Black Lives Matter
Black Lives Matter.
The incidents involving Christian Cooper, Tony McDade, Breonna Taylor, Nina Pop, and George Floyd in particular highlight the constant threat Black people experience, but we know that these are just recent and visible examples of systemic and ongoing violence towards Black people in American society. We know that Black individuals at WFU are disproportionately affected by trauma, both on and off our campus, and that trans and non-binary Black people are at particularly high risk for experiencing violence and discrimination.
Black individuals feel that their voices are often minimized in comparison to their counterparts. Black individuals are tired, overwhelmed, angry, hurt, confused, scared, stressed, and burdened.
We want to acknowledge that the Counseling Center has been slow to speak out on issues of race-based violence and hatred at WFU and in our wider community. We commit to addressing these issues more publicly and to advocating for change. We commit to having a staff that better represents the diversity of our campus and that is better trained to meet the mental health needs of students whose identities differ from our own.
We want Black students to know that we are here for them, 24/7/365 and can be reached by calling 336.758.5273. The Safe Office can be reached at 336.758.5285. We also recognize that students may want to connect with off-campus providers and are happy to help you connect with someone in the community who can meet your needs. Below, you will also find resources dedicated to meeting the mental health needs of Black individuals and communities:
Resources for Finding a Therapist
Therapy for Black Girls provides information about finding a culturally-competent therapist specifically for Black girls and women, including a provider database.
Ayana Therapy has an App that provides online mental health therapy specifically for marginalized and intersectional communities. They work to match therapist and client “based on your unique traits, values, and experiences.”
Melanin and Mental Health features a provider directory, as well as a podcast and additional mental health resources specifically for Black folks.
The National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network is a healing justice organization committed to transforming mental health for queer and trans people of color (QTPoC). Their website features a directory of QTPoC therapists.
Resources on Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing of Black People
Black Lives Matter Meditations
Filling our Cups: 4 Ways People of Color can Foster Mental Health and Practice Restorative Healing
Grief is a direct impact of racism: Eight ways to support yourself
Liberate Meditation App, specifically designed for BIPOC.
Radical Self-Care in the Face of Mounting Racial Stress
The Steve Fund is dedicated to the mental health and emotional well-being of students of color
Supporting Black LGBTQ+ People from the Trevor Project
The Beam Collective “a collective of advocates, yoga teachers, artists, therapists, lawyers, religious leaders, teachers, psychologists and activists committed to the emotional/mental health and healing of Black communities.”
NAMI Page on Black Mental Health, including finding a culturally-competent therapist and additional mental health resources specific to Black people.
Resources Specific to COVID-19
Frontlines Leaders Fund: COVID-19 Community Response Grants | Southern Vision Alliance PowerBase
“These are small grants of up to $500 to neighborhood-based and local organizing efforts in response to COVID-19. Priority will be given to efforts led by workers, LGBTQ people, youth and students, Black people and people of color, rural communities, disabled people, migrants, and families.”
This article from Self Magazine highlights 14 Organizations and People Working to Support BIPOC Mental Health During the Coronavirus Crisis, including sites providing funding for therapy for BIPOC, directories for culturally competent and intersectional therapists, and resources for BIPOC mental wellbeing.