The History of African Americans and the Therapeutic Community

Mental health has long been a taboo subject in the African American community. The stigma surrounding mental health care has prevented many from seeking help, leading to a lack of access to care and inadequate delivery of care in the health system. This has resulted in a mistrustful and less affluent community experience, characterized by a myriad of disparities.

Historical Dehumanization and Oppression:

Historical dehumanization, oppression, and violence against Black and African American people has evolved into present-day racism - structural, institutional, and individual. This has cultivated a uniquely mistrustful and less affluent community experience, characterized by a myriad of disparities including inadequate access to and delivery of care in the health system.

The Opioid Crisis and the Black/African American Population:

The opioid crisis has hit the Black/African American population particularly hard. This issue brief provides an overview of the contextual factors surrounding the opioid crisis and the Black/African American population.

Mental Health Resources for Black and African American Communities:

There are many mental health resources available for Black and African American communities. The Black Emotional and Mental Health (BEAM) organization is a training, movement building, and grant-making organization dedicated to the healing, wellness, and liberation of Black communities. BEAM envisions a world where there are no barriers to Black Healing. There are also toolkits and education resources available, including graphics on accountability, self-control, and emotional awareness, journal prompts, and articles on Black mental health. Additionally, there are videos available, including trainings and webinars, recorded and available for free.

Black Pioneers in the Mental Health Field:

There have been many Black pioneers in the mental health field who have made significant contributions to the field. Healthy Minds Therapy has highlighted 10 Black pioneers in the mental health field for Black History Month.

Conclusion:

The history of African Americans and the therapeutic community is complex and multifaceted. The stigma surrounding mental health care has prevented many from seeking help, leading to a lack of access to care and inadequate delivery of care in the health system. However, there are many mental health resources available for Black and African American communities, and there have been many Black pioneers in the mental health field who have made significant contributions to the field. It is important to continue to work diligently to destigmatize mental health care in Black communities and remove the barriers so many continue to face.

Sources

[1] Shedding Light on Black History & Mental Health https://www.talkspace.com/blog/black-history-month-mental-health-relationship/

[2] Black/African American https://www.samhsa.gov/behavioral-health-equity/black-african-american

[3] Black and African American Communities and Mental Health https://www.mhanational.org/issues/black-and-african-american-communities-and-mental-health

[4] Insight into the Status of Black & African-American Mental ... https://blog.zencare.co/black-african-american-mental-health-opinion/

[5] Black Americans don't trust our healthcare system — here's ... https://thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/healthcare/347780-black-americans-dont-have-trust-in-our-healthcare-system/

Celebrating the First Black Human Rights Consultant

Throughout history, African Americans have played prominent roles in forging the mission of organizations and movements that champion equality and social justice. From the Civil Rights Movement to the Black Power Movement, African Americans have been at the forefront of the fight for human rights. In this blog, we celebrate the life and work of the first black human rights consultant.

Lester Blackwell Granger was an early pioneer in introducing civil rights to social work advocacy. He led efforts to integrate white unions and the military, and was instrumental in the formation of the National Urban League. Granger was the first black person to serve as the executive director of the National Urban League, a position he held for over 20 years. During his tenure, he worked tirelessly to promote equal rights and opportunities for African Americans.

Granger's work paved the way for other African Americans to make significant contributions to the fight for human rights. Gwendolyn Brooks, for example, was the first black woman to serve as the poetry consultant to the Library of Congress. She was also the first African American to win a Pulitzer Prize for her poetry. Mamie Phipps Clark was the first African American woman to earn a doctorate degree in psychology from Columbia University. Her experience in college and specifically graduate-level courses helped her realize the shortage of psychological services available to the African American community and other minorities.

Joseph L. White, sometimes referred to as "the father of black psychology," was a founding member of the National Association of Black Psychologists and served as the second president of the organization. He was also a pioneer in the field of black psychology and helped to establish the first black studies program in the United States.

Claudia Gordon is recognized as one of former President Barack Obama’s key advisors for disability issues. She was also the first female deaf African American lawyer to graduate law school and pursue a career devoted to helping individuals with disabilities.

These individuals, and many others like them, have made significant contributions to the fight for human rights. Their work has helped to pave the way for future generations to continue the fight for equality and social justice. As we celebrate Black History Month, let us remember and honor the contributions of these pioneers and continue to work towards a more just and equitable society.

Sources

[1] Celebrating Our Heroes: African-American Social Service Pioneers | Simmons Online https://online.simmons.edu/blog/celebrating-heroes-african-american-social-service-pioneers/

[2] Championing Equality at Home and Overseas: African Americans Leading at the UN https://unfoundation.org/blog/post/championing-equality-at-home-and-overseas-african-americans-leading-at-the-un/

[3] Remembering Gwendolyn Brooks, the First African American to win a Pulitzer Prize | Blog https://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/blog/remembering-gwendolyn-brooks-first-african-american-win-pulitzer-prize/

[4] Before Kamala: Black Women in Presidential Administrations - Rediscovering Black History https://rediscovering-black-history.blogs.archives.gov/2021/01/19/before-kamala-black-women-in-presidential-administrations/

[5] Black Pioneers in Mental Health https://www.mhanational.org/black-pioneers-mental-health

The Untold Story: African Americans and Mental Health

The history between African Americans and mental health is a captivating narrative that has often been overlooked. From the enduring legacy of slavery to the ongoing battle against systemic racism, this blog post aims to shed light on the historical context, challenges faced, and the remarkable progress made in addressing mental health within the African American community.

Legacy of Slavery and Psychological Trauma:

The haunting impact of slavery on the mental well-being of African Americans cannot be understated. Generational trauma resulting from the brutalities of slavery has had a profound and lasting effect on mental health. We will explore the psychological scars borne by individuals and families, and delve into the resilient spirit that has enabled the community to endure.

Stigma and Access to Mental Healthcare:

Systemic racism and discrimination have created formidable barriers to mental healthcare for African Americans. In this section, we will delve into the historical disparities in access, the perpetuation of stigma, and the role of cultural factors in shaping help-seeking behaviors. We will confront the harsh reality faced by individuals who have been marginalized and overlooked by the healthcare system.

Pioneers and Advocates:

Amidst the struggles, numerous African American pioneers and advocates have dedicated their lives to mental health awareness. From Frederick Douglass to contemporary leaders in the field, their efforts have paved the way for change. We will celebrate these trailblazers and highlight their contributions in raising awareness and promoting mental health within the community.

Community Resilience and Healing:

African American communities have long displayed remarkable resilience and developed unique approaches to healing. We will explore the power of spirituality, the strength of community support networks, and the significance of cultural practices in fostering mental well-being and resilience. These factors have played a vital role in the community's journey towards healing and growth.

Contemporary Challenges and Progress:

Despite progress, African Americans still face significant challenges in accessing quality mental healthcare. We will address the persistent disparities and examine the consequences of limited availability of culturally competent care. Additionally, we will highlight recent initiatives, organizations, and policies that strive to bridge the gaps and improve mental health outcomes for African Americans.

Conclusion:

The untold story of African Americans and mental health is one of resilience, determination, and progress. By acknowledging the historical context, advocating for equitable access to care, and fostering culturally sensitive approaches, we can create a future where mental well-being is a priority for every individual within the African American community. Together, we can build a society that celebrates diversity, supports healing, and ensures that mental health is accessible to all.