Black People Die By Suicide Too Podcast

Get ready for an inspiring conversation as Jordan chats with Mila and Carissa, the trailblazing duo behind Mental Health Boxes. Born from Mila’s own experience receiving self-care packages during mental health treatment, each box is filled with empowering tools to help young Black girls nurture their well-being and prioritize self-care. Tune in to hear how this incredible initiative is transforming lives and fostering mental wellness, one box at a time! (T-Kea will be returning soon!) Spotlight Kendrea Johnson, a first grade student from Minneapolis, MN, died by suicide on December 27, 2014, at the age of 6. Resource Mental Health Boxes is a community-led initiative that actively seeks to close gaps in mental health resources and foster a supportive network for Black girls. The organization offers curated toolboxes designed to promote self-care, resilience, and open conversations, specifically tailored for Black girls aged 6 to 16. Community Changemaker Brianna Baker is the founder and Executive Director of Justice for Black Girls, a non-profit that focuses on honoring the fullness of Black girlhood in ways that disrupt the systems that dishonor Black girlhood. Brianna’s work is both a space for Black girl safekeeping, and a national rallying cry for us all to listen to, love, and affirm Black girls’ genius and power. Upcoming Events! Black & Suicidal Peer Support Group Date: Thursday, December 19, 2024 Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM Location: Zoom Sign Up Here! Moment of Inspiration: So many individuals are taking strides to promote mental wellness in Black youth, like Carissa and Mila. It is imperative that we provide safe spaces to listen to our youth with empathy and without judgment. We hope this episode will inspire more youth to raise awareness for suicide prevention and mental health challenges. Donate Your support helps us to fulfill our mission of preventing suicide in the Black community. Support the cause! Shop Get your merch and support the show! Connect with Us! Follow BPDBST on IG Follow BPDBST on TikTok Subscribe to BPDBST on Youtube Follow BPDBST on Facebook Follow BPDBST on LinkedIn Follow T-Kea on IG and TikTok Follow Jordan on IG

Jordan is joined by Rafiah Maxie-Cole, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and mother, to share her personal journey of healing following the loss of her son, Jamal. During a moment of reflection in Jamal’s room, Rafiah noticed a pair of her son's sneakers and became inspired to support other families in crisis. Rafiah founded the Soul Survivors of Chicago, a non-profit organization committed to suicide prevention within the African-American community. (T-Kea will be returning soon!) Spotlight Gary Taylor, a husband and father from Kentucky, died by suicide on January 5, 2023 at the age of 42. Resource Sole Survivors of Chicago is a non-profit organization dedicated to suicide prevention and the promotion of mental health and wellness in the African-American community. Sole Survivors offers community outreach on mental health and suicide prevention, virtual support groups for individuals impacted by suicide, shoe donations through the “Walk In Purpose” project, and much more. "We are ONE" Support Group (1st and 3rd Wednesday monthly from 6-7 PM CST; scroll to the bottom of the webpage to connect via Zoom) Soul Survivors of Chicago on Eventbrite Makes Me Wanna Holler: Healing from Loss, Learning From Tragedy & Finding Recovery While the Children Fade Community Changemaker Arron Muller is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, therapist, speaker, mental health influencer and founder and owner of Modify Wellness, Inc. Arron founded Modify Wellness to help normalize mental health and wellness within the Black community - providing affordable resources, education, and support services. Upcoming Events! Black & Suicidal Peer Support Group Date: Thursday, December 19, 2024 Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM Location: Zoom Sign up here! Moment of Inspiration: We encourage all our listeners and viewers to check in with a male family member or friend. Please share this episode with them and let them know that they are loved and supported. Donate Your support helps us to fulfill our mission of preventing suicide in the Black community. Support the cause! Shop Get your merch and support the show! Connect with Us! Follow BPDBST on IG Follow BPDBST on TikTok Subscribe to BPDBST on Youtube Follow BPDBST on Facebook Follow BPDBST on LinkedIn Follow T-Kea on IG and TikTok Follow Jordan on IG

Jordan is joined by WyKisha McKinney, a suicide loss survivor, to discuss her journey of recovery after losing her younger brother to suicide. WyKisha shares her experience with suicidal ideation after her brother’s passing and how she found a way to heal and move forward from that difficult time. As a speaker, mental health advocate, and social entrepreneur, she highlights how supporting others was a key factor in her own recovery process. (Don't worry, T-Kea will be returning soon!) Spotlight LaQuantae Jackson, a student at Kentucky State University and expectant father, died by suicide on September 28, 2021 at the age of 22. Resource The Alliance of Hope for Suicide Loss Survivors works to decrease stigma, increase understanding of the suicide loss experience, and provide direct support to survivors. ​​They provide online healing support and other services for people who are coping with devasting loss to suicide. Additional Resources for Suicide Loss Survivors AFSP - I've Lost Someone NAMI - Family Support Groups DSBA - For Friends And Family American Association of Suicidology Community Changemaker Solomon Thomas is a defensive end for the New York Jets and co-founder of The Defensive Line, a non-profit that seeks to end the public health crisis of youth suicide, especially for young people of color, by transforming the way we communicate and connect about mental health. Solomon lost his sister, Ella Elizabeth Thomas, to suicide and uses his platform to raise awareness for suicide prevention. Upcoming Events! Black & Suicidal Peer Support Group Date: Thursday, November 21, 2024 Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM Location: Zoom Sign up here! Moment of Inspiration: If you are a suicide loss survivor, like Wykisha or Solomon, you don’t have to feel alone. There are several resources and organizations that can assist you with navigating your grief and pain. Please check out the resources section in the show notes or description box for assistance. Donate Your support helps us to fulfill our mission of preventing suicide in the Black community. Support the cause! Shop Get your merch and support the show! Connect with Us! Follow BPDBST on IG Follow BPDBST on TikTok Subscribe to BPDBST on Youtube Follow BPDBST on Facebook Follow BPDBST on LinkedIn Follow T-Kea on IG and TikTok Follow Jordan on

