Time To Talk About Mental Health in The Black Community; 12 Books By Black Authors Follow

Black mental health is not taken seriously enough; it is very discouraging and very frustrating but I am hoping the more the community discusses it, the more people will realize that;

1) no, mental health doesn’t make you crazy
2) no, mental illnesss(es) are not for white people only
3) sadly, the denial to talk about emotions & the lack of discussing mental health in the community among Black adults and especially children, is continuing to let suicide run rampant -especially among those whom are not adults.

All Black lives matter, regardless of age, but when we have children as young as 5 and older attempting -succeeding- in taking their lives due to the trauma of racism in America, and bullying at school more often than not. Here is but one story, that of a beautiful 9 year old Black little girl.

Or what about all the missing Black women and girls? Why is there no outrage over that?

It is hard to talk about, but we have legal killings by capital punishment killing the Black community, or stealing fathers from families, much of the time due to self defense, drugs (which the white community is not absent of, so no one has any right to look down on anyone) -drug offenders do not need prison but that is another article- and a multitude of other ‘crimes’ later -far too often too much later- found to be innocent of said crime by DNA testing, but it’s took late because they’ve already been executed by the government. Or released after 60 years of serving a sentence they were innocent for.

And it is as though it’s become so common place everyone just looks the other way. FUCK THAT!

Or the police, who are here to not serve and protect, who are feared by most and how can anyone question why? They do not just murder, I would like to add. The beatings and other cases I have worked on in the past, that I want to update regarding both the victim and the killer(s) or abuser(s), are far more sick than I think anyone understands. Working nationally over 10 years as legal aid and as a counselor to victims I have a lot of confidential incidents I cannot share but there are also no shortage of ones I can share, sadly.

We have gang crime, which, I believe in just another form of suicide, and will go into those details at another time. But it’s taken kids lives, along with the drugs implemented by the government, as they admit or you can dig deep enough yourself to find these truths, if you are willing…

Suicide and self destructive of any sort, be it drugs, alcohol, knives, guns, wreckless behaviors that would get most white teens therapy are ending the lives of those in the Black community.

I focus on the children a lot; but we need the adults to step up initially, I believe, and show these children it is okay to speak about their emotions; show them it is okay to be upset and hurt. We need to educate them more and prepare them… We also need to ensure Black women and men know that they can call on a friend or a family member and reach out when feeling depressed, suicidal or just “off” and know they won’t be judged.

Below are from BlackMentalHealth.com which I hope you will check out as well. For now, here are a few, 12 to be exact… I’ve read many of them, especially Black Pain, number 12 on the list, and highly suggest it…

It’s gonna take Black men and women to first accept mental illness, especially understand how NORMAL it is for the trauma that the American government, school systems and society has caused for hundreds of years! Racism is trauma; and children are being more and more traumatized with Black children under the age of 11 and suicide still steadily rising since the early 1990s.

Black children aren’t going to talk about their problems if they see the adults can’t talk about theirs or if no one tells them it’s okay. Suicide is preventable; mental health is vital and it also impacts the physical but that’s for another article.

Please, consider reading and learning for yourself, for your loved ones and for the kids… For the COMMUNITY. There are far too many methods of legal murder in this country; taking a life by ones own hand should be the easiest one to put an end to as much as possible, if only we are open about it…

Link to books HERE.

Part 1 and 2: 72 Year Old Black Woman Found Hanging- Then She Vanishes…

This woman has virtually been removed from any and all methods people, including myself, are using to try and find and understand who did this vicious crime…and why the cops are covering it up.

I initially made this video of information about the case

Then I waited. I heard back from people who know people or are in the area. None of them knew about this. This (above) is where she was found.

So I did my first live stream; one of many to come. I will have a more professional setup in the future but until then, here is the updated information I have since that first video, discussion on what happened, and just as I begin to go into the deeper evidence… my pc froze and my internet -just on that pc- died. Here is that stream:

I will be back with the information, more organized and with my professional mic either Saturday or Monday, depending on when it arrives. I may be on before that with gaming headset to talk or I may do a study stream…but we will be back on this topic of lynchings in modern America and also, we will be acting to find out who this woman is and what else they can tell us.

Please, subscribe…

One Of My Favourite Tupac Speeches to Remind Us…We Have To Stop Looking Away!

This is one of my favourite Tupac speeches… Sadly, all he says still holds true…

And if not for Tupac’s words, lyrics and interviews, I would have been dead or in jail before I was 14, and that is REAL… He became a sort of mentor for me via his words in whatever form they came.

All children, more and more, as we are losing more and more, or traumatizing more and more children. Kids today need families; communities; we need unity and we need to think about what Tupac says… Instead of ending the video and moving on to something else, despite hearing some of the hellish obstacles ahead, too many people turn it off and push it to the back of their minds….

Makaveli Trained; RGB 4 life… peoples army….

Black, Missing, Ignored- The Current Situation

For anyone wanting to help in any way the Black women and children missing in America, going unnoticed by the media and government, there is an organization called Black & Missing. You can find this site by clicking here. It has profiles of the missing women, as well as a place to donate, offer anonymous tips, report a missing persons, get updates and more…

Additionally, coming up May 22, 2022 is a run/walk fundraiser to help this extremely important organisation. That website is here.

Please see below for links and details…

The ‘Hope Without Boundaries’ 5K Run/Walk is a fundraiser for the Black & Missing Foundation, Inc whose mission is to bring awareness to missing persons of color, provide vital resources and tools to missing person’s families and friends and to educate the minority community on personal safety. Proceeds from the event will go towards: funding for families of the missing, flyer distribution, financial support, victim recovery, and burial service assistance.

“The number of persons of color missing here in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area and around the country is alarming. We are holding this inspiring, family-friendly 5K to bring more attention to the countless number of missing children, parents, brothers, sisters, grandparents, and friends who might otherwise be overlooked.”  – Co-Founders, Natalie Wilson & Derrica Wilson

Senate bill 825 in Wisconsin courts there is a proposed bill regarding these missing women. That we are just now seeing a bill come out for this issue is atrocious. That it isn’t even a federal bill,…. leaves me so enraged I am speechless. You can read the proposed bill here from the Wisconsin government website.

There is another organization that actively tweets missing Black men, women and children. Please follow them at https://twitter.com/Black_Missing

Anyone with other resources please comment and I’ll approve it, and add to this list… Thank you guys.

I also hope my video made sense. I am trying to make them more focused and not let my emotions get the best of me. I hope I am doing that.

Short Video Regarding a Racist White Woman & White Privilege

I am absolutely enraged…. I made this video for twitter, it is what I think will be the intro to a longer video in the very near future, given I don’t think anyone is going to learn from what I say, but let’s hope I am wrong.

