Black Mental Health Summit Reflections
Today, I had the opportunity to attend and be a sponsor for the 2nd Annual Black Mental Health Summit. I have so much excitement in my system about this event. Being at an event where I was surrounded by people that not only have similar passions and interests but also share cultural identity was absolutely what I needed in my life today. I realized today that I underestimate the significance of being in community far too often. While I teach others about the importance of connection, I recognize that it isn’t my strongest trait. When I am in community, as I was today, I found myself feeling a sense of peace, where I might usually felt an unease. I felt like I could get up and dance, despite not remembering or knowing all of the steps, just to have fun. I felt the heavy emotions of others, but also the lightness and rest too. There was complexity and simplicity in the same space. While I didn’t learn anything new because I was with likeminded people, I thoroughly enjoyed this Summit. Normally, if I am in a conference type setting, I am seeking to learn something new. I am going for the professional development that I would gain from it. Not this time. This time, God had me in this space, not for knowledge, but for growth. Growth in a way that showed me that I was in the right space. Growth in a way that showed me what areas of wellness are lacking in my life. Growth in a way that kicked down my own imposter syndrome and told me that I do belong in this room with these people. I honestly, went into the Summit not sure what to expect. I was worried that I wouldn’t be seen for what I do because I am not licensed. I worried that no one would be interested in talking to me or learning about my business, because “black people” are “hard” on other black people. I worried about the judgement that I would face. I guess my expectations were low because of my preconceived notions of how “black people” would treat me in that space. And I am overjoyed to report that I was WRONG!
In the first talk of the Summit, it was focused on black men and the intersectionality within the legal system. It started getting good at the end. I recognize that Black Men have it so hard in society because they have to overcome so much. Being resilient isn’t an option, it is mandatory to live. To hear the quick timeline of that brotha’s life, and how he got to where he is now was a true story of success. I was glad to know that he mentors college students to overcome too. The speaker was a PhD professor at WSSU (an HBCU) among other titles. When I consider the concept of black male mental health I recognize that it is an audience that many want to help, but there are so many complexities to consider, especially the justice system that wasn’t built for them in the first place.
A panel was next, and it was called, “Young, Thriving, & Black.” This panel was beautiful. There had to be at least three generations of women (maybe more) on the stage answering questions, and it was beautiful to watch. The future bright with young students, college students, and younger professionals in the field that are paving a way for others to focus on their mental health. As someone that works directly with students daily at a community college as my current day job, it is accurate that students need to know that you care. Often we expect and even require college students to come to us to let us know that they need help. Students are not used to that way of doing things though.
While I won’t write on every segment, I will say this: With every segment that occurred, I felt more and more “at home.” I knew that I was in a space that I needed to be in with the right people, My hope for myself, is that I take this energy and use it for my business. To start the journey to full time business. To start the journey to building better connections for my personal mental health. To start the journey of being more connected to the black community here in Winston Salem. To keep walking the journey of my own mental health wellness. Here’s to growth and not just knowledge. Something that resonated with me was a statement by Dr. Keisha Rogers, where she stated that she had all the degrees and gotten to a position where someone asked her what is next, and she said “rest.” It resonated with me because I know that I am not yet at the place I want to be and haven’t yet decided if I want anymore degrees yet, but I do know that at this stage in my life, rest will be a part of whatever is next. Thank you, Black Mental Health Summit & Rest & Heal! I needed every bit of what today offered!
