AM I NEXT? - #BLACKLIVESMATTER

“This specific ontology of subjectivity, which defines the entire human experience as a result of brain chemistry, is a singular, restrictive and reductive understanding of all the ways in which humans and their subjectivity can be understood. This reduction serves a specific political function. That is, it keeps those who are oppressed inward looking and forecloses knowledge of the dominant class as they exert enough force to contribute to extensive suffering and mental illness in the oppressed.” 

- Dr. Eric Greene; The Mental Health Industrial Complex: A Study in Three Cases.  Journal of Humanistic Psychology

Is it considered revisiting when it’s a constant reoccurring cycle? - This quote & picture was the start of a collective of events, ideas, programs at work revolving around Black Mental Health. Looking back at it now, I’m reminded, not just of this particular topic but how its translated over time and is still relevant. We STILL must protect our mental health. We STILL have to wonder and question so many things; even in a pandemic - which in itself has vastly effected a majority of minorities and those in Black and Brown Communities.

Here we are. Another police shooting or assault or misconduct. I’ve lost count. I don’t know what we’re calling it anymore. I’m tired. We talked about it then. We talked it last week. We’re talking about it now.

George Floyd

Kenneth Walker

Breona Taylor

Sean Reed

Ahmaud Arbery

Steve Taylor

It hasn’t stopped. This list continues to grow. And its not even including what hasn’t received media attention. But when will the list be long enough. For action. For change. or will we talk again next week?

Workplace Transparency

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On the heels of being fired from America's Got Talent, Gabrielle Union spoke about the need for transparency. Recalling her 2013 Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon speech — that she says changed everything for her. Union said, “I led in that room with the absolute truth and it freed me in a way that I have never been freed before.”  Her exit from America's Got Talent, allegedly stemmed from Union reporting on the Toxic Culture behind the scenes.   

"I speak differently. I take my life much more seriously. I take this time [speaking] with the microphone seriously. And I have to tell the truth. In my truth, it freed other people." Gabrielle Union speaks about not always being supportive of others success and not wanting to use her time in the spotlight to "cover us all." Never thinking that speaking the truth can be a catalyst for change. "The truth and transparency can lead to more." 

Opening up a dialogue and a safe space to speak truth and be transparent in the workplace can help change the culture. There are many issues that employees may face – from feeling discriminated against to feeling that they can't speak on situations in fear of the repercussions. Even when it comes to job opportunities, employees can feel discriminated against during the recruitment process.  

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The routine exclusion of people of color in the workplace isn't okay if we accept the fact that as long as they are recruited, we've accomplished Diversity and Inclusion. There is a need for those to use their position or platform to "cover us all," — meaning, those in a position should use their voice or platform to push for change and not be motivated by self promotion. How can we get to a place where we don't stand idly by and accept workplace discrimination or an environment that doesn't uphold a standard for a better workplace? What will be the catalyst for change?

"I was quiet when I should have spoken up. I turned a blind eye to injustice instead of having the courage to stand up for what's right." 

- Gabrielle Union 
(2013 Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon) 

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.