The city of New York is aiming to push conversations surrounding mental health in the Black community forward. First lady Chirlane McCray announced the launch of a new program to help African American men cope with mental health issues, the Manhattan Times reported.
The initiative, dubbed Brothers Thrive, is a part of a larger effort launched by the city called ThriveNYC, the news outlet writes. McCray’s own experiences growing up inspired her to create Brothers Thrive. She witnessed her own father battle with depression during her childhood. “As a child, I didn’t understand why, even on Christmas Day, there just wasn’t much joy in our home,” she said. “My family story is a common one. We are all touched by mental illness and addiction, each and every one of us.”
The initiative will extend support and services to Black men battling mental health issues and will also provide free Mental Health First Aid training for Black men. The program aims to directly address the stigma around seeking help. A group of organizations that includes the 100 Black Men, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., have partnered with the city on this initiative.
“People often feel more comfortable talking about these topics when they’re among people who look like them, people who they feel some kinship or affinity with,” said McCray. “It’s just easier to relax and know that their words will have meaning and validity and credibility.” Brothers Thrive is aiming to train 3,000 New Yorkers in Mental Health First Aid over the next year.
Many programs have been created to address mental health issues in the Black community. Last year, Nikki Webber Allen created a non-profit called I Live For as an avenue to break the cultural barrier surrounding mental illness.
SEE ALSO:
Black Community Gets A Safe Place To Discuss Mental Health With New Nonprofit
What Is Bipolar Disorder? Mariah Carey Opens Up About Battle With Mental Health
95 Photos Of Black People Marching For Our Lives
95 Photos Of Black People Marching For Our Lives
1.
Source:Getty
1 of 93
2.
Source:Getty
2 of 93
3.
Source:Getty
3 of 93
4.
4 of 935.
Source:Getty
5 of 93
6.
6 of 937.
Source:Getty
7 of 93
8.
8 of 939. March For Our Lives In Washington, DC
Source:Getty
9 of 93
10.
Source:Getty
10 of 93
11.
Source:Getty
11 of 93
12.
12 of 9313.
Source:Getty
13 of 93
14.
14 of 9315.
Source:Getty
15 of 93
16.
16 of 9317.
Source:Getty
17 of 93
18.
18 of 9319.
Source:Getty
19 of 93
20.
20 of 9321.
Source:Getty
21 of 93
22.
22 of 9323.
Source:Getty
23 of 93
24.
24 of 9325.
Source:Getty
25 of 93
26.
26 of 9327.
Source:Getty
27 of 93
28.
28 of 9329.
Source:Getty
29 of 93
30.
30 of 9331.
Source:Getty
31 of 93
32.
32 of 9333.
Source:Getty
33 of 93
34.
34 of 9335.
Source:Getty
35 of 93
36.
36 of 9337.
Source:Getty
37 of 93
38.
38 of 9339.
Source:Getty
39 of 93
40.
40 of 9341.
Source:Getty
41 of 93
42.
42 of 9343.
43 of 9344.
Source:Getty
44 of 93
45.
45 of 9346.
Source:Getty
46 of 93
47.
47 of 9348.
48 of 9349.
49 of 9350.
Source:Getty
50 of 93
51.
Source:Getty
51 of 93
52.
52 of 9353.
Source:Getty
53 of 93
54.
54 of 9355.
Source:Getty
55 of 93
56.
56 of 9357.
Source:Getty
57 of 93
58.
58 of 9359.
Source:Getty
59 of 93
60.
60 of 9361.
61 of 9362.
Source:Getty
62 of 93
63.
63 of 9364.
Source:Getty
64 of 93
65.
65 of 9366.
Source:Getty
66 of 93
67.
67 of 9368.
Source:Getty
68 of 93
69.
Source:Getty
69 of 93
70.
70 of 9371.
71 of 9372.
Source:Getty
72 of 93
73.
73 of 9374.
Source:Getty
74 of 93
75.
75 of 9376.
76 of 9377.
Source:Getty
77 of 93
78.
78 of 9379.
Source:Getty
79 of 93
80.
80 of 9381.
81 of 9382.
Source:Getty
82 of 93
83.
Source:Getty
83 of 93
84.
Source:Getty
84 of 93
85.
Source:Getty
85 of 93
86.
Source:Getty
86 of 93
87.
Source:Getty
87 of 93
88.
Source:Getty
88 of 93
89. March For Our Lives In Washington, DC
Source:Getty
89 of 93
90. March For Our Lives In Washington, DC
Source:Getty
90 of 93
91. March For Our Lives In Washington, DC
Source:Getty
91 of 93
92. March For Our Lives In Washington, DC
Source:Getty
92 of 93
93. March For Our Lives In Washington, DC
Source:Getty
93 of 93
Continue reading 95 Photos Of Black People Marching For Our Lives
95 Photos Of Black People Marching For Our Lives
Black folks were representing in full force at the dozens of March for Our Lives rallies held across the globe on March 24, 2018, attracting hundreds of thousands of students, activists, celebrities and other world citizens concerned about the disturbing levels of gun violence that plagues the U.S like no other nation. As the disproportionate victims of gun violence in America, Black people made sure their voices were heard. Have a look at the youthful faces of the country's current and future freedom fighters as well as their colorful, clever signs.
NYC Initiative Aims To Address Mental Health Stigma In The Black Community was originally published on newsone.com