If you are a white person and truly are trying to understand, respect to you. If you are a white person who doesn’t understand because you aren’t racist (which by default, um, means, yeah.. you are) then I hope you will open you’re mind and try to better yourself, so you can help stop this horror.

New Video Up – Systematic Racism, Trauma, Children and APA Makes A Promise

The past few years I’ve been doing noting but studying, however, to convey and share that with anyone via blog or video was somehow too much. I am in a position in life that has left me lost, but I won’t go on about that. I have decided it’s time I do what I know I am here to do, and so…

There will be some changes to my YouTube page, and in the following video I cover that, I also talk about the American Psychiatric Association and their admission to systematic racism that cost us research which could have potentially helped saved Black children under the age of 10 who are attempting and also succeeding suicide.

They have made a pledge; the link is in the description in the video.

Thank you guys for staying, I hopefully am going to do better this time. YOUR FEED BACK HELPS; good or bad… Please feel free to message me, email me or comment. My email is noctem_aeternamx@yahoo.com

Here is to a new beginning…

The Tragic Disappearance & Murder Gabby Petito Is An Opportunity To Improve Lives…

First, to those who will try to contact me disputing this, for one send me factual evidence that is reliable and I’ll look at it and share that I did not know what was going on in regards to racism in America. I’m serious; if you think you got something, I’d love to disprove you.

But before I begin, let me hopefully deter a few of the defensive white people, victims are only us, crowd, with disclaimer:
In no way am I sayiNG the murder of Gabby Petito is acceptable or that she doesn’t matter. No one deserves what she received. HOWEVER, it does piss me off GREATLY to know if she were not white, blonde and blue eyed, she would not have gotten the attention her case is receiving. No. She would have received at best local media attention.

Fact. Don’t agree? Let’s move on from her case and focus on stats real fast, then I’ll be posting a video that is 4 years old which I made on this very same topic.

What’s distressing is it sounds like I could have very easily recorded this video today, based on the meaning of the video -which is- why is nothing being done about Black women, girls, CHILDREN who are going missing at alarming rates? And, nothing of real change has happened despite empty promises. ?

Four years later, here I am…still. And now, here is the video which sadly, is still applicable today.

Video Link

Four years later, I post that video to see before the post continues, as she all of this is critical…, especially with evidence to support lack of … any racism or treatment, that I’m aware of.

If you are saying what I have to say is untrue, think about this….This was a first to me; they speak on this issue and it’s a recent video of the racism involved.

When was the last time you have seen on national television, especially for months let alone years, a Black missing persons case; male or female; adult or child?

To try and make this even more clear. Think about the very sad and horrific murder of Laci Peterson. It took over a year to find her body and after that Scott Peterson went on trial in 2004; still just as big of in the media and news. Hell, recently I saw an article regarding him and his legal status.

I learned about the current woman found murdered from someone I know talking about it . Suddenly, I began seeing it everywhere; and it upset me, no, upsets me. All women deserve equality but it’s clearly not given when they bring on television these cases… common sense speaks as to why.

Any missing persons case is tragic to read, it has to be, as does the murder and rape reports that conclude too many cases. Those that are found; and that sounds so heartless to word it like that, I’m choking on tears as I type, but I am wording it that way because it DOES hurt to hear, THAT is reality.

As of this writing, 64,000-75,000 Black women and girls are missing. Do you think they all are getting the same help that we see in other cases? Numbers and women, men, families also confirm, that no; that is absurd thinking.

Being even more real, you may think I’m cold, I’m not; again, I do feel sad for anyone in these situations… ESPECIALLY THE ONES THAT ARE SILENCED AND UNSEEN. If that makes me cold, if hating the abuse of white privilege that exists even in missing persons cases, murders, rapes, etc… Then I’m proud to be ANYTHING other than who the people are that read this & don’t care.

It is even more outrageous that race is such a decisive factor in who it is that gets a national podium for loved ones to speak on and for citizens to try and assist in locating and helping bring these women home, one way or another.

Disagree? Please comment and show me where these cases are if these women are getting equal treatment by anyone; the media, police, the COMMUNITY, civil rights activists I am sure do speak on it but that poses another question; why haven’t people made this a national problem?

I know I’ll get a white person commenting to tell me that thousands of white women don’t get the same attention.

So, let me answer the questions I have heard over and over again when I am comparing the privileges of white people with the horrific reality of people who do not have white skin ( it seriously makes my blood race; no one should have any privileges, until we ALL DO!!😡 not to mention the STUPIDITY in skin color being a determining factor in treatment of daily life, treatment all kinds!

Even the simple equal treatment towards, help and attention to, that whites get is ignored!? These people … if that is what they are, truly cause a disgustingly sick energy of hate; they are the bane to society & equality, among much more.

These advantages should be a a basic human right, to all, not a privilege!

BUT IT IS NOT FOR ALL and denying this sick fact makes it’s existence grow. Sadly it seems most of white people not only deny this privilege to be real but abuse it. I’ll move on or I’ll never have this finished, perhaps a post for another time.

So again: white people are going to say to me:

I’m being racist or crazy to say this especially when the case is going on because white people are treated badly and losing ‘their rights’ *eyes roll* so the main comment I’m going to hear about this is:

Well, thousands of white women don’t get the same attention, either, so how can it be racist? Durrrr.

I normally reply with a “no shit,” and shake my head, then proceed to answer in the following way.

You are right, yes, that is true. Most women AS A GROUP do not get the attention like the ones that have and are right now or in the past.

There are many ways we could go with the answer as to why racism is at hand here, but to keep it simple for now….

When you look at total population of women in America, then, look at how many of these women are of the skin tone “Black” and how many women in America are white…

Statistically, this is astounding. Look at (image) the numbers for Black and “non Hispanic white”.

How can racism be denied at all in this, especially given the numbers make no sense. The number of how many missing are white, and how many missing are Black matched with each groups overall percentage in America, it’s so obvious I am not sure why it hasn’t changed…. No, I do know why. Sadly I am sure most of you do too.

Keeping those numbers for what they are, not letting people try and twist it around and say it only looks this way, but do the math and…

If white people currently were missing at the rate Black women are missing it would be national news itself. But it’s not the white people being ignored. I also don’t get the “white people must be victim” bs I get from white people on serious issues and sometimes even on NOT big issues. WTF?

But yes, most likely the vast majority if not all missing will not grant any one of them the same attention through sheer volume in the numbers of missing persons, for one.

Oh, I must add, however. IF hypothetically they did start doing this for more women… It’d be white women. And I have done too much research into American history, I have far more research that is evidence which would prove this tragic fact to be true than anyone needs. I have yet to see a shred for those who are against what I say.

