When you witness public violence and discrimination, as many Black people have faced for an incredibly long time, it's important to have access to support and resources for coping. Below, I've listed some mental health resources that are created by and for the Black community.
1. Ethel's Club: https://www.ethelsclub.com/
This amazing social and wellness club is designed to celebrate people of colour. They are also hosting free healing and grieving group sessions for the Black community on June 9th and June 23rd, 2020 at 6 PM EST. Visit their website for more information.
2. Dive in Well: https://www.diveinwell.com/about
This community facilitates conversation between like-minded people and offers support for people of colour. They also have ebooks and workbooks that compile the insight from workshops and gatherings into accessible lessons and exercises.
3. Sista Afya: https://www.sistaafya.com/
Sista Afya facilitates mental wellness education, resource connections, community support, and fundraisers. They offer amazing services and support for Black women, while remaining accessible.
4. Therapy for Black Girls: https://therapyforblackgirls.com/
This mindfulness community offers connections to therapists and community support for Black girls. They also have an awesome podcast and a blog with mindfulness information.
5. Heal Haus: https://www.healhaus.com/
Heal Haus offers daily yoga and meditation classes, as well as workshops and private sessions to spread wellness. Visit their website to join the community!
6. Inclusive Therapists: https://www.inclusivetherapists.com/
This initiative helps all people find safe and welcoming therapy. Their site includes so many options for mental health services, and is accessible and simple.
7. The Nap Ministry: https://thenapministry.wordpress.com/about/
This organization examines the liberating power of naps. They offer immersive workshops, install sacred and safe spaces in communities, and facilitate art exhibits for community healing.
8. National Queer & Trans Therapists of Colour: https://www.nqttcn.com/
This healing justice organization is committed to transforming mental health support for queer and trans people of colour. Visit their website to find accessible, safe and inclusive mental health resources.
9. Harriets Apothecary: http://www.harrietsapothecary.com/who-we-are
Harriets Apothecary is a healing village led by Black Cis Women, Queer & Trans Healers, Artists, Activists and Ancestors. They offer inclusive workshops, community gatherings, and wellness blogs for Black and Indigenous people and people of colour.
10. The Unplug Collective: https://theunplugcollective.com/
This is a story-telling initiative to share the stories of Black and Brown women and non-binary folks about existing in their bodies without being silenced. They share stories about mental health, body discrimination, body image, medical discrimination, gender, and other topics. Read about these empowering and inspiring stories on their website.
11. The Loveland Foundation: https://thelovelandfoundation.org/
This organization provides healing and therapy resources for people of colour, and especially Black women and girls. They aim to empower and liberate the communities of colour that they serve.
For all of my non-Black friends and family, I hope that we can take time to listen to Black voices, try to begin to understand the pain that the Black community has been put through, and recognize how we've contributed to and received privileges from racist beliefs. Here are some resources to learn more and find out how you can help:
1. The Humanity Archive: https://www.thehumanityarchive.com/
This is a community providing resources and education about history including Black history which is often ignored or suppressed. They have resources such as a podcast, a book, and courses to take.
2. Discover Our Glory by Rachel Cargle: https://www.patreon.com/posts/discover-our-46837445
Rachel Cargle, writer and advocate, has curated a self-guided learning journey about Black history. She has provided a syllabus of topics to research, a book list filled with great resources, and opportunities to discuss what you've learned with others.
3. Layla F. Saad's Website and Books: http://laylafsaad.com/
Layla F. Saad is an author, teacher and speaker about many topics, including race and social change. She has written the incredible book, Me and White Supremacy, to help non-Black people understand their own internalized beliefs stemming from White supremacy and racism, and to guide their work towards dismantling White supremacy. She also hosts the Good Ancestor Podcast, where she speaks with other change-makers.
4. The 1619 Project: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/08/14/magazine/1619-america-slavery.html
The 1619 Project from The New York Times aims to teach American History with the consequences of slavery and the contributions of Black people at the center. It is an excellent resource for re-learning true American history.
5. Anti-Racism Resource List: bit.ly/ANTIRACISMRESOURCES
This document provides a list of resources for non-Black people to learn about racism and learn to practice anti-racism. There are many books, articles, podcasts, and films accessible through this document.
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