By La Tanyua Brown-Thompson
Black History Month: My Commitment to Mental Health Advocacy
As we celebrate Black History Month, I reflect on my journey and the honor of making history as NAMI Contra Costa’s first African American President. My path with NAMI CC began as a volunteer seeking to better understand my own diagnosis, the organization, and how to break the stigma surrounding mental health through education and awareness.
Breaking Generational Silence
Growing up, I often heard, “What happens in this house stays in this house.” This phrase wasn’t created to protect children but to safeguard our parents’ identities and reputations. However, the impact of what happened in the house didn’t stay there. It manifested outwardly in our words, decisions, and choices. This is further proof that our silence didn’t protect us.
For a long time, I told myself, “But it didn’t break me,” believing that survival alone was enough. As an adult, I realized that while I wasn’t physically broken, I had been emotionally, mentally, and spiritually fractured. Acknowledging these wounds has been essential to my healing.
Navigating Overwhelm in Today’s World: A Message to the African American Community
In our world today, our communities, schools, workplaces, and society feel overwhelming and unsafe—especially for African Americans. Many of us feel unseen, unheard, disrespected, unprotected, and undervalued. We are witnessing decisions and changes being made that directly impact our lives, our families, and our future. This reality creates a sense of uncertainty, leaving many of us unsure of whom to trust or where to turn for support.
In addition to these societal challenges, many of us are also carrying personal burdens within our homes and families—challenges that add to the weight we already bear. This compounded stress affects our mental, emotional, and physical well-being, making it essential to prioritize self-care.
Prioritizing self-care does not mean we ignore the realities we face. It means we choose to strengthen and preserve ourselves in the face of adversity. We have the right to be whole. We have the right to care for ourselves as we continue pushing for justice, respect, and recognition.
In times like these, our healing and self-care are essential, reminding the world of our worth and value and ensuring we can keep fighting for what we deserve.
Join Us for our Upcoming Training
To learn more about NAMI CC, mental illness, and how it impacts African Americans. Receive valuable resources, meet new friends and enjoy a delicious lunch. Join me on Friday, February 28, 2025. The event will be held at Delta Bay Community Church, 1020 E. Tregallas Road, Antioch, CA 94509, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
We can break the stigma, support each other, and build a healthier, more understanding community where all can thrive.
