I write this letter off the heels of the seventh Black Mental Health Symposium, still beaming from the excitement and excellence with which it was executed. Attendees and I were filled with knowledge, support and tools to ensure our work promotes mental wellness among Black people. Black Mental Health Today magazine works to fulfill that same mission. So, thank you for subscribing, reading, adapting and telling others about it.
In this winter issue, we address subjects that are critical to the wellness of Black communities. Be sure to read “The Importance of Having Religion – and a Therapist” on page 22, as we explore the intersection between the church and mental health. We also wanted to better understand how addictions providers can better encapsulate the Black experience so more people of color have access to culturally responsive recovery. For more information, read “Why Staying in Addiction Recovery Is Difficult” on page 12. We didn’t leave the children out of this issue. In “Cornerstones of Effective Play Therapy: Intentionality and Appropriateness” on page 19, we address its efficacy for Black children. Many of us have heard bits and pieces about Joy DeGruy’s book, “Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome,” so we decided to share more information about this phenomenon in “Enduring Legacy of the Slave Trade” on page 24. Recently, someone asked me what they could do to get more Black people into therapy. You will hear from experts on this matter in “How to Get Black People Into Therapy” on page 9. As with every issue, we bring you four dynamic columns. In Who’s Who in Black Mental Health we introduce you to four Black mental health professionals from across the country. Familiarize yourself with them and their work. Sometimes it’s hard to see ourselves looking at ourselves, so we recommend cinematherapy for couples in our Love & Relationships column. Cinematherapy is the therapeutic use of movies to improve well-being. We love helping you improve your bottom financial line so in the Clinical Entrepreneurship column, we interviewed experts who share how to monetize products for a side hustle. Lastly, in the Mind & Money column, we help enhance financial fluency by discussing how to find money in the businesses you already have. I would be remiss without mentioning my amazing editorial team: Constance Brossa; Nathan Summers; and writers Tiffany G. Bell, Dwayne L. Buckingham, Chasity Chandler, Vanessa Infanzon, Nedra Rhone, LaTacia Ruff and Yvonne Ward. I know it wasn’t easy capturing my skeletal thoughts about content for this issue, but you nailed it! I truly appreciate you. I ask that you, the reader, take this issue as a demonstration of our commitment to Black excellence and Black mental wellness, and continue to use it as resource in your work. In the lyrical wisdom of musician Kendrick Lamar, “We gon’ be alright!”
First published in Black Mental Health Today, Fall 2022 (Vol. 5).