Racism and Discrimination on the Mental Health of our Black Communities
Mental health is one of the vital issues facing the Black community in America. Sadly, given the racism and racial injustice African Americans have faced, it’s not surprising that they have become more susceptible to struggle with mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
Unfortunately, just 1/3 of Black people will receive the help they need. For some, longstanding racism has hurt their economic prospects and their ability to access affordable, high-quality mental health assistance. Other African Americans are afraid of the stigmas regarding mental illnesses and treatment.
But not finding help can make mental illnesses even worse, as there is often shame and stigma associated with mental illness and mental health treatment.
If you want to learn more about it, please check this guide:
Mental Health Issues Facing the Black Community
WATCH
✦ 13TH (2016, dir. Ava DuVernay) on Netflix
✦ CLEMENCY (2019, dir. Chinonye Chukwu) on Amazon Prime
✦ CRIME + PUNISHMENT (2018, dir. Stephen T. Maing) on Hulu
✦ DEAR WHITE PEOPLE (2014, dir. Justin Simeon) on Netflix
✦ DO THE RIGHT THING (1989, dir. Spike Lee) on Amazon Prime
✦ I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO (2017, dir. Raoul Peck) on Amazon Prime
✦ IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK (2018, dir. Barry Jenkins) on Hulu
✦ MUDBOUND (2017, dir. Dee Rees) on Netflix
✦ WHOSE STREETS (2017, dir. Damon Davis & Sabaah Folayan) on Kanopy
READ
"Educate Yourself" from Black Lives Matter.
"Anti-racism resources for white people" Google doc.
"Resources for White People to Learn and Talk About Race and Racism" from Fractured Atlas.
"How to respond to “riots never solve anything!” from Rafi D'Angelo at stla
DONATE
Local organizations on the frontlines of this essential work fighting the oppression of Black people:
Urban League of Portland, "empowering African-Americans and others to achieve equality in education, employment, health, economic security and quality of life."
PDX Protest Bail Fund, established by the General Defense Committee Local 1 to bail protesters out in Portland. The PDX GDC has provided ongoing legal support to workers and protesters in Oregon since 2017.
Equitable Giving Circle, which builds immediate and increased equity throughout Portland’s BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities through a combination of fund development and network building opportunities that center on economic equity.