Your pain is one that is unique. You’ve been caught in a violent tug-of-war between white supremacy and patriarchy. One that taught you to fear the world and the other that taught you to fear your own emotions. These systems robbed you of your softness, your right to feel, and your ability to connect without shame. The mental toll is REAL. Depression masked as anger, fear disguised as pride, and deep wounds showing up as silence, control, or emotional withdrawal in your relationships.

This pain isn’t your fault, but healing is your responsibility.

I have always identified as a Black feminist.

I’ve spoken out against patriarchy, fought for women’s liberation, and advocated for the protection of Black women in both my personal life and my professional work. I believed in the sacredness of sisterhood and the necessity of dismantling the systems that harm us. And yet in the name of love, in the grip of fear I betrayed myself and, in turn, betrayed the very women I claimed to protect.

From the time we are young, women, especially Black and Brown women, are conditioned to believe our worth lies in being chosen by a man. We're taught to center men in our identities, our futures, and even our healing. This indoctrination, rooted in patriarchy and colonial religion, convinces us that love, safety, and value come only through male validation.

I recently ended a relationship that had become a mirror to every trauma wound in my lineage. He wasn’t just a “typical” man. No, he was an embodiment of the archetype of the lineage of men in my family.

When I finally walked away, I didn’t just leave. I raged. I spoke truth.

This is the foundation of The Practice of Divine Flow, a spiritual way of living that I’ve come to embody, teach, and protect with sacred reverence. It is not a belief system. It is a remembering. It is the gradual return to your authentic, divine self. It is the unraveling of indoctrination, the unlearning of fear, and the quiet reclaiming of your soul’s natural rhythm.

The Indigenous Peoples of this land and West Africans who were brought here on slave ships had an in-depth way of life that circled around spirituality, medicine, and nature wisdom and reverence. When the colonizers first arrived, the spiritual and life practices of the Indigenous and Africans were deemed as unscientific, superstitious, and savage. The colonizers then forced (often through violence) assimilation to the European version of Christianity and way of life.

To thrive in the workplace, individuals diagnosed with ADHD must stop attempting to fit themselves in the small box society often tries to force them into. A box that demands conformity, suppresses creativity, and punishes spontaneity. Instead, the right work environment will celebrate your strengths: your creativity, boldness, intuition, energy, hyperfocus, and ability to make lightning-fast connections.

As a child, one of the first biblical stories that I remember being told was the story of Adam and Eve. The story of our earliest ancestors. The earthly mother and father of humanity.

A story so deep, profound, and simple; yet, so complex.

It took me years to see beyond its theological roots and to understand the profound life lessons it provides. Lessons about the human experience, the dangers of deception, and the journey towards the liberation of our mind, body, and soul. In this article, we will analyze this story through the lenses of spirituality, psychology, and decolonization; uncovering insights that are as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago.

As we observe Suicide Prevention Month, it’s crucial to acknowledge the specific challenges faced by the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) community when it comes to mental health and suicide prevention. For many in these communities, mental health struggles are stigmatized, minimized, or misunderstood, leaving individuals isolated in their pain. At the Urban Institute of Mental Health (UIMH), we are committed to changing this narrative and providing the tools for early intervention, awareness, and healing.

As we reach the four-year milestone for the Urban Institute of Mental Health (UIMH), we find ourselves reflecting on the incredible journey that has brought us here. From our humble beginnings to becoming a beacon of hope for BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized communities, this journey has been nothing short of transformative.

Depression and anxiety are common mental health conditions that can significantly impact daily life. While medication can be an effective treatment option, many BIPOC individuals seek holistic approaches to manage their symptoms for a number of reasons to include medical racism; mental health stigma; and he capitalist structure of the healthcare system which plays a significant role in creating dependence on psychiatric medications. The holistic treatment approach focuses on the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—and can be used in conjunction with traditional therapies or as standalone options. This guide is specifically tailored for the BIPOC community, incorporating culturally relevant strategies and practices. These following practices can be incorporated into your daily life to improve your overall mental and emotional health.

Guatemala has shown me that success is not measured in material possessions or financial wealth, but rather in the freedom to live authentically, enjoy life's simple pleasures, and prioritize meaningful connections with loved ones. It has taught me to question societal norms and to embrace discomfort as a catalyst for personal growth and self-discovery.

The collapse of a major bridge is not just a physical catastrophe; it is a psychological trauma that reverberates through the collective consciousness of a city, state, and nation. The sudden loss of life, the fear and uncertainty surrounding the event, and the subsequent grief and mourning can have profound effects on mental health. This is not only true for the direct victims and their families but for all who witness or hear about the tragedy.

The current nationwide shortage of Vyvanse has raised concerns and shed light on a broader issue—the co-dependency many individuals have developed on psychiatric medications. Please don’t misunderstand me. I am a strong advocate of the use of psychotropic/psychiatric drugs, but ONLY when they are necessary.

The Antebellum Slave Period falsely embedded the belief that the purpose of Black bodies were to merely serve as forced labor and the empowerment of our White counterparts. During slavery, our ancestors were very conscious of their contributions in building and sustaining this country’s physical infrastructure and its systems of oppression.

Ujamaa, the principle of cooperative economics, is rooted in the idea of collective financial empowerment and sustainability within the Black community. It emphasizes the creation and support of businesses and initiatives that contribute to the economic development of the community as a whole.

Ujima, the third principle of Kwanzaa, emphasizes the expectation To build and maintain our community together and make our community’s problems our problems and to solve them together. Rooted in African philosophy, Ujima highlights the belief that individuals have a shared duty to collaborate in building and maintaining a strong, supportive community.

 Kujichagulia means self-determination. To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves. One of the most detrimental consequences of slavery and colonization was being stripped of our identity and sense of knowing who we are.

When one thinks of the holiday season, Kwanzaa is typically one that is not often spoke of nor celebrated; however, it is arguably one of the most empowering celebrations for the Black-American community. The holiday was founded by Maulana Ron Karenga in the year 1966 with one goal in mind: the empowerment and unity of Black people (Greenspan, 2023).

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and coming together with loved ones. However, for many BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) individuals, it can also be a time filled with stress, pressure, and uncomfortable situations. Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining your peace, sense of self, and preserving your mental and emotional well-being. In this blog post, we'll explore 10 boundaries for BIPOC people to implement during the holidays, promoting liberation, self-respect, and avoid anyone from “catching these hands” during your holiday season.