The Journey

Born in the vibrant heart of Harlem, New York, and molded by the resilient streets of Raleigh, North Carolina, William West is a force to be reckoned with. His journey from a young dreamer to a beacon of change and understanding has captivated countless lives and transformed the face of mental health counseling.

A visionary from the start, William's unwavering determination led him on an extraordinary path of self-discovery and service. Graduating from Sanderson High School in Raleigh, he embarked on an educational odyssey at Louisburg College, where his thirst for knowledge and empathy blossomed.

In 2004, the call to serve echoed within William's soul, and he fearlessly answered it. Joining the prestigious ranks of the US Navy, he committed himself to the noble cause of defending his nation. Throughout his honorable 14-year tenure, four of which he spent as a divisional career counselor, William left an indelible mark on the lives of his comrades.

When the time came for him to bid farewell to his military family in 2018, William embarked on a new mission—one driven by his unwavering passion for healing and transformation. Becoming a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC), he stepped onto the frontlines of the battle against addiction, armed with compassion and understanding.

But William's insatiable hunger for change could not be contained within the walls of substance abuse counseling alone. In 2019, he began his tenure as a Veterans counselor, igniting a fire within him to address a profound injustice. He witnessed firsthand how veterans yearned for genuine understanding, as the majority of therapists they encountered had never experienced the military life themselves.

Driven by this revelation, William harnessed his motivation and embarked on an ambitious journey of education and empowerment. Fueled by a burning desire to become a mental health counselor, he enrolled at Medaille University, ready to break down barriers and revolutionize the field. As he progressed through his studies, a void became evident—a scarcity of African American organizations dedicated to therapists and historical figures who had shaped the landscape.

With unparalleled tenacity, William resolved to rectify this disparity. While pursuing his graduate studies, he birthed BLACKadil, a groundbreaking website that illuminated the stories of African Americans in the therapeutic world. It served as a powerful platform to elucidate the profound reasons why African Americans often felt estranged from the therapeutic community.

Recognizing the importance of history in shaping the future, William pioneered initiatives to support aspiring mental health professionals of all backgrounds. Through BLACKadil, he meticulously curated a comprehensive database, guiding eager individuals to discover Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and specialized organizations tailored to their unique needs.

But his mission did not stop there. Understanding that true healing lies in the synergy between therapist and client, William took a monumental stride forward. BLACKadil became a bridge, connecting individuals with therapists who genuinely understood their cultural backgrounds and struggles. In doing so, he defied convention and spearheaded a movement that would transform countless lives.

William West, a force of change, has woven his extraordinary narrative into the tapestry of the therapeutic and human rights communities. His relentless pursuit of knowledge, passion for representation, and unwavering commitment to fostering understanding and support have shattered barriers, empowering generations to come.

Today, as the visionary leader behind BLACKadil, William continues to forge an uncharted path towards a brighter, more inclusive future—one where history intertwines with progress, and healing knows no bounds.