Guest Contributor: Wayne Smith A Vulnerable Dialogue Series for Black Men What trials or challenges have faced in your life? At the age of 13, I endured an extensive nine-month period of homelessness amidst my parent’s tumultuous divorce. With my three siblings, we sought refuge in various makeshift accommodations, ranging from church parking lots to the cramped quarters of relatives’ one-bedroom apartments, enduring the discomfort of cockroach-infested motels and the confines of our own cars. Amidst the challenges of homelessness, I also grappled with the complexities of my emerging queern ..read more

Guest Contributor: Brennan Steele Author, Speaker, Former Educator, and Therapist-in-Training How do you promote change and well-being in the Black community? I provide content and resources that support the healing and wholeness of Black men. Specifically, I have published two guided journals, "breathe: a guided healing journal for Black men" and "transform: a guided journal for new Black fathers," each of which seek to create space for experiences that aren't traditionally highlighted in our mainstream culture. Through such resources created with Black men in mind specifically, it is my h ..read more

Guest Contributor: Imani Higgins Visionary Founder & President of Celebrating Teen Success Nonprofit  What does Black Mental Wellness mean to you? To me, Black mental wellness means acknowledging and addressing the historical and systemic factors that have contributed to disparities in mental health outcomes among us. Black mental wellness is very important to me for Black youth. Now that we live in a time where we have so much access to find and seek healthy Black mental wellness I hope that my people take advantage of today's technology and resources to heal each other and have t ..read more

Guest Contributor: Imani Higgins Visionary Founder & President of Celebrating Teen Success Nonprofit  What does Black Mental Wellness mean to you? To me, Black Mental Wellness means acknowledging and addressing the historical and systemic factors that have contributed to disparities in mental health outcomes among us. Black mental wellness is very important to me for black youth. Now that we live in a time where we have so much access to find and seek healthy black mental wellness I hope that my people take advantage of today's technology and resources to heal each other and have t ..read more

Guest Contributor: Natasha Crosby, LCSW-S Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Dating Coach What does Black Mental Wellness mean to you? Black mental wellness, in my opinion, involves nurturing an environment that encourages self-love as a crucial component of overall mental well-being. It means creating a therapeutic and coaching space where individuals can feel empowered to embrace and appreciate themselves, recognizing the unique value of their identities. This includes celebrating the strength and resilience which is inherent in the Black community. Self-love becomes a powerful tool for na ..read more

Guest Contributor: Latonyia Sumpter Certified Yoga Instructor and Women's Empowerment Coach What does Black Mental Wellness mean to you? Black mental health holds deep significance to me. It's a recognition of the unique challenges and experiences that individuals within the Black community face, acknowledging the historical, systemic, and societal factors that can impact mental well-being. Black mental health is about understanding and addressing the stigma surrounding mental health within the Black community. It involves creating safe spaces for open conversations, breaking down barriers to ..read more

Guest Contributor: LeNisha Watson Mental Health Clinician What does Black Mental Wellness mean to you? Black Mental Wellness is a vital care process to our community that should be self-designed by the individual in treatment and is best approached collaboratively. It is necessary to the success of our people now and hereafter.   How do you promote change and well-being in the Black community? I currently serve on the Mayor’s African American Advisory Council (MAAAC) in the city of Tampa. I am also the Vice Chair of the Florida Substance Use & Mental Health Advisory Council, a member ..read more

Guest Contributor: Protegee of Purpose Distinguished Poet and Influential Spoken Word Artist. What does Black Mental Wellness mean to you? Black mental wellness, to me, is the liberation of the mind from the chains of systemic oppression and the empowerment of individuals to embrace their authentic selves. It involves dismantling ingrained narratives that perpetuate negative stereotypes and embracing a holistic approach to mental, emotional, economic, and spiritual health. Through my work, I aim to contribute to this wellness by fostering community, relational, and self-love, cultural pride ..read more

Guest Contributor: Taylor Bass Perinatal Mental Health Therapist, Social Worker, Public Speaker, and Full Spectrum Doula What does Black Mental Wellness mean to you? What Black Mental Wellness means to me is peace, equitable access to care, and REST. I pray that my people have the choice to rest and prioritize rest if they do have the ability to. Our ancestors prayed to rest, please do so out of respect of their legacy and how far we've come!   Tell us about your educational and/or professional training, and current area of expertise related to mental health and wellness? I am a provisio ..read more

Guest Contributor: Melanie Melton Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Author, Business Owner, and Ordained Minister. What wellness strategies do you think should be given more attention within the Black community? Are there any reasons why you think they are not given more attention? Body-based skills should be given more attention within the Black community. Effective teaching and application help us reconnect with ourselves, get to know ourselves better, and learn ways to improve our mental wellness. Many people in the Black community use body-based skills naturally. They just haven't y ..read more