Before I end this this, let me break this down in to bullet points & the latest statistics available.

1. 1) Missing, white women do not always or even close to always get the media, nation or etc attention as we have seen with just the 2 examples, those being Laci Peterson & Gabby Peti.
   
2. As it is put, “people of color” represent 45% of missing persons cases as of 2019, according to government stats.
   
3. Black women, as of 2021, represent 12.9% of women in America. Hispanic women are 18.0% of the women in America. White women are at 60% of women in America. ALL TOGETHER as of 2019 women of color represented 20.3% total, of American women.
   
4. I’d like to know how almost half of non-white missing women or girls makes up almost half, 45%, of women in America despite women of color in this country only account for 20.3% of America’s women….
   as opposed to the 60% population of women with white, “non Hispanic” skin.

Please keep your eyes and ears open; these numbers will get twisted by racists, as they twist them and try to confuse people regarding why Black and Hispanic men represent such a high prison population, despite Black men making up only 14% of the U.S. population as of 2021.

Tony Soto’s Story’s Horrible; Love & Respect To Him, Everyone Should Know What He Was Put Through

First, I wonder how many know or remember of Tony Soto, secondly, in case you don’t know, his story is one that must be told, he is well, so he has a lot more to do y is an amazing activist, locked up without any legal reason as to why on almost a $900,000.00 bail for two years. I’ve been asked to update people on his story and I have wanted to; he’s ready.

As I prepare to start being a consistent writer & YouTuber, I am also updating my YouTube page; removing older, irrelevant; especially ones I can do better.

I found these videos as I sort through YouTube getting prepared for my “return”- and Tony Soto’s story is one that should never be forgotten. Tony Soto is a man all should aspire to be like, in my opinion.

No matter what, the story of this educated Black man from Philly tells what we already know about racism & police. But Tony’s story is a bit different.

We have full evidence that Tony was harassed by the cops for the work he does, peacefully. He was harassed because his evidence lead to a cop being fired and having more knowledge than the ones who are “superior” due to their little “badge” was obviously just too much. This law abiding citizen who protested with the people, who fought for the people & who could out smart them- virtually always recorded- is the familiar tale that

The videos and blog posts are all in order… For the interested.

https://truthfultragedy.wordpress.com/2017/01/09/theyre-trying-to-silence-this-very-brilliant-black-male-from-speaking-part-1/

If you go to the above link, I believe it is the first in a series of posts I wrote regarding Tony Soto. I am also unsure of the links will work, I am going to redesign that site and remove the broken, add new stuff, and more than likely will document racism with the police brutality and American legal system, education system, etc. SO if you want that content please do feel free to follow or have an email sent to you when I have the site updated and am posting again; finally! 🙂

Thank you guys ❤

Purpose Of This Page

I have to begin this by saying this will be a page for people to reference anytime they desire, simply by clicking “purpose of this page” which is located at the top right and also in the left side panel. I am posting it as a blog because I began this page in 2018 and after too many traumatic events happened, I had to withdraw from almost all aspects of the internet, in consistency anyway.

Now I am back and confident I am ready to begin what I’ve spent so many years working on. Below is the ‘mission’ of this page… Thank all of you who have stayed and been patient as I got lost and found myself once again.

There are so many issues to address I’ve decided to make separate websites for each main topic… The purpose of  this page is to, hopefully, alert people to the urgency of mental illness and mental health in the Black community, speak on different types of trauma, including why racism is trauma and what  poor mental health does to the body physically.

It is not anyone’s fault if they are struggling with mental illness. Racism in the Black community is a cause of a lot of other severe mental health and physical health related issues, too many of them fatal.

There is a great importance in not only accepting mental health but understanding it, and the genuine risk in increasing numbers of suicides, for example… And I want to make this clear, suicide at any age is horrific, but the number of Black children between the ages of 4-12 that are taking their own lives and/or attempting to take their own lives is unprecedented.

It’s no surprise medical research doesn’t have much on this growing problem. This is something I really want to focus on and expose. This number has been increasing over the past two decades silently. Children in this age group are usually not ones to consider suicide let alone act out on it. But they are.

We need to make it a priority to learn about mental illnesses, what causes it, what is sparking these children and what sparks adults, what role does racism play when you have additional stressors such as poverty or abuse or other in ones life and most importantly; what can we do about it.

The point of these posts is to share facts and stories of what is going on right now among adults and children as young as 5 years old. It is to take the worst situations going on with mental health, that which is scarcely spoken on. I hope it will open dialogue among people, help parents, teachers and other caregivers notice signs and symptoms in children and adolescents, but also in grown men and women, too.

Mental health is just as real as any physical ailment, and in too many situations it is proving to be just as fatal. In fact, mental illnesses have physical symptoms more often than not; sadly, most of them lead to dying to early.

The risk is real and the reality of lose of loved ones by their own hand is real. This is another reason  I believe the community needs to get that village mentality as well as we need to see more Black men and women rising up as professional psychologists and psychiatrists. Even if it is just someone in the community who is willing to be open about their struggle; someone for others to go to, someone people know they won’t be judged by…

I have was verbally ‘attacked’ by a white man when I previously said we need more Black therapists. He accused me of separatism. I am not a separatist at all, but as a survivor of many forms of abuse, I do not want a male therapist. It only makes sense to hear people within the community speak of not feeling comfortable with a white therapist.

If you cannot understand this that is your problem; and so let me state it again. The reasons many in the Black community don’t feel comfortable going to a more than likely white psychologist is understandable. One of these reasons;  white people do not typically understand, especially on a personal level, what it is to be Black in America. We need more Black psychologists and psychiatrists. I will be compiling a list for people to access of Black professionals to look into and/or contact. 

Finally, because this topic is very heavy with sadness, obviously, I want to make sure to balance it out with fact and real history. This will be posted originally on another blog which I will post a link to *here* when it is up and running, and I will reblog from it from time to time.

Learning and remembering true history outside of the negative is vital, especially for children. As a warning I will share the horrors of the past and the hidden glory of the past on my other page, for both need to be known. However, I will only be posting positive stories in history here, as I said, this is a very heavy topic.

MENTAL ILLNESS IS NOT SOMETHING TO BE ASHAMED OF; IT DOES NOT MAKE A PERSON CRAZY OR STUPID. Mental health has nothing to do with intelligence, just for the record.

I truly hope this website will serve to help even one person. Coming up soon I will have many resources and information I hope to aid in this current, silent crisis.

And because it is silent, let’s work at changing that and make it off the charts until self love and self acceptance has been achieved, along with the reality of Mental Health.

