Celebrating Black History Month: Addressing Mental Health Disparities in the Black Community
As February unfolds, the United States embarks on a month-long celebration of Black history, a time to honor and recognize the countless contributions, sacrifices, and ongoing difficulties faced by Black Americans throughout history. While it's essential to commemorate achievements and milestones, it is equally crucial to address the challenges faced by the Black community. One such pressing issue is the mental health disparities that persist, underscoring the need for awareness, understanding, and advocacy.
The History of Black History Month:
Black History Month, originally established as a week-long celebration of Black history in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson, holds deep roots in the United States as a response to the underrepresentation of Black American contributions in historical narratives. Woodson chose February for this observance to coincide with the birthday of Frederick Douglass, a pivotal figure in Black American history. The week aimed to highlight the achievements, culture, and history of Black Americans during a time when their stories were often overlooked or marginalized. In 1976, the celebration expanded into a month-long observance, officially recognized as Black History Month. This extension was an acknowledgment of the persistent need to honor and integrate Black history into the broader American narrative, fostering understanding, appreciation, and unity across communities. Learn more about the history of Black History month here.
The Significance of Black History Month:
Black History Month serves as a reminder of the indelible impact African Americans have had on the fabric of American society. From trailblazers in science, arts, politics, and civil rights activism, the contributions of Black individuals are woven into the very foundation of the nation. Celebrating Black History Month not only acknowledges this rich heritage, but also aims to promote inclusivity, attempting to foster a sense of unity and understanding among diverse communities. This is not to say that there is not still work to be done in minimizing injustice, and activating anti-racism.
Mental Health Disparities in the Black Community:
Despite the progress made in various domains, the Black community in the United States faces significant mental health disparities. Numerous factors contribute to this, including historical trauma, systemic racism, socio-economic challenges, and limited access to mental health resources. Understanding and addressing these disparities is crucial for creating a more equitable and just society.
Historical Trauma:
The legacy of slavery, segregation, and institutional racism has left an enduring impact on the mental health of Black individuals. Historical trauma, passed down through generations, contributes to elevated levels of stress, anxiety, and depression within the community. A system of housing development called redlining began in the 1930s as a way to legally segregate neighborhoods and can be seen to this day in the disparities in neighborhood health inequities. Economic disparities play a significant role in mental health outcomes. Limited access to educational and employment opportunities, along with economic instability, can contribute to heightened stress levels and mental health challenges within the Black community.
Systemic Racism:
Systemic racism permeates various aspects of society, including healthcare. Black individuals often encounter disparities in the quality of mental health care, with biases affecting diagnosis, treatment, and access to services. Culturally competent care is essential for addressing the unique challenges faced by the Black community.
Limited Access to Mental Health Resources:
Barriers to mental health care, such as stigma, lack of quality health insurance, and a shortage of culturally competent providers who can understand the lived experience of their client alongside their clinical history and diagnosis further exacerbate disparities. Increased efforts are needed to improve accessibility and affordability of mental health services for all, irrespective of race or socio-economic status.
The Role of Advocacy and Awareness:
Black History Month provides a platform to amplify voices, raise awareness, and advocate for the mental health needs of the Black community. By addressing systemic issues, promoting inclusivity, and supporting initiatives that focus on mental health education and resources, we can work towards dismantling the barriers that hinder well-being.
New York City Psychotherapy Collective is a diverse practice, with providers who vary in race, religion, ethnicity, and other identities. Additionally, there are many individuals and organizations that we look to in order to add to our education on the topics of Black history and the experience of Black individuals both historically and today. To help you find those sources, we listed out a few who are prominent on social media you can follow to learn more:
Twitter:
@deray
DeRay Mckesson is a civil rights activist and educator, using his platform to discuss racial justice, activism, and current events.
@Nettaaaaaaaa
Netta Elzie, another prominent activist associated with the Black Lives Matter movement, shares insights on racial equality and social justice.
@samswey
Samuel Sinyangwe co-founded Mapping Police Violence and Campaign Zero, focusing on data-driven solutions to address police violence.
Instagram:
@rachel.cargle
Rachel Cargle is an educator and author who uses her platform to educate about racism, feminism, and intersectionality. She founded the Loveland Foundation, which provides financial assistance to Black women and girls seeking therapy via vouchers, and which we at New York City Psychotherapy Collective proudly participate in.
@theconsciouskid
The Conscious Kid shares resources and provides education on raising children in an inclusive and equitable way, addressing issues related to race and identity.
@blklivesmatter
The official Black Lives Matter Instagram account shares updates, stories, and resources related to the movement and its goals.
YouTube:
The Grapevine
A YouTube channel featuring diverse voices discussing a range of topics related to the Black experience, from culture to politics.
Franchesca Ramsey
Comedian and commentator Franchesca Ramsey's YouTube channel covers social justice issues, including race, gender, and intersectionality.
African Diaspora News Channel
A platform providing news and analysis from the perspective of the African diaspora.
Facebook:
Black Youth Project 100 (BYP100)
A member-based organization that advocates for the rights of young Black people, addressing issues like criminal justice, education, and economic justice.
Color Of Change
An online racial justice organization using the power of technology to mobilize and advocate for change.
The Root
A well-known online publication that covers Black news, culture, and politics, fostering informed discussions on various topics.
As we celebrate Black History Month, let us not only reflect on the past but also commit to building a more equitable future. By acknowledging and addressing mental health disparities within the Black community, we take steps towards closing those gaps through authentic, anti-racist, community-led work. Our therapists are diverse in their ages, ethnicities, genders, races, sexual orientations, religions, experiences, training, and theoretical approaches. Where we are all the same is in our commitment to working towards creating a society where everyone, regardless of their background, can thrive mentally, emotionally, and physically. If you’re looking for something specific in your therapist’s identity, fill out the interest form here and you’ll be matched with the person that most closely aligns with your request. If you would like to check out each therapist’s profiles and contact the person you feel best fits your needs directly, you can do that here.
Follow the steps below to get started:
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