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.
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.
Research and Writings on a Growing Crisis 