Mental Health: The Black Church — Mental Wealth

“So we accept and hide our emotional mental turmoil and go to church where it gets worse. We follow the rules of some self serving overbearing power hungry undercover sexual deviant. I speak flippantly and no not all of them are money hungry sexual de aunts but many are.  Church is big business these days, pastors have private jets, hareems of women, wear only designer.  The church in Jamaica has a congregation filled to the brim with designer clothes, I went to use th bath room, realized I should have taken a short plumbing course to use the facilities as the water tank was not filled up and it would not flush so I had to pour water in the toilet to flush it.  Yet the congregation look well and in their Prada, Gucci, Armani, even the tags hanging outside the clothes to demonstrate that they bought it new. “

 

Church, the Christian faith the black version of Christianity. I am talking about the clap hand dancing, singing pastor jumping church. Church was not a time to sit and listen, it is entertainment, audience participation, shouting, jumping. Followed close by with the chastisement the judgments the process of individuality No point in pretending I am […]

via Mental Health: The Black Church — Mental Wealth

*Against All Odds…* “The Black Experience in Business”- Things They Didn’t Teach in School- Documentary

As I prepare for my first release of heartbreaking information, hidden information it would seem, regarding health care and the Black community; children, to make it even worse, I figured I need to maintain a balance on my page for within the community, be it historical or present day, there is something amazing and empowering about what can be done when the community unites…

I feel it is just as important to highlight the tragedies going on, as well as acknowledge the buried history of Black men and women in America (as well as outside of America, but I’m trying to stay on topic.) I’ll be posting random positive posts such as this on and off as we go through the mental health crisis and more, for it is important never to forget…In fact, to KNOW or REMEMBER… They didn’t teach this in school for a reason, and as KRS-One asked, “WHY IS THAT?”

Click Here to go the PBS website and view the documentary for free. For some reason, it isn’t letting me embed it on my page 😐

Learn about the untold story of African American entrepreneurship, where skill, industriousness, ingenuity and sheer courage in the face of overwhelming odds provide the backbone of this nation’s economic and social growth.

Introduction Post- Mental Health Series- What Is Coming-

I felt a need to write this introduction and give anyone who may be reading my upcoming posts an idea of what will be discussed… This post doesn’t hold the details I want to share but gives a small overview of what I will be sharing over the upcoming months.  I hope the introduction makes sense, if anyone has anything to add,  or any questions please, leave a comment or message me. P
lease note I will be covering the topic of Mental Health in the Black community in every aspect I’ve yet to come up with, but if you feel there is anything missing again, I please share.

It is important to know as a trigger warning that the upcoming posts will speak of topics such as suicide and mental health among all ages, including very young children. I will be sharing a few stories in detail and will put warnings on them also because I don’t want anyone triggered; on the contrary, -and I am sure you will- I hope everyone feels the disgust at this racist country and just how low it goes, I hope you will fell the sickness in the pit of your stomach and the rage in your veins as facts and information on mental health that has been ignored for far too long -especially suicide, and suicidal behaviors.

I will be discussing the current tragedy with the little children, children being 5- 12 years of age, first due to its intensity and rarity. Also I hope it will give reason for anyone who otherwise would not consider the very real concrete fact of mental illness, and be able to learn to embrace it, the mind is power… Just because a physical ailment isn’t held doesn’t lessen the severity or risk of death by any means.

My plan on doing this in sum is:

Posting this as a very brief introduction to let you guys know I haven’t backe dout, I just have been frustrated with compressing a topic that needs the opposite of compression. Splitting it into different posts should help with that. And these upcoming posts will consist of more detailed essays in relation to mental health, mental illness,  what it means and why it is not something to shun or be ashamed of.

Open dialogue is past due and I hope these posts can assist in finding a place of understanding or acceptance, for this has been shrugged off for far too long. It truly, truly is becoming an urgent epidemic and lives that could be saved if they only could speak out, are being lost for the inability, the “shame” and “embarrassment” – the “unmanly behavior” of speaking up and most importantly, speaking out, when you are struggling mentally.

Speaking from a psychological stand point, I will be discussing different types of trauma, what it does to the development of the human brain and the lasting impact it has when not addressed and that child worked with until they are able to move on. Kids, especially young, have an amazing resilience in them. Especially during the developmental stages. If trauma is stopped and proper care given -and the big one, the situation changed as well, a child can go on, more like than not, to live their lives without the trauma following them into adulthood and manifesting into a mental health crisis of any form.

With that, I will share what has been proven to work, but it will take the community to unify and for that we have to get this violence to stop. It is all the same source, just as Ta-Nehisi Coates talks about in Between the World and Me, I know it seems impossible; most of my loved ones think it a hopeless fight; but it isn’t. After this series, I will be posting facts, laws and policies formed on racism and still fueled by that same sick racist mentality. Knowledge is the key; the ancestors tell us that! Evil cannot last or win forever; it’s time is coming to an end = but we have to be aware, we must also take action… I admit I don’t know how to stop the violence, but there has to be a way… There HAS to be, it is not impossible.

And we start to create hope by working on figuring out what that exactly is we need to be doing to stop the insanity on the streets, and in the legal system. They don’t expect anyone to stand up against it; and for that reason it must be done.

A little bit more of things to come is a theory I want to share from a book I recently read. In fact, I last posted a review on that very book, Black Suicide. It’s a psychological theory of suicide by life style, in short, and I hope in some way it will open eyes and help everyone to aid in stopping the readiness to die in far too many young men and women.

I will be discussing the medical history of Black people in America and the cruel, unacceptable “treatments” forced upon innocent men, women and children- of course, this has an impact on how things are perceived today.

.What is really frustrating me is the repeated, “and we don’t know what the cause of this rise in suicide is”- it doesn’t take much brilliance to easily see the reasons in my opinion, which I will discuss in upcoming posts. And I truly beg  each and every reader to add their words to increase awareness, open communication and most importantly, help educate people on what sources there are for this relatively new research. [Research showed Black children and suicide to be a higher risk in the early 1990s. Not that it matters when it comes down to the facts, for those who want a stamp of validity on this topic, you have it now as finally, this research has been once again conducted, reviewed and confirmed as truth by JAMA and many other related American Medical Association (AMA) research journals.

As I have noted I will be sharing my research on how racism impacts the development and growth of Black children and youth. This research has taken me far beyond any realm I had before imagined I am sad to say. I want to share it with anyone willing to listen because racism, lack of family and denial of mental health care all are feeding a vicious, racist cycle.

I also believe it is important to explore the reasons, history, culture and other behind the taboo views of mental health within a great deal of the community. What can be done to stop, or help as much as possible, this tragic epidemic is my ultimate question and ideas will be shared however mine nor yours are any good unless first we can get across and grasp the fact that yes, mental illness is real and it does inflict its torment on people, all people are at risk for mental illness; be it something common as depression or more severe such as PTSD or personality disorders. There is no shame in this.

