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Welcome back to Episode 5 of Black Voices of Mental Health!
Wednesday is quickly becoming my favorite day of the week because that’s when I get to do a deep dive into to some pretty *amazing* websites.
Since this past Sunday was Father’s Day, I’m happy to be highlighting voices changing the narrative around Black Men’s Mental Health.
Table of Contents
Why is Black Men’s Mental Health Important to Talk About?
Historically Black men have eschewed the idea of vulnerability. This is because during slavery, Jim Crow, and Civil Rights era times, any sign of vulnerability could cost a Black man his life. (Find out more about this here)
This stoicism still persists today (for good reason) making it even harder for Black men to come to emotional terms with their feelings.
The organizations and activists I’ve highlighted today all aim to increase awareness on this particular issue. They also tackle societal factors contributing to Black men’s emotional stoicism. These are essential initiatives like eliminating the School to Prison Pipeline and providing financial access to mental healthcare.
So without further ado, here are the highlights for today!
The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation
The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation (BLHF) is dedicated to eradicating the stigma around Black Mental Health issues. Created by Taraji P. Henson, actress and MH advocate, the foundation serves the Black community in a number of ways.
First and foremost, BLHF gets people connected with affordable, culturally significant therapists. Here’s a link to their excellent Mental Health Resource Guide. If you’re a practitioner you can add your credentials directly into the guide via BLHF’s website.
Currently, BLHF is providing access to free tele-therapy to help with COVID-19 relief. They believe people shouldn’t have to choose between paying their bills and receiving proper mental health care. If you’d like to donate to help cover therapy costs, please follow this link.
Phillip J. Roundtree MSW (Quadefyllc.net)
Phillip J. Roundtree is an incredible speaker (catch his powerful TEDX talk “Black Mental Health Matters” below), writer, and advocate for mental wellness.
Roundtree pulls heavily from his own experience as a young Black man struggling with his mental health. As an Master Social Worker and Clinician, he uses that experience to help others shed light on their own issues.
In addition to counseling, Phillip is also a prolific content creator with a podcast (“You Good Man?”), blog, and YouTube channel (“Rhetorically Speaking”). His content centers on wellness, specifically mental and emotional wellness in regards to Black men.
Check out some highlights from Phil’s blog and beyond and don’t forget to follow his channels: QuadefyLLC.net (Website and YouTube Channel)
QUEEN & SLIM & BLACK LOVE & SHARED TRAUMA -Posted on QudaefyLLC.net
“BLACK BOY RAGE”: XXXTENTACION AND BLACK MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH – Posted on QuadefyLLC.net
REAL MEN CRY– Posted on QuadefyLLC.net
52: Redefining Masculinity & Men’s Mental Health – Collaboration with Trust and Thrive Podcast with Tara Mont
Vladimire and Benjamin Calixte (Therapy For Black Men.org)
This husband and wife team run the website Therapy for Black Men.org. Under the tagline of “Strength Still Needs Support,” their goal is to get Black men connected with culturally relevant therapists, life coaches and with each other.
Vladimire is a Therapist (check out her website, Life Rebuilding) and Benjamin is Professional Life Coach. Together, the pair provide space across the internet for Black men to support one another and advance the awareness of the Black Mental Health experience.
Their site features a directory for men of color to find a therapist as well as a similar directory to find life coaches. There’s also space to share your own journey with mental health: you can send in submissions here.
Below are some highlights from Valdimire and Benjamin’s blog. And don’t forget to catch up with them on their socials: Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
3 Ways to Overcome Your Fear of Success – Contributed by Seneca Williams, LMHC
Letting Go -Contributed by Paul Bashea Williams, LCSW-C, LICSW
3 Signs You’re in a Healthy Relationship – Contributed by Chasity Chandler, LMHC, MCAP, ICADC, CST, CDFW
Wrap Up
As always thank you so much for reading and I hope you learned a lot. Remember to follow, like, and subscribe to the highlighted organizations and activists, this will help them tremendously.
Much Love,
MB
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And if you enjoyed the post, please be sure to check out Episodes One, Two, Three, and Four of Black Voices of Mental Health
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