Despite the fact that I yearned to attend a Historical Black College & University (HBCU) for my Masters in Social Work, I ended up attending a high-ranking university for hat was predominately White. The program was thorough and did successfully prepare me to engage in clinical social work practice that was effective and evidenced based. However, unfortunately my skills were only useful for one population of people. When I walked out of my graduation as an official social worker, I was all geared up and ready to change the lives of only the people whose identities fit inside of dominant social norms.

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.

Three years ago, we planted a seed with a vision: to bridge the profound gap between mental health services and marginalized communities. Today, that seed has grown into a flourishing tree, nurturing countless souls seeking refuge, understanding, and healing.