May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which means that we have a special opportunity to hold space for conversations surrounding various mental health topics. It is important to understand that mental wellness should be prioritized at any age and that mental health practices are just as essential as physical health practices. This Mental Health Awareness Month, do yourself a favor and look into these resources that cater to the Black community in an effort to help us all be well.
The Black Mental Health Alliance
Through programming, services, and forums, the Black Mental Health Alliance is committed to creating a society that is safe and compassionate. They believe this can be done by encouraging Black communities and families to work toward living their very best lives.
Transparent & Black
Founded by Yasmine Jameelah, Transparent & Black is a collective that houses franchises invested in the wellness of the Black community. They create spaces to not only focus on healing but shift generational impacts of trauma and neglect of mental health.
Loveland Foundation
With a focus on Black women and girls, the Loveland Foundation created a fund that provides economic assistance for those who are faced with barriers when seeking out therapy. Since Rachel Cargle launched the foundation in 2018, they have participated in intentional partnerships with organizations such as the National Queer & Trans Therapists of Color Network and Therapy for Black Girls.
Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation
Launched by Taraji P. Henson in her father's honor, the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation seeks to eradicate the experience of Black folks who go through life without the proper access to resources for their mental health. They recently partnered with Kate Spade to bring such resources to HBCU campuses.
Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM)
More than a non-profit, BEAM is a movement dedicated to shifting the way Black people experience mental health care through a healing justice framework. This mission is achieved through efforts connected to education, training, advocacy, and the creative arts.
