Black culture I need us to get right! We have been through so much to still act blinded and continue to do what we’re doing. Let me break it down for you:
- According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), African Americans are 20% more likely to experience mental health problems than the general population. Depression, ADHD, suicide among young men and PTSD are the most common. Three of the biggest reasons for that is lack of knowledge, their spirituality, and their hesitance or lack of mental health services . Many African Americans just don’t know what the symptoms may be of a mental illness. They may feel that seeking for help is a sign of weakness and where to go to seek help?
- African Americans are known for their spirituality and faith. Don’t me wrong, God can definitely get you through things that you thought were impossible. However, you can have God and seek the help you need to. I don’t think God will be upset with you. Finally, there’s hesitation. Even if one knows they have a mental health disorder, they hesitate to seek the help needed. Then if they do want the help, the resources aren’t available, mainly due to low socioeconomic status.
- “What happens in this house, stays in this house” is a well-known saying if you grew up in a black household. So many things go on behind those closed doors. Absent father, physical abuse, sexual abuse, being the “head of the household”, family members in and out of jail and the list could go on. What parents have to understand is that holding in all those stresses and worries is not good at all. Now I’m not saying go out and tell the whole world what’s going on, but just a trusted friend and adult can do a lot of good especially when trying to balance school and a social life.
- When it comes to supporting each other, we are the worst. Everybody wants a discount and that’s not the way it goes. Especially, if it’s a business getting off the ground. If you’re going to support, support. Go the movies that star us, buy each other clothing, try the new restaurant that was opened down the street. Because you know if the roles were switched, you’d expect the same. Besides, if we don’t support each other who will? #QTNA #IllWait
- EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE RAPPERS and it ain’t it 🗣🗣 it’s not for everybody. Often times, we choose the paths that require less effort. Don’t get me wrong, I know being an artist isn’t that easy, but I feel like we settle for that sometimes because we see all these young rappers and artists doing their thing. Now if becoming an artists is what you really wanna do, don’t let me bust your bubble and stop your shine. All I’m saying is don’t settle for the music if you know that you can be more than that. Do your research, ask people and push yourself to be more.
- My BEAUTIFUL African American/black women that are reading this, let me tell you that YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!!!! Don’t ever let anyone let you think otherwise. Media nowadays can have you feeling so insecure about the way you’re shaped, what you wear, and face features, it’s ridiculous. It’s cliche I know, but God made you the way you are for a reason. Sometimes it’s hard, but embrace your beauty and flaws. One day, you’ll be surprised on who’s admiring them 😉.
Being black is amazing. I wouldn’t have it any other way. The strength God has given us can’t be matched. We have overcome so much, it’s such a humbling feeling. However, we still have a long way to go. We have to stop being our own enemies and start coming together. Just think of all we could be and do if we did.
#stillRising
#stillRising 