There is only shame in not being able to talk about it. In allowing trauma and illness to manifest in a people and expect them to deal with it, not speak on it, that is where the shame lies. That is where too many unwarranted deaths lie. That is where behavioral problems stem. Of all racial groups, I believe the Black community has an overwhelming amount of trauma to deal with daily that others don’t understand or know about.

The trauma of being targeted by those who are supposed to protect, by the government period and many other afflictions needs to be talked about. The place I believe we should start is with the children. It is here, with precious young, Black children research shows a peak in suicide, one that is only increasing. I’m talking about 4, 5 year olds taking their own life. This should be a national emergency, but it is not and that makes it even more important the people make sure to end the stigma, and open up about their own emotions, as well as learn how to help others; especially the children. 

 

 

Book Review: Between the World & Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates

Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is one of those rare books that grab you by the core of your soul, refusing to let go. So I will start our with…

Wow. Simply wow.

This book was so powerful I had to put it down at times, to let this reality sink in. This book is eloquently written in the fashion of a letter; preparing him for life as a Black man in the country his ancestors built, the slavery and racism still felt today, the history and culture denied, along with justice in the legal system. What is it like to live your life in fear?

I challenge everyone to read this book; but above all I call on anyone who is not Black to read and let the reality so foreign come over you. Walk in his shoes through his childhood and his lessons, his fears, his love and pains. But this book doesn’t stop with racism against Blacks by non-Blacks, but being also part memoir, he delves into his childhood. Gangs, fear, thick fear, trying to act fearless; looking back and seeing who was the most afraid of all. He takes us to Howard University, where he for the first time gets to experience what he calls, “Black Mecca” for all the different nationalities and cultures among the beautiful Black men and women he saw around him. Police brutality hits him personally, and the tone is felt through out all of the book. Fatherless and/or broken homes, drug dealers and those lurking with guns -be it the local gangs or the police- the death and trauma he had experienced he doesn’t want for his son. That much is clear and no good father would; so he speaks of all different memories, and the moments behind each where, despite the good and joy, the weight of “his body” was ever present.

By that same note, however, he also doesn’t want to give his son false hope or false comfort. So, like his grandparents did to him, during more recent and actually televised police brutalities and murders, he describes what it feels like to be a father that cannot make the world safe for his son, and his son, indeed will grow up in, and already lives in, a dangerous world where he has to consider things, at times life or death choices, simple choices; choices he is only being tested on due to the color of his skin… These burdens fall down upon the Black youth as well as Mr. Coates son, and though cynical with the world he wants so painfully badly to believe things will be okay; so painfully it made me cry.

At times his pain, the pain he felt for his child, the realities they both face -along with my loved ones and friends, along with countless people alive right now I don’t know and never will, they all have the same fear… And it’s not one that spreads itself equally among the people. This is a fear that has locked on, for damn well good reasons, to so many.

This heartbreaking reality of being at a ‘privilege’ was never something I didn’t both see and hate growing up; but hearing a man speak out on how it is to live the side my friends and others live, cuts me deep and the guilt I feel for having pigmentation I don’t even want is very painful. But what would be worse would be to turn away; to pretend it isn’t there. To not fight it but abuse it.

I do not believe a white person who has compassion and wants to understand can ever again deny the fact of double standards- I saw these growing up and hated it then as I do now. It hurts realizing because you have light skin you’re likely not to be shot, beat, harassed, have the cops called on you for your dog playfully runs up to a white woman (that was in the news today)- Blacks and whites have different social worries; I’m not sure what whites have to fear nor why they are in denial of white privilege; especially after reading this book. 

HIGHLY recommended!

All I can say is beyond mind blowing. Everyone needs to be required to read this.. I will write a better review later, I must go now, but please, GO GET THIS BOOK!

View all my reviews

Random page with random knowledge on it. He

 

!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.

View all my reviews

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…

—

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.

Dare 2 Struggle- Short Vent Session

I write this early on the first of December as I am at a loss. I have not lost hope in the fight against racism, police brutality or other atrocities, but there are moments when I step back and examine all the work I’m doing and what all we are up against…. It all hits me as hard as a wave made of concrete; literally, it takes my breath away.

Thoughts that make no sense and that are not true start to wander in…

Wondering why share things; no one is listening and if they are they don’t care… Why do any of this work, why make videos, why write, why painstakingly do all of this if no one cares… But I am always reminded people do care, and there is a reason.

As I sat here in an anguished mindset, desperately trying to figure out what is the best method(s) to use in approach to sharing this vast information of corruption- exceptionally evil corruption- I have and what it means to do so, a blessing came to me.

I believe in synchronicity; that is, more or less there are no coincidences and everything happens for a reason. I am in the process of moving and in the past I have worked with and done a lot of volunteer work for one of my most positive mentors; a revolutionist and friend, Dr. Mutulu Shakur. This was laying out on a desk in front of me but suddenly became the only focal point in the room.

One of these projects was working on a music album in memory of the man I deem my father, Tupac Shakur… I even have my name in the booklet, I am honored to say… The CD is a tribute to Tupac, and it is called “Dare to Struggle”…

That made me stop.

Think,…..

Now you think on that concept…

Dare to struggle . . . 

If fighting against evil, cruelty and oppressors in this world were easy we’d have a wonderful place to live for everyone would be involved… It is so hard and extremely enraging at times not because there is no hope, not because the war has been lost, not because we can’t win a battle; instead, it is this very reason, because it is hard doing what we do especially 24-7-365, it is a struggle some days to remember it all matters, that the struggle is for something good and until that good comes, that change comes; I could never, ever rest knowing I did nothing about it.

Currently some people in my life seem to think my work is selfish of me because it takes away from them… But to that I can’t help but feel dumbfounded. How can they not see the fragility; the horrific, tragedy being played, still in the same key, by Amerikkka? How can they see and know yet still go on about their lives as though it doesn’t matter? And if it doesn’t matter to them, who are they to try and guilt or bring down those of us who stand and fight?

I am not sure of my point in this post other than to say… No matter what it is you teach, what it is you fight for or against, whenever you feel tired, whenever you feel like you aren’t being heard or whatever the case may be… Remember you are daring to struggle… And in doing so, while yes it complicates life, it only does so because a wrong is being committed and clashing with the truth you and I bring forth.

Dare to struggle. And dare to struggle I have for the cause since 14, and dare to struggle I shall until we get some changes made. A lot, of changes made.

Keep doing what you do. Each voice matters, far more than we probably realize. All of this may seem trivial to you, or so obvious it shouldn’t have been written. That’s fair enough; but sometimes we all need reminders. I sure as hell did.

