were my heroes. They were both deeply involved in the Civil Rights and Black Power movements. All the classics, like The Autobiography of Malcolm X and books on black history, they handed those off to me, expecting me to understand and know them.”
Talking about her most challenging experience as a child, Dr. DeGruy shared that she grew up in a neighborhood where fights were a daily occurrence. She explained that her greatest struggle was to rise above that environment while preserving her self-worth. To avoid getting caught up in the constant violence, she learned to communicate effectively and talk her way out of confrontations.
Oscar Degruy’s sister once shared her opinion on why racism persists in the U.S., even after the abolition of slavery in 1865. She reflected a deep understanding of the systemic nature of racism. Dr. DeGruy explained that racism continues to manifest in every aspect of American society, from housing and healthcare to criminal justice.
She described it as a wound left untreated, festering over time. Furthermore, she stressed that true healing, both personal and societal requires an honest confrontation with the truth. Quoting Abdu’l-Bahá, she said:
“Truthfulness is the foundation of all human virtue.”
Dr. DeGruy explains the concept of Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome in her book, detailing how 246 years of slavery left lasting psychological scars on African Americans, leading many to question their worth.
This internal struggle has made some feel shame about their identity, a sense of worthlessness that she considers the greatest tragedy. Referencing Bahá’u’lláh’s words, “Noble have I created thee,” she emphasized the critical need to teach every Black individual about their intrinsic value and dignity to heal from this painful legacy.
Healing From Trauma: Dr. DeGruy’s Message of Hope and Self-Worth
Dr. DeGruy offered advice to children facing prejudice, highlighting the importance of standing up for themselves, even when it’s challenging. She explained that kids need to understand their value and not tolerate mistreatment. Sometimes, she said, standing up is the only way to change the narrative and make a difference.
The biggest challenge kids face today is the overwhelming materialism of the modern world. She expressed concern that children today are more distracted than ever by the idea that their worth is tied to what they own. Oscar Degruy’s sister stressed the importance of valuing relationships over material possessions and recognizing that life’s true purpose is to know and love God while advancing civilization.
Moreover, she explained the importance of the arts in a child’s development, highlighting that art, whether in music, dance, or visual forms, has a profound impact on humanity by helping to relieve pain and suffering. She also raised concerns about the growing undervaluation of the arts in schools, calling it a real danger. Dr. DeGruy emphasized their role in enriching society and fostering personal growth.
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