ABSTRACT
When a popular high school student is shot to death in the community, it is the most recent incident of cumulative violence that repeatedly traumatizes a school. It was a challenge to legitimize grief, while encouraging distance from his self-destructive involvement in the drug scene. This narrative addresses the issue of cultural competence, as mostly white responders faced barriers and strived to build bridges working with African American students. Insights about unique aspects of triage are shared by an African American school counselor. There is discussion with an African American administrator about inclusion of grieving students across racial boundaries. Themes are: 1) effects of repeated trauma 2) cultural competence 3) triage: issues of relative need and inclusion, 4) drug counterculture.
