I Am Because We Are: Reclaiming African Culture As A Source Of Strength In Black Communities

July is Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month (also known as BIPOC Mental Health Month). This year, Mental Health America is focusing on the theme of “Strength in Communities,” examining community-developed systems of support created to fill in gaps within traditional systems. These systems may overlook cultural and historical factors that impede BIPOC mental health.

During this webinar, Dr. Charmain Jackman will share how connecting to African values and cultural practices promotes emotional well-being in Black communities. With a focus on faith, rituals, celebrations, and activism, Dr. Jackman will discuss how community-focused cultural practices such as voudou and healing circles, and cultural values such as ubuntu and sawubona, are central to the resistance, survival, and healing of people from the African diaspora. Dr. Jackman will share how mental health professionals, community healers, media, and global movements are fostering community healing in the face of collective racial trauma.…