Hate Crimes At Disgustingly High Peak

According to the Anti Defamation League, the 1,564 religion-based hate crimes reported in 2017 are the second-highest ever. The highest number of such crimes were reported in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks, according to the ADL.

Let us not forget it is white men who make up for the most domestic terrorist attacks here in America, though Trump has decided these “men” are no longer a threat… This should scare you. It scares me.

Though this isn’t national news, it seems pretty news worthy to me. As I continue research on larger projects which will be posted here, I can’t help but feel this is something I should share, despite not writing it… Please read, share and check out some of the links below… We can make a difference; we just have to unite…

This is heartbreaking to read but not surprising, sadly… I suppose there isn’t much more for me to say, the following vileness speaks for itself.

–

The FBI documented a sharp increase in hate crimes in 2017 compared to 2016 – particularly in New Jersey, where the number of incidents have nearly doubled. The FBI also released a town-by-town list that shows where the crimes occurred.

In New Jersey, 518 law enforcement agencies provided information to the FBI but only 155 agencies actually reported hate crimes in 2017, the most recent year available. Collectively, the agencies reported 495 hate crimes to the FBI, a 75 increase from the number of documented hate crimes in 2016.

Here were the towns that had hate crimes in 2017, from the most to least:

• Woodbury 33
• East Brunswick 24
• Lakewood 22
• Evesham Township 18
• Princeton 15
• Howell 11
• Edison 10
• Keansburg 10
• Englewood 9
• Hackensack 9
• Vineland 9
• Manalapan Township 8
• Randolph Township 8
• Medford Township 7
• Neptune Township 7
• Aberdeen Township 6
• Cinnaminson Township 6
• Franklin Lakes 6
• Hoboken 6
• Ocean Township, Monmouth County 6
• South Orange Village 6
• Hamilton Township, Mercer County 5
• Hanover Township 5
• Lodi 5
• Moorestown Township 5
• Highland Park 4
• Hillsborough Township 4
• Ridgewood 4
• South Brunswick Township 4
• Toms River Township 4
• East Hanover Township 3
• Freehold Township 3
• Hopewell Township 3
• Livingston Township 3
• Madison 3
• Maple Shade Township 3
• Monroe Township, Middlesex County 3
• New Brunswick 3
• Passaic 3
• Robbinsville Township 3
• Teaneck Township 3
• Bergenfield 2
• Bradley Beach 2
• Brick Township 2
• Colts Neck Township 2
• Deal 2
• Delanco Township 2
• Dover 2
• East Orange 2
• Fort Lee 2
• Haddon Township 2
• Haworth 2
• Hightstown 2
• Lawrence Township, Mercer County 2
• Magnolia 2
• Manasquan 2
• Medford Lakes 2
• Middlesex Borough 2
• Montclair 2
• Mount Olive Township 2
• Newton 2
• Old Bridge Township 2
• Oradell 2
• Palmyra 2
• Paramus 2
• Ramsey 2
• Stone Harbor 2
• Washington Township, Gloucester County 2
• Waterford Township 2
• Weehawken Township 2
• Westampton Township 2
• West Long Branch 2
• West Windsor Township 2
• Willingboro Township 2
• Woodbridge Township 2
• Belmar 1
• Belvidere 1
• Berkeley Heights Township 1
• Berkeley Township 1
• Boonton 1
• Bridgeton 1
• Bridgewater Township 1
• Brigantine 1
• Burlington Township 1
• Carteret 1
• Chatham 1
• Chatham Township 1
• Collingswood 1
• Eastampton Township 1
• East Windsor Township 1
• Eatontown 1
• Egg Harbor Township 1
• Elizabeth 1
• Elmwood Park 1
• Emerson 1
• Fair Lawn 1
• Franklin Township, Somerset County 1
• Freehold Borough 1
• Hackettstown 1
• Haddonfield 1
• Harrison Township 1
• High Bridge 1
• Interlaken 1
• Jefferson Township 1
• Jersey City 1
• Kinnelon 1
• Lindenwold 1
• Lopatcong Township 1
• Lumberton Township 1
• Manchester Township 1
• Mansfield Township, Warren County 1
• Mantua Township 1
• Maplewood Township 1
• Metuchen 1
• Millburn Township 1
• Monmouth Beach 1
• Montvale 1
• Mount Laurel Township 1
• Mullica Township 1
• North Bergen Township 1
• Northfield 1
• Oakland 1
• Old Tappan 1
• Paulsboro 1
• Pennsville Township 1
• Pequannock Township 1
• Piscataway Township 1
• Plainfield 1
• Point Pleasant 1
• Pompton Lakes 1
• River Edge 1
• Roselle Park 1
• Shrewsbury 1
• South Plainfield 1
• South River 1
• Springfield Township, Union County 1
• Summit 1
• Tenafly 1
• Trenton 1
• Union City 1
• Union Township 1
• Verona 1
• Voorhees Township 1
• Washington Township, Warren County 1
• West New York 1
• Wildwood 1

Whether more hate crimes were reported to police in 2017 than in 2016 is difficult to ascertain because there were an additional 1,000 law enforcement agencies that participated in the program compared to the previous year. Such stark increases, though, indicate more and more people and institutions are being targeted because of religion.

According to the Anti Defamation League, the 1,564 religion-based hate crimes reported in 2017 are the second-highest ever. The highest number of such crimes were reported in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks, according to the ADL.

Here were towns with hate crimes based on race in New Jersey:

