Black History Month 2022 | Mind
For this year’s Black History Month theme, we turn our attention to the importance of health and wellness in the Black community, and honor the legacy of Black scholars, medical practitioners, and wellness experts. Each week in February, a new facet of Black health and wellness will be highlighted to showcase Black-owned businesses, organizations, and grassroots efforts whose goal is to lift up the mind, body, spirit, and community of Black people everywhere.
This week’s highlight focuses on the mind by featuring mental health resources that champion wellness in the Black community. From national organizations, to those available locally within the Chicagoland area, these groups address destigmatizing the need for mental health resources while ensuring their accessibility for those who need them.
Find a Black Therapist
Created in response to the Black Lives Matter and George Floyd protests of 2020, the Chicago Black Therapist Directory has since amassed over 200 Black-identifying therapists and inspired similar directories in the New York and Bay Area communities. The directory exists to connect clinicians and clients who seek a safe and accepting environment where their cultural, societal, and racial experiences can be validated and celebrated.
Follow on Instagram: @chicagoblacktherapists
Coffee, Hip Hop, and Mental Health
This local coffee shop was established with the goal of providing a space for creative expression and support, while championing the importance of good mental health. Focusing on high poverty neighborhoods, CHHAMH works to remove financial and systematic barriers that prevent individuals from receiving mental health support.
Follow on Instagram: @coffeehiphopandmentalhealth
Speaking of Wellness Via Podcast
So often the stigma surrounding mental health issues and therapy prevents Black women from taking the step of seeing a therapist. Therapy for Black Girls was developed to present mental health topics in a way that feels more accessible and relevant. Their podcast is a weekly chat about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves.
Follow on Instagram: @therapyforblackgirls
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Guided by the experiences of those living with mental health conditions and rooted in equity, NAMI Chicago educates to fight stigma and discrimination, fiercely advocates for their community, and shares hope, connection and expertise with people on their mental health journey.
Follow on Instagram: @namichicago
Sista Afya Community Mental Wellness
Sista Afya is a social enterprise that provides low-cost mental wellness services that center the experiences of Black women. With a community support approach to mental wellness, Sista Afya believes that community support for people living with mental health conditions can foster healing, growth, freedom, and self-actualization.
Follow on Instagram: @sistaafya
Check back all month long for more upcoming installments in this series on Black health and wellness.
Be sure to follow and support the organizations and resources we have highlighted in this series in addition to staying engaged and educated on Black history and current events all year long.