!Black Suicide-Book Review!

This book is full of information and stories from the suicides survivors; families, friends, etc. It is FREE TO READ on Amazon Unlimited, but this is one I had to go ahead and buy. Too much knowledge packed in.
Highly Suggested!
Black Suicide: The Tragic Reality of America’s Deadliest Secret by Alton R. Kirk

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There are a few books that I believe need to be mandatory reading for anyone who is simply concerned for humanity, for the children, for mental health awareness. This book also will benefit anyone who is engaged in helping bring awareness to mental illness, for those who want and actively work to end the stigma towards mental illness and breaking the stigma there is towards it; especially within the Black community.

One thing Mr. Kirk speaks on is the different needs between the Black and white communities. This is no empty statement; he goes on to explain why this indication is true and afterwards, as sad as it is to me, he is right. I wish we lived in a world where color doesn’t matter in any community, but of course white people can’t understand the struggles, fears and worries Black people go through on a day to day basis; how, then, could the majority of white psychologists help other than show compassion and sorrow?

He goes out of his way to make a point that this is no mere book; and he proves that point with a break from the facts and information on what’s going on, and gives the floor to survivors of those who have taken their own lives. These people are brave, some of their family still so stuck in the stigmatism associated with mental health they don’t want others to know. Still, these people spoke out and it is there stories that turn this already tragic book into a reality; a reality that makes you want to take action, expose lies and help everyone realize there is nothing shaming, demeaning or anything else that would make a person less than a man due to struggling with mental health problems. It has nothing to do with manhood, strength or anything like that.

I also must add really quickly… I am so grateful he mentions that there is more than one type of suicide, and that is so very important to me for personal reasons. The different types of suicide he speaks out on include more than just the “conventional” (for lack of better phrasing) but also recklessness, dangerous behavior some people develop knowing they want to die. Putting oneself on the front line, so to speak, waiting for someone else to take their life. Instead of this we should be reaching out for one another, not taking another life.

It has to do with saving lives; and I hope if you are reading this review, no matter who you are, you will read this book and feel the same fire to help in any way possible to expose, remind and help make changes so the suicide rates will drop.

This is a necessary read for anyone concerned with the betterment and empowerment of humanity.

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This Can Save Lives And It’s One Simple Thing ALL Of Us CAN Do…

As I worked today one of the most heartbreaking pieces I’ve done in awhile, which says something given the type of sick, hate filled work I work to end. But children are innocent and helpless… Furthermore, I am not stupid; I, as do you, know why this isn’t state, national or international news.
(This first part of the series will be discussing in depth Black children & suicide, and looking into possible solutions. It is one of many in a series of videos and essays to come- this shall be posted on this page in approximately 24-48 hours)

So as I was looking around her video popped up. It is short, and it could save a loved ones life- I beg you to watch it; I understand now that therapy needs to be more Black orientated…but this is a simple, basic technique to use on a loved person, and being human, having a soul and wanting to reach out are all natural, knowing no limitations.

Let me repeat that; this extremely easy approach is important for your loved one to have; again, it crosses all lines society has created; from gender, political, sexuality, nationality, financial, skin color or tone, age, disabilities.

Why does it cross this line? Because we are all of the same… I struggle with a severe mental illness(es) due to childhood traumas. Had I had someone when I was younger to listen to me and not judge, I may would have healed. I don’t know, and I am thankful for all I’ve been through.

Why? Without my battles, scars, hospital visits and such, what right would I have to speak out?

I know we all need different things, but one thing I believe most would agree which is so comforting to haven life is a non-judgmental person who does not interject with their personal feelings, opinions, views or something randomly off topic to make the person feel unheard. Mental health can get to a point of it being absolutely, utterly debilitating. 

And as I read more on the project I have in works, at all the suicides… it is so clear to me, more than ever, we have to find a way to not only educate children on how to react if you feel said way but we also need parenting classes for children who struggle. There are many other solutions, I believe and I am hopeful. 

Having someone to listen, without bias, without judgment and not only listen but empathize with the person; that may seem so basic and normal but it isn’t. And it is scary, but it also is life saving…

With the number of suicides all across America high, and those in the Black community as well, most worryingly amongst the ages 5-12… we need to take action fast, create community centers and other means of support… More on that soon, please do watch the following short video though, and if you don’t cry I am surprised 🙂 It’s short, and she discusses why it is important to just have someone there to …simply listen, nothing more nothing less.

Obama Speaks on Being a Real Man-Mental Health & Pride In Self

As I continue to work on my current project regarding racism and mental health, among Black men in particular, this, I believe, is a great piece. I agree with what he had to say as it is true…

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Former President Barack Obama spoke Tuesday about how to “be a man” and the need to combat stereotypes of masculinity that “trap” young men, specifically young men of color.

“All of us have to recognize that being a man is first and foremost being a good human. That means being responsible, working hard, being kind, respectful, compassionate,” Obama said at a conference for his My Brother’s Keeper initiative in Oakland.

“The notion that somehow defining yourself as a man is dependent on, are you able to put somebody else down… able to dominate… that is an old view,” the former president added.

In conversation with NBA star Steph Curry, Obama spoke about the need to create spaces “where young men of color, and young men generally, don’t feel as if to be respected they have to act a certain way.”

“If you’re confident about your strength, you don’t need to show me by putting somebody else down,” Obama said. “Show me by lifting somebody else up.”

“I’ve just been mentored right there,” Curry responded.

At the start of his panel, Obama had introduced himself as “Michelle’s husband” and the Golden State Warriors player as “Ayesha’s husband.”

The men sat on a stage surrounded by two dozen young men of color. In the front rows of the amphitheater near Lake Merritt in Oakland, dozens more young adults, mostly boys and men of color, faced them, having traveled from places like Los Angeles; Yonkers, New York; and Nashville to be there.

The two-day gathering in Oakland was meant to mark five years since Obama started the My Brother’s Keeper initiative. The former president has described the group’s mission as “working to break down barriers that too often leave boys and young men of color at a disadvantage.”

At Tuesday’s event, Obama also spoke about how racism plays a role in perpetuating toxic masculinity.

“Racism historically in this society sends a message that you are ‘less than,’” Obama said. “We feel we have to compensate by exaggerating stereotypical ways men are supposed to act. And that’s a trap.”

He added that much of the “violence and pain” communities suffer comes from men seeking respect, including through gun violence. “And that is a self-defeating model for being a man.”

Obama noted how cultural influences, like music, specifically hip-hop and rap, are often built around “talking about how I have more money than you, I can disrespect you.”

“Ironically, that shows the vulnerability you feel,” Obama said. “If you were very confident about your sexuality, you don’t have to have eight women around you twerking… you seem stressed that you gotta be acting that way.”

“I got one woman who I’m very happy with,” he added, as the audience erupted in applause.

Curry, in turn, spoke about the need for men to be “open about their feelings” and have space where they can do that. He said the locker room with his teammates allows him that.

To read the rest, please click here for the original post.