• Woodbury 27
• East Brunswick 11
• Evesham Township 10
• Englewood 8
• Keansburg 8
• Princeton 8
• Vineland 8
• Howell 7
• Lakewood 7
• Edison Township 6
• Neptune Township 6
• Hamilton Township, Mercer County 5
• Hackensack 4
• Manalapan Township 4
• Moorestown Township 4
• Randolph Township 4
• South Orange Village 4
• Hillsborough Township 3
• Hoboken 3
• Medford Township 3
• Ocean Township, Monmouth County 3
• Robbinsville Township 3
• Aberdeen Township 2
• Cinnaminson Township 2
• Colts Neck Township 2
• Delanco Township 2
• East Hanover Township 2
• Freehold Township 2
• Haddon Township 2
• Highland Park 2
• Hightstown 2
• Livingston Township 2
• Lodi 2
• Magnolia 2
• Manasquan 2
• Montclair 2
• Old Bridge Township 2
• Teaneck Township 2
• Waterford Township 2
• Weehawken Township 2
• Westampton Township 2
• Belvidere 1
• Berkeley Heights Township 1
• Bradley Beach 1
• Bridgeton 1
• Burlington Township 1
• Carteret 1
• Chatham Township 1
• Collingswood 1
• Dover 1
• Eastampton Township 1
• East Orange 1
• East Windsor Township 1
• Egg Harbor Township 1
• Elmwood Park 1
• Fort Lee 1
• Franklin Lakes 1
• Franklin Township, Somerset County 1
• Freehold Borough 1
• Hackettstown 1
• Haddonfield 1
• Hanover Township 1
• Hopewell Township 1
• Jefferson Township 1
• Kinnelon 1
• Madison 1
• Manchester Township 1
• Mantua Township 1
• Maple Shade Township 1
• Medford Lakes 1
• Middlesex Borough 1
• Mount Olive Township 1
• Mullica Township 1
• New Brunswick 1
• Northfield 1
• Palmyra 1
• Paramus 1
• Passaic 1
• Paulsboro 1
• Pennsville Township 1
• Pompton Lakes 1
• Ramsey 1
• Roselle Park 1
• South Brunswick Township 1
• South Plainfield 1
• South River 1
• Springfield Township, Union County 1
• Toms River Township 1
• Union City 1
• Union Township 1
• Verona 1
• Voorhees Township 1
• Washington Township, Gloucester County 1
• Washington Township, Warren County 1
• West Long Branch 1
• West New York 1
• West Windsor Township 1
• Wildwood 1

Here were towns with hate crimes based on religion in New Jersey:

• Lakewood 15
• East Brunswick 13
• Evesham Township 7
• Princeton 7
• Franklin Lakes 5
• Hackensack 4
• Hanover Township 4
• Howell 4
• Manalapan Township 4
• Randolph Township 4
• Ridgewood 4
• Aberdeen Township 3
• Cinnaminson Township 3
• Edison Township 3
• Hoboken 3
• Monroe Township, Middlesex County 3
• Ocean Township, Monmouth County 3
• Toms River Township 3
• Bergenfield 2
• Brick Township 2
• Deal 2
• Haworth 2
• Highland Park 2
• Lawrence Township, Mercer County 2
• Madison 2
• Maple Shade Township 2
• Medford Township 2
• Oradell 2
• South Brunswick Township 2
• Willingboro Township 2
• Woodbridge Township 2
• Berkeley Township 1
• Boonton 1
• Bradley Beach 1
• Bridgewater Township 1
• Brigantine 1
• Chatham 1
• East Hanover Township 1
• East Orange 1
• Elizabeth 1
• Emerson 1
• Englewood 1
• High Bridge 1
• Hillsborough Township 1
• Keansburg 1
• Livingston Township 1
• Lopatcong Township 1
• Lumberton Township 1
• Mansfield Township, Warren County 1
• Maplewood Township 1
• Medford Lakes 1
• Middlesex Borough 1
• Millburn Township 1
• Monmouth Beach 1
• Montvale 1
• Moorestown Township 1
• Newton 1
• North Bergen Township 1
• Oakland 1
• Old Tappan 1
• Paramus 1
• Passaic 1
• Pequannock Township 1
• Piscataway Township 1
• Plainfield 1
• Point Pleasant 1
• Ramsey 1
• River Edge 1
• Shrewsbury 1
• South Orange Village 1
• Summit 1
• Teaneck Township 1
• Tenafly 1
• Trenton 1
• West Windsor Township 1
• Woodbury 1

Part of the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program, the agency’s Hate Crime Statistics report is released annually. In 2017, law enforcement agencies reported 7,175 hate crimes to the FBI. While 16,149 agencies participated in 2017, only 2,040 submitted incident reports about hate crimes. The remaining agencies reported 0 hate crimes to the FBI. In 2016, the FBI documented 6,121 hate crimes.

“Two weeks ago, we witnessed the most deadly anti-Semitic hate crime in American history. Today, we have another FBI study showing a big jump in hate crimes against Americans because of their race, religion, ethnicity, and sexual orientation,” Jonathan A. Greenblatt, ADL CEO and National Director, said in a statement. “This report provides further evidence that more must be done to address the divisive climate of hate in America. That begins with leaders from all walks of life and from all sectors of society forcefully condemning anti-Semitism, bigotry, and hate whenever it occurs.”

According to the FBI, a majority of the victims (59.6 percent) were targeted because of a bias towards race, ethnicity or ancestry. The second most common reason a victim was targeted was because of religion (20.6 percent) followed by sexual-orientation (15.8 percent), disability (1.9 percent), gender identity (1.6 percent) and gender (0.6 percent), according to the statistics.

The FBI says 50.7 percent of known offenders were white, 21.3 percent were African-American and other races accounted for the remaining known offenders. According to the FBI, a “known offender” does not imply that a suspect’s identity is known but that “some aspect of the suspect was identified.”

Experts say the annual hate crime statistics report provides an incomplete picture of the number of hate crimes in the country. The ADL noted that in the 2017 report, 91 cities that had a population of 100,000 or more either did not report any data to the FBI or reported 0 instances of hate crimes.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Original post found here.  Also check with the anti-hate crime organizations such as the Southern Poverty Law Center to find ways you can get involved. 

Racism in Medicine- A Doctor & His Story

First, I need to apologize for my delay in posting. I am still conducting research and gather works for my larger release on the impact of modern day racism (and in history) and how it is impacting innocent Black children. I have decided, however, because this is a topic that is vital, a topic that rages onward sadly outside of childhood and is a huge health problem in the Black community for men and women of all ages.

Last year this tragic, silent killer was reported by the Center of Disease Control (CDC) showing the biggest increase for suicide risk is between the ages of 5 – 11 years of age in Black children… That takes my breath away. It also fuels me for my other posts that will soon come.

The CDC also released information late last year showing an increase in suicide among the above noted ages in this localized area, rising from 1.78 to 3.47 per every 1 million; at the same time, studies revealed suicide among white kids declined from 1.96 to 1.31 per every 1 million The 4 year study conducted by the CDC there was tragic loss of life; leaving 41 Black males and 73 white males (both groups children) dead to suicide.

There are two books I am currently reading and will soon be posting reviews about. One of them you can read for free if you have Kindle Unlimited. After reading, I will post my review and link to the book so others may learn and share.

