give black allies
May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, and famous actor Courtney B. Vance and award-winning psychologist Dr. Robin L. Smith co-authored the book The Invisible Ache: Black Men Identifying Their Pain and Reclaiming Their Power.
Through their books, they seek to raise awareness about black men and mental health. Given recent trends, this issue is more important than ever. For the first time in history, black suicide rates are higher than whites. So-called “deaths of despair,” including suicide, alcohol consumption and drug overdose, tripled between 2013 and 2022. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, black men are four times more likely to die by suicide than black men. black woman.
“There’s an African proverb that’s used in this book that says, ‘The story of the lion will never be known unless it’s told by the hunter.’ What we’re here to do is make sure that the lions, the black men and boys, are telling and reclaiming their stories,” Smith told ESSENCE.
“We want to get to the point where it’s normal to ask not just if you’ve been hurt, but where it hurts. “‘The Invisible Ache’ is a great opportunity for every black boy and man to fully It is a personal invitation to heal, declare, and proclaim your sacred birthright to be human, whole, and free,” Smith continued.
“’The Invisible Ache’ was born out of my desire to provide resources and a safe space for Black men of all ages to explore, discuss, recover, and heal their mental health,” Vance said at ESSENCE told. “I want this book to be a constant reminder that we are worthy of happiness, peace, love, and support.”
In a “Couch Conversation” with Give Black Alliance last week, Smith and Vance spoke candidly about their own struggles with the book, saying, “Sometimes I struggle with the concept that we actually have a right to do so.” He talked about the invisible things and pain that are taken away from us. here. “
Vance opened the conversation by talking about the tragedy of his life, saying, “My father took his own life in 1990. He shot himself…and my father was not at peace. ” said.
Smith agreed, saying, “What black boys and men are grappling with is how to assert their wholeness, but part of our wholeness is that we all It’s about having a hole that longs to be whole, and it’s really a sacred journey.” What should I do when I’m a black boy or man walking down the street and people cross my path because they’re afraid of me? How can I, as a Black boy or man, reclaim the sacred birthright that I longed to be here? ”
Throughout their discussion, Smith and Vance emphasized the importance of addressing mental health issues in the Black community. They emphasized the need for a holistic approach to mental health, including physical, emotional and mental health. Co-authors share personal stories of radical vulnerability and its transformative impact on their lives, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability and honesty in personal growth and serving as role models for others. Did.
