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Stories about Black and African American Community

The author, Jocelyn McKenzie, pictured with her brother.

Breaking the Silence: Honoring My Brother and Fighting the Stigma of Mental Illness in the Black Community

The Black community deserves better mental health support. We deserve to be heard, to be understood, and to heal without judgment. By speaking openly about my brother’s life and his death, I hope to be part of the change that erases the stigma.

Lifesaver symbols against a blue background

Mental Health Resources for Black and African American Communities

In recognition of Black History Month this February, we encourage you to use and circulate the following list of programs and national resources focused on Black and African American mental health and suicide prevention.

A headshot of the author, Keon Lewis, smiling and wearing a dark suit with a striped tie.

Fulfilling a Calling: Why I Advocate for Suicide Prevention in Black Communities

As an alumnus and member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. — the first international fraternal organization to be founded on a historically Black college campus — Keon has helped forge a partnership between Omega Psi Phi and AFSP, which aims to prioritize mental health and suicide prevention in Black communities.

AFSP Vice President for Health Equity and Engagement Victor Armstrong (left) convened a panel of speakers at St. Augustine’s University in Raleigh, NC, on February 20. Picture from left, the panel included St. Augustine’s Senior and Mister Saint Augustine's University Louis Keenan Lowndes, UNC Charlotte Assistant Professor School of Social Work Dr. Sonyia Richardson, and AFSP-NC Board Chair and Chapter Leadership Council Member Keon Lewis.

L.E.T.S. Save Lives: A Message of Hope and Perseverance for the Black Community

What makes L.E.T.S. Save Lives such a vital program is that it helps to foster new conversations about mental health and suicide prevention for the Black community. This program has been created by and for Black people and resonates in a unique way with its audience.

Photo of Victor Armstrong wearing a suit and smiling at the camera

Suicide Does Not Discriminate: Normalizing the Conversation Around Suicide in the Black and African American Community

L.E.T.S. Save Lives is an effort to help normalize the conversation regarding suicide in the Black and African American community. It is a reminder that the danger of losing hope and social connection is not exclusive to any one race or culture, and neither is the opportunity to create pathways to restore hope.

Courtney B. Vance

How to Lose (On Death and Dying)

In the new book The Invisible Ache: Black Men Identifying Their Pain and Reclaiming Their Power by Courtney B. Vance and Dr. Robin L. Smith, famed actor Courtney B. Vance shares his heartfelt, personal journey in the wake of his father’s death by suicide.