T-Kea and Jordan are joined by Tramaine EL-Amin, Vice President for Mental Health First Aid USA at the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, to highlight the significance of recognizing and responding to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges. Just as CPR offers lifesaving assistance to those in physical distress, Mental Health First Aid trains participants to provide support to individuals experiencing behavioral health difficulties. Spotlight Derek Cummings, a former US Marine from Ohio, died by suicide on August 8, 2003 at the age of 30. Resource The National Council for Mental Wellbeing is an organization that drives policy and social change on behalf of more than 3,400 mental health and substance use treatment organizations and the more than 10 million children, adults and families they serve. The National Council offers many services, including Mental Health First Aid training, which teaches participants how to assist and support others who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. Community Changemaker Chikeia Boykin has a passion for helping and serving others. She is a clinical social worker who also teaches Mental Health First Aid to reduce stigma around mental health. Serving as the Recording Secretary of Black People Die By Suicide Too, Chikeia uses meticulous documentation and advocacy to amplify the organization's impact. Upcoming Events! Black & Suicidal Peer Support Group Date: Thursday, November 21, 2024 Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM Location: Zoom Sign up here! Moment of Inspiration: If you want to help make a positive impact toward mental health, consider enrolling in trainings like Mental Health First Aid. It goes a long way in breaking down stigma and dismantling myths. Donate Your support helps us to fulfill our mission of preventing suicide in the Black community. Support the cause! Shop Get your merch and support the show! Connect with Us! Follow BPDBST on IG Follow BPDBST on TikTok Subscribe to BPDBST on Youtube Follow BPDBST on Facebook Follow BPDBST on LinkedIn Follow T-Kea on IG and TikTok Follow Jordan on IG Disclaimer: Information on our platforms about individuals lost to suicide is sourced from loved ones, social media, and news. While we strive for accuracy and sensitivity, the data may be incomplete. If you wish to add or correct information, please email info@blackpeoplediebysuicidetoo.org. We respect families' wishes and address concerns promptly. Thank you for understanding. Sending love and light!

T-Kea and Jordan are joined by Jasmine Price, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, to discuss the impact of generational trauma within Black families. Specializing in historical and intergenerational trauma, Jasmine is the founder of Pride of Nyla, a clinical practice that focuses on decolonizing mental health approaches to foster healing and resilience. Spotlight Courtney Jamal Dewar, Jr., a New York rapper under the stage name Capital Steez, died by suicide on December 24, 2012 at the age of 19. Resource Black Therapists Rock is a non-profit organization that mobilizes over 30,000 mental health professionals committed to reducing the psychological impact of systemic oppression and intergenerational trauma. Founded by Deran Young, LCSW, Black Therapists Rock seeks to organize black mental health professionals towards action in decreasing the stigma and barriers to psychological and social well being among marginalized communities. Community Changemaker Shenikka Moore-Clarke, MSW, LICSW, is a licensed holistic psychotherapist and transformational coach who is trauma-informed, culturally conscious, and anti-oppressive. She founded The Healing Vibe, a therapy and coaching practice that strives to help individuals, couples, and groups through a journey of self-discovery, healing, and growth. Upcoming Events! Black & Suicidal Peer Support Group Date: October 30, 2024 Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM Location: Zoom Sign up here! Moment of Inspiration: We have the ability to break generational trauma by engaging in our own healing. We are not responsible for our trauma but we are responsible for our healing. Donate Your support helps us to fulfill our mission of preventing suicide in the Black community. Support the cause! Shop Get your merch and support the show! Connect with Us! Follow BPDBST on IG Follow BPDBST on TikTok Subscribe to BPDBST on Youtube Follow BPDBST on Facebook Follow BPDBST on LinkedIn Follow T-Kea on IG and TikTok Follow Jordan on IG Disclaimer: Information on our platforms about individuals lost to suicide is sourced from loved ones, social media, and news. While we strive for accuracy and sensitivity, the data may be incomplete. If you wish to add or correct information, please email info@blackpeoplediebysuicidetoo.org. We respect families' wishes and address concerns promptly. Thank you for understanding. Sending love and light!

