Introduction T-Kea and Jordan are joined by Dr. Rossalyn Thyssen to discuss losing her teenage son to suicide and the impact of bullying on youth mental health. Spotlight Jamari Terrell Williams, a fifth grade student from Montgomery, Alabama, died by suicide on October 10, 2017 at the age of 10. The Jamari Terrell Williams Student Harassment Act was passed in AL to fight against cyberbullying and bullying on and off school campuses. Resource The NAMI Teen & Young Adult HelpLine is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals, and support to teens and ..read more

Introduction | T-Kea and Jordan are joined by Mark Harrison to discuss the importance of recognizing and supporting the mental health of Black men and boys. Spotlight | Charles Johnson, former NFL wide receiver, died by suicide on July 17, 2022 at the age of 50. Charles played for the Steelers, Eagles, Patriots, and Bills before retiring. He was the Assistant Athletic Director at Heritage High School in Wake Forest, NC at the time of his passing. Resource | The Confess Project of America is a national organization that fosters mental health advocacy in the Black barber and beauty industry ..read more

Introduction T-Kea and Jordan discuss the importance of speaking up when you have questions or concerns during the course of mental health treatment. Advocating for your needs is a great way to become an active participant in your recovery. Spotlight Chris Vaughn died by suicide in 2021 after struggling with PTSD. The following year, his mother, Deneen Vaughn, and brother, Cameron Vaughn, founded the Mind and Wellness Foundation in Chris’ honor. To learn more about Chris’ life and the foundation, visit https://www.mindandwellnessfoundation.org/. Resource The Black Women’s Mental Health Insti ..read more

Introduction T-Kea and Jordan are joined by Victor Armstrong, Vice President for Health Equity and Engagement with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), to discuss a new initiative called L.E.T.S. Save Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention for Black and African American Communities. Spotlight Join us as we celebrate Renewed Resilience Day (considered one’s second birthday), created by Jordan and T-Kea. This is a special day designated for reflection and celebration of individuals who have survived suicide attempts. The primary goal is to encourage survivors to reshape ..read more

Introduction | T-Kea and Jordan are joined by Lauren Jenkins, LCPC and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) to discuss the impact of trauma and its connection to suicide. Spotlight | Marshawn McCarrel, a Black Lives Matter Activist who died by suicide on the steps of the Statehouse in Columbus, OH. Marshawn died on February 8, 2016 at the age of 23. Resource | TheJourney2Well, founded by Lauren Jenkins, LCPC, was created to help individuals and organizations connect to resources, training opportunities, and supportive tools and services that she believes will be supportive to their he ..read more

Introduction T-Kea and Jordan are joined by Khia Glover, LCSW, to discuss the importance of fostering healthy mental wellness in children and how parents can support their kids to thrive emotionally. Spotlight Stormiyah Denson-Jackson, a seventh-grader from Washington, DC, died by suicide on January 23, 2018 at the age of 12. Stormiyah was a victim of bullying. Her death led to the passing of the Stormiyah Denson-Jackson Economic Damages Equity Act of 2022. Resource: Kids are People Too! Podcast hosted by Khia Glover that promotes the fostering of children’s mental wellness through connecti ..read more

Introduction T-Kea and Jordan are joined by Khia Glover, LCSW, to discuss the importance of fostering healthy mental wellness in children and how parents can support their kids to thrive emotionally. Spotlight Stormiyah Denson-Jackson, a seventh-grader from Washington, DC, died by suicide on January 23, 2018 at the age of 12. Stormiyah was a victim of bullying. Her death led to the passing of the Stormiyah Denson-Jackson Economic Damages Equity Act of 2022. Resource Kids are People Too! Podcast hosted by Khia Glover that promotes the fostering of children’s mental wellness through connection ..read more

Introduction T-Kea and Jordan partnered up with Dr. LaNail Plummer of Onyx Therapy Group and Dr. Rossalyn Thyssen of the Traeh Thyssen Have A Heart Foundation to discuss how to support loved ones who are struggling with suicidal ideation. They also discussed their personal connections with suicide.  Resource Onyx Therapy Group is a Black woman, Veteran-owned business who aims to address mental health issues and disparities in communities, organizations, and for individuals in need. Dr. LaNail Plummer is the CEO of Onyx Therapy Group. Check out their Instagram page and website: https://ww ..read more

Introduction | T-Kea and Jordan are joined by Courtney Anderson-Harvey, LCSW, and Jillian Pelzer, LPC, at their first live event titled “Black & Suicidal: The Rise of Suicide in the Black Community”. During this panel discussion, they highlight their personal connection to suicide, the importance of having a working relationship with a counselor, the benefits of peer support, plus a Q&A session from our wonderful attendees. Resource | A Resting Place Counseling, a new counseling practice based in New Jersey that is focused on helping to provide rest, restoration and renewed motivation ..read more

Introduction T-Kea and Jordan are joined by Iysha Perkins, founder of The Unstable One, to discuss her personal journey with mental health and how life coaching differs from clinical treatment. Spotlight Simone Battle, an American singer, dancer, and actress, finalist on The X Factor, and member of the group G.R.L., died by suicide on September 5, 2014 Resource A Resting Place Counseling, a new counseling practice in New Jersey that is focused on helping to provide rest, restoration and renewed motivation to move forward in your life. The owner and therapist is Courtney Anderson-Harvey.  ..read more