Facts on Black suicide

1. 1. The Centers for Disease Control reported that between 1999 and 2004, young African-American males had the highest rate of suicide.  This latter finding is consistent with research that males are more likely to complete suicides whereas females are more likely to attempt suicide.
   2. The American Association of Suicidology reports of the 1,992 completed suicides among African-Americans that 371 of those deaths were by females.
   3. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported the following statistics for 2010:
   4. Suicide was the 16th leading cause of death for Blacks of all ages and the 3rd leading cause of death for young Black males ages 15–24.
   5. Althoughl Black suicide rates are lower than the overall U.S. rates, suicide affects Black youth at a much higher rate than Black adults. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among Blacks ages 15-24.
   6. Since the Black community in the United States is disproportionately young, the number of deaths among youth may have a particularly strong impact on the Black community.5. Black Americans die by suicide a full decade earlier than White Americans. The average age of Black suicide decedents is 32, and that of White decedents is 44.
   7. Caribbean Blacks had a higher rate of suicide attempts than African American Blacks.  On the other hand, another study found that among adolescent males, African American Blacks were approximately five times more likely than Caribbean Blacks to attempt suicide.
   8. Religion: Orthodox religious beliefs and personal devotion have been identified as protective against suicide among Blacks. Participation in organized religious practices, such as church attendance, is linked to lower suicide risk in African Americans. Among Blacks with psychiatric disorders, religiosity has been found to delay age of onset of ideation as well as decrease the number of psychiatric disorders.
   9. Social and emotional support: Family support, peer support, and community connectedness have been shown to help protect Black adolescents from suicidal behavior. Similarly, positive interactions and social and family support have been shown to significantly reduce risk for suicide attempts among Black adults. Although emotional support from family decreased the risk of suicide attempts for both Caribbean Blacks and African Americans, the impact was stronger for Caribbean Blacks than for African Americans.

Those are but a few facts on suicide within the Black community, but the information is not only available, I believe it is a necessary need for all. I must end this here, but I urge you all to check out the following book by Doctor Damon Tweedy, listen to the short interviews and then go buy the book yourself!  🙂 It looks like a tragedy when people are just trying to escape the unspeakable pain. While stigma towards mental illness(es) may be bad enough regardless of race or what-have-you, it seems they want to break us all down sometimes. And we cannot let that happen. Mental health care is just as save63

With all the stigma surrounding mental health, especially in the communities that struggle to, or refuse to, acknowledge the severity and risk so many men carry daily … it is time for, yet again, action…

There is a ton of information I had to post but I must leave now. I urge you to watch these videos, check out the book and I shall post the free one to as soon as I am able 🙂

Until Next. zoom in and check out the other book I am about to go start reading right now.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

School Children & Innocence Stolen

“Unequal policies such as these have led black girls to feel insecure and humiliated about their physical appearance, and subsequently can affect their ability to learn and feel comfortable in academic environments.” –Teen Vogue

As I spoke of in my first blog post I will be posting essays from a series of research I am collecting regarding numerous ways racism impacts Black children in America. The research came about because 1) I see how children are being treated and am appalled to say the least, 2) I see my family/friends and how their children are impacted, 3) I know this is not an isolated occurrence and yet still is being blatantly ignored. Clearly, the lack of attention concerning Black children and the aspect of racism in daily life being ignored is but one more huge red flag I refuse to ignore and do not understand how others can avoid and neglect. Another one is the removal of true history and any cultural acknowledgment but that is for another post.

Doesn’t how children are being wronged matter? Does the future, matter? No child deserves to have to worry about life and death issues, fear from places deemed safe by others or the perpetrators themselves. America is a place where “to serve and protect”,  is frequently selective in whom they are choosing to serve and protect. Even the simple phrase that would issue comfort in some, such as, “call the cops” or “call 911″ is not something too many can say or hear and feel relief. When good people can’t say those phrases and know a good person will arrive to aid them in whatever their situation, that is absolutely not acceptable. Unacceptable as it may be, it is still reality for far too many Americans and sadly with just cause.

The police and racism serves as a huge source of my anger, so I apologize for that bit of random digression…I am sure it will happen more though… The point was how all of this impacts children…

When children are forced to deal with these issues at early ages, of course it has impact and ignoring the trauma it brings does no good to anyone or the situation. Especially when it is as severe, as continuous and unrelenting as racism. Too often have I heard my friends state a fear they have that never crosses my mind and I hate that; I do not want that ‘privilege;‘ but to deny that it exists makes it worse. 

Of course what children see and hear effects how they develop; that is true with all forms of trauma upon children; racism being an issue that is, at the very least, ever-

imposing upon their lives and the lives of those they need and love.

Be it school related, via the media or government the racism in America has had and does have a massive and significant factor on influencing a kid and their sense of self, safety and so forth.

Below is an email I received this morning and feel it important to share. It is yet again a perfect tragedy to use as an example

Rant: White People, You Are Not Victims

Absolutely heartbreaking truth

My mind is blown; and it angers that I am not surprised but still I remain absolutely stunned that people truly go about their lives not caring for the plight of others, regardless of age, because it does not impact them. What appalls me even more is the claim that they are not racist, that is one of the first things most of these sort are ready to shout. The second and equally detestable remark these sort of people (who sadly seem to be a majority as of right now) deny they have any sort of privilege due to being white. Or better yet, those who claim that “white genocide” is happening and white people are the victims of this racist society.

I don’t know if it is brainwashing -I believe this to be an excuse; think for yourself! Or perhaps it is some form of denial because it is a disgrace, it is very hurtful to know how unjust and cruel people can be; especially when you are not the one being treated bad. The guilt and shame is almost overwhelming; I loathe the treatment of my light skin and am not afraid to call people out on it when I see my friend or family being treated differently; there is no excuse for it! 

I don’t know what in this universe could justify these forms of treatment to other people simply because of skin color; but here we are. Facing it, accepting it and all of its ugly facilities is the first step; speaking out is the next, I believe.

That all being said, in accordance with the research I am doing on how racism impacts Black children in both the short and long run I came across an article a moment ago that has me in a fury. The post began and repeated itself in saying that “researchers are not sure why suicide has risen in Black youth recently” – really? Either they are absolutely disconnected with reality or the media is, as the mainstream media is trying to brainwash white people. I am sad to say it seems like it’s working. Which is why it is so vital we make sure we get the TRUE STORIES, THE TRUE HISTORY AND FACTS out and spread it to as many people as possible. Truth will win in the end, and it’s time we ALL start doing whatever we can to end this extremist government and society.

As for the article I speak of, yes, they did manage to speak reputable research and give true facts, they did what most mainstream media does; find a way, any way to make sure it is not the white person to blame.

It doesn’t take an intelligent person to realize how disgusting this system is. Just a person with a heart/soul and even just an inkling of awareness to the current tragedies.

I will post some of the stories of these tragic young deaths in the upcoming future, I would do so now but I want to be able to write with full attention on the child or adult for that is the least I can do.

Coming up shortly is part 2 in the series about racism and it’s psychological -as well as physical- impact on children and later on, adults. 

*Also I will be posting photos and links to children who have died over racist bullying but were never mentioned -to my knowledge- by anyone other than local media…when lucky.*