T-Kea and Jordan are joined by Janiah Fields, a senior psychology major and Africana Studies minor at McDaniel College, to discuss her work as a mental health advocate for Black youth, particularly around the issue of suicidality. Janiah provides insight on how to foster mental wellness within younger generations. Spotlight Siwe Monsanto, a young student, gifted dancer, writer and guitar player from NYC, died by suicide on June 29, 2011 at the age of 15. Resource The Black Mental Health Alliance works to develop, promote and sponsor trusted culturally-relevant educational forums, trainings and referral services that support the health and well-being of Black people and their communities. Additional Resource Dr. Rheeda Walker encourages us to take inventory of our psychological fortitude, a measure of how well an individual can cope with difficult situations. Dr. Walker rates this score from 0 to 10, with 0 representing a lack of desire to go on with life and 10 representing the highest level of resilience. Strive for a score of 7 or better. To learn more, check out her book titled The Unapologetic Guide To Black Mental Health. Community Changemaker Dr. Earl Turner, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and a tenured associate professor in Los Angeles, CA, who founded Therapy for Black Kids (T4BK). T4BK was created to help parents deal with the challenges of racial injustice and foster resilience to promote healthy development. Upcoming Events! The 2024 Midwest Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Summit Date: October 17-18, 2024 Location: Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, OH Click here for more info. Black & Suicidal Peer Support Group Date: October 30, 2024 Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM Location: Zoom Sign up here! Moment of Inspiration: Your story and your voice are powerful. Share them, and you might inspire someone else to find their own path to healing. Donate Your support helps us to fulfill our mission of preventing suicide in the Black community. Support the cause! Shop Get your merch and support the show! Connect with Us! Follow BPDBST on IG Follow BPDBST on TikTok Subscribe to BPDBST on Youtube Follow BPDBST on Facebook Follow BPDBST on LinkedIn Follow T-Kea on IG and TikTok Follow Jordan on IG

T-Kea is joined by her childhood friend of 20 years, Raymond Baynard, a Broadway performer and SUNY Purchase graduate, to discuss mental health in the entertainment industry. Tune in as they explore the unique pressures of the stage, the importance of self-care, and how Raymond navigates his mental wellness as a professional artist. Spotlight Jovan Belcher, Kansas City Chiefs Linebacker, died by suicide on December 1, 2012. Prior to his death, Jovan took the life of his girlfriend, Kassandra Perkins. Resource Wellbeing in Entertainment and Creative Arts (WECA) envisions an entertainment industry guided by trauma-informed principles, by which the health, safety, and wellbeing of artists and entertainment workers are prioritized throughout the entire creative process, from pre- to post-production. Community Changemaker Michelle Williams, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter of the former group Destiny's Child, has been advocating for mental health and sharing her journey with depression in her memoir "Checking In: How Getting Real About Depression Saved My Life - and Can Save Yours". Michelle opens up about suicidal thoughts, the importance of her faith, family, and friends, as well as the lessons she has learned about prioritizing mental health. Upcoming Events! The Kickback Brunch Date: September 28, 2024 Time: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM Location: The Empanada Lady, 10 South St, Ste 100, Baltimore, MD 21202 Get your tickets here! Black & Suicidal Peer Support Group Date: September 30, 2024 Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM Location: Zoom Sign up here! Moment of Inspiration: In the world of entertainment, where the spotlight often shines brightest on your triumphs, it is crucial to remember that your struggles are just as real. Let's continue to break the silence, support one another, and prioritize mental health. Together, we can create a more compassionate and understanding industry. Remember, you are not alone and seeking help is a sign of strength. Donate Your support helps us to fulfill our mission of preventing suicide in the Black community. To donate, text "STOPSUICIDE" to 53-555. Shop Get your merch and support the show! Connect with Us! Follow BPDBST on IG Follow BPDBST on TikTok Subscribe to BPDBST on Youtube Follow BPDBST on Facebook Follow BPDBST on LinkedIn Follow T-Kea on IG and TikTok Follow Jordan on IG

Do you know what schizoaffective disorder is? In this week's episode, Tyeisha Brewer, mental health advocate and creator/host of the Glowing Thru Concrete podcast joins the show to share her struggles with schizoaffective disorder and how she manages her mental health while juggling the many roles of wife, mother of five, student and entrepreneur. Tyeisha Brewer is a published author, mental health advocate, and founder of Glowing Thru Concrete. She is also working on a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Health at an online university. She believes that mental health and illnesses should become conventional in society. Tyeisha’s own personal experiences of mental illness and being diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, depressive type is what landed her into the mental health field. For fun, Tyeisha likes writing and spending time with her husband, children, and other family and friends. References/Resources: Complete PODCAST SURVEY (and enter to win a copy of Kea's book or $50 Amazon gift card.) Register and get certified in YOUTH Mental Health First Aid Date: Saturday, February 29, 2020 Time: 8:30am-5:30pm Therapist Shout-Out: Jimia Stokes located in Chicago, IL Connect with Tyeisha on social media (Facebook & Instagram) and visit her website. Where to find Kea on social media and join the mental health conversation? Twitter Instagram Facebook Join the Fireflies Unite: Healthy Minds Facebook Group Send all podcast inquiries to kea@firefliesunite.com