BLACK LIVES MATTERS AND BLACK VOTES MATTER

Black Lives Matter.

Black Creatives Matter.

Black Art Matters.

Black Voices Matter.

Black Freedom Matters.

A Democratic win for the presidential election is just the beginning. Highlighted by both Biden and Harris in their speeches following becoming the president and vice president elect, was how Black Women have shown up again; this time to carry democracy. Biden highlighted his plans to unify a nation and what that means for America; touching on the need to come together no matter if you are Black, White, Asian, Hispanic, Native American, Gay, Straight, Male, Female... And the need for America to have an administration that reflects that.

It’s important to include the most marginalized, the most misrepresented, the most under appreciated. Its important to note that without Black voices, importantly Black Women the results would have been different and this applies across a number of spaces; professionally and personally.

A country built off the backs of its Black citizens continues to thrive because of us, yet continues to ignore the systemic racism, the high incarcerations, the missed opportunities, the police brutalities, the inequities… and the energy has to remain the same that,

Black Lives Matter. Black Creatives Matter. Black Art Matters. Black Voices Matter. Black Freedom Matters and the Election Day reminded everyone that Black Votes Matter.

As we have been heavily effected by a system built against us; a virus that continues to ravish Black Communities, an economy that fails to bring support these Black Communities and Black Owned Businesses; we must push for changes, actual changes and not promises that prop up these elected officials until they make it in. The work must continue. We all have work to do and we must do our parts.

Reframing The Narrative of The Black Experience

Echoes of the notion can constantly play when thinking of the Black experience in the workplace, in education or in everyday life. Sort of a reminder to one's self to mentally prepare for recurring situations in the real world.

In order to succeed, you need to be twice as good, twice as smart, twice as dependable, twice as talented... 

How can we restructure a system and change preconceived notions that  overshadow who we are and the talent we possess in the workplace?

BLACK MENTAL HEALTH & RACIAL TRAUMA

Race-related trauma could include the traumatic experiences, emotionally, psychologically, physically that manifest as the result of experiencing one or multiple events. Sometimes trauma is widely categorized as occurring from natural disasters, sexual abuse, or car accidents, but we don't think about race-related trauma as a part of that. It's important to include that in our understanding of trauma and how it can effect marginalized communities and African-Americans. 

 "If there's no name for a problem, you can't see a problem. And if you can't see a problem you can't solve it. And sometimes we don't name these traumas as racial traumas that black and African-Americans are experiencing." Kimberle Crenshaw

Police interaction with the black community can also play a role in the trauma faced by black people. Just the appearance of a police officer can raise the levels of fear that a black person may feel in a given situation. Being stopped and questioned by a police officer, often creates, brings out, or changes the way black people will act and have them questioning every move they make in the presence of an officer, in order to reduce escalating a situation or to get out of the feeling of being in danger. 

The handling of black people in many cases have been detrimental to the black community and police relations and can also contribute to the trauma that affects black mental health. Looking at the Eric Garner case and even Sandra Bland; it can attribute to the mishandling of black people in or around police custody. Police must be held accountable for their actions and have the proper training when it comes to the black community. Incidences have highlighted the potentially harmful effects of police practices based on racial profiling procedures toward minorities, especially Black men. Police abuse can be associated with distress, depression, anxiety, and trauma symptoms that is faced by the black community.

Black Artists fight mental health stigma with their work

South London-based digital artist Kirsty Latoya is using her work to unpack the complexities of mental health. To create her art, the 25-year-old uses her finger as a stylus to draw on an iPad — a technique that creates compelling, contemporary work. 

Tsoku Maela — a photographer from Cape Town, South Africa — has been extensively recognized for his work documenting what it's like to live with mental illness through complex imagery. His recent photographic series, titled  Abstract Peaces , documents Maela's own experience with depression.  

KEYS TO PROTECTING BLACK MENTAL HEALTH

When it comes to mental health and its effects on the black community, it tends to get brushed off or overlooked. The mention of therapy and seeking help is often seen as a weakness or even something to be ashamed of. With years of systemic oppression, exclusion, and discrimination, people of color have been left to shoulder the burden of that trauma alone. With an ongoing fight for social, racial and economic justice, these efforts will remain incomplete until mental health disparities are addressed.

It shows up when applying for jobs and facing disproportionate pay. It shows up in sentencing disparities and it shows up in our national approach to maintaining mental health and fighting addiction. Most of the difficulties are directly reflective of the lack of access to appropriate and culturally responsive health care. Historical trauma also attribute to the case, with years of abuse, racism, classism and prejudice, the black community will likely under utilize the resources due to a lack of trust among health providers.

Removing the stigma associated with mental health can be the first step towards improving it in the black community. Helping people understand that mental health is apart of well-being like a healthy diet, sleep and exercise is essential. Improving the lack of information surrounding mental health issues and when someone may need help or where to find help is needed. Culture also plays a role. Health providers with physicians that understand and are responsive to things within the culture is crucial in improving mental health.

Recently there have been a growing number of people in the public eye who have come forward with their own issues with mental health, and have brought awareness to the situation. Using their platform to spread awareness to a number of resources or donating to non profit organizations focused on health services; and even creating a space or organization for it like Therapy for Black Girls or Therapy for Black Men. There are also a growing number of social media resource and multimedia platforms available including several podcasts for focuses on discussing these issues amongst each other.

Keeping the conversation going could be key to protecting our mental health.