Unapologetically Black Unicorns

“Recovery is a Journey, Not a Destination” with Dr. Curley Bonds

Dr. Curley Bonds (He/Him) is the Chief Medical Officer for the Los Angeles Country Department of Mental Health and an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Dr. Bonds shares his trajectory to becoming a psychiatrist and the stigma within the psychiatry profession. They talk about recovery, the impact of BeBe Moore Campbell and how we can help get more Black and Brown people in the health professions.

If you or someone you know is in a mental or substance use disorder crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.

“Radical Reimagination” with Kelechi Ubozoh

Kelechi Ubozoh (she/her) is a mental health consultant, advocate, author and an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Kelechi shares how she is often called just to be a person of color for speaking engagements and why at times it feels like tokenism. They talk about meeting people where they are, the book Kelechi co-edited “We've Been Too Patient: Voices from Radical Mental Health” and where we are with Black and Brown voices leading the peer and lived experience movement.  

If you or someone you know is in a mental or substance use disorder crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.

“What’s More Important than Human Beings?” with Caren Howard

Caren Howard (she/her) spent years working on Capitol Hill and is now currently the Director of Policy and Advocacy for Mental Health America as well as an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Caren shares how she got into policy work and her transition into mental health. They talk about homelessness issues, peer respite and what it takes to contribute to outside advocacy, inside advocacy, doing policy work and activism.

If you or someone you know is in a mental or substance use disorder crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.

“The Whole is Greater than the Sum of its Parts” with Dr. Annelle Primm

Dr. Annelle Primm (she/her) holds a medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine, she is a community psychiatrist, an author and an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Dr. Primm shares what influenced her to become a community psychiatrist and how she and Keris connected at NAMI Urban Los Angeles. They talk about the legacy of Bebe Moore Campbell, ways to increase our emotional fortitude during these troubling times for black and brown folks and some thoughts on how we can empower people in our communities.

If you or someone you know is in a mental or substance use disorder crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

“Don’t Agonize, Organize” with Khatera Aslami Tamplen

Khatera Aslami Tamplen (she/her) is a California Mental Health and Peer Leader and an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Khatera shares her lived experience of fleeing the Afghan-Soviet War and her experience with the mental health system. They discuss how Khatera’s community shaped her, she explains her transition from a participant in WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) to an advanced facilitator plus she talks about the mentors who have influenced her throughout her life and career.

If you or someone you know is in a mental or substance use disorder crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.

“Get Radical With Yourself” with Rayshell Chambers

Rayshell Chambers (she/her) is a mental health advocate, the Co-founder & Co-Director of Painted Brain and an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Rayshell talks about the impact of doing the “grunt work” in group homes and how she’s used her lived experience to make things better. They discuss Rayshell’s work on Psychiatric Advanced Directives, her self-care routines, the work she’s been doing implementing anti-racist and liberation practices in mental health services and the workplace, and her efforts with the Black Mental Health Task Force.

If you or someone you know is in a mental or substance use disorder crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

“Radical Love” with Kristin Richardson Jordan

Kristin Richardson Jordan (she/her) is an activist, teacher, author and an Unapologetically Black Unicorn who is running for New York City Council District 9. Kristin talks about what made her jump from being an activist to running for City Council, being ranked #1 on Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s “Courage of Change” and her recent work in the community during the pandemic. They talk about finding housing for the homeless, police response to those in mental health crisis and Kristin’s survivor story.

If you or someone you know is in a mental or substance use disorder crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

“Lift As We Climb” with Dr. Chyrell Bellamy

Chyrell Bellamy (she/her/they), PhD is an Associate Professor of Yale School of Medicine's Department of Psychiatry, a Director of Peer Services & Research and an Unapologetic Black Unicorn. Chyrell speaks on her background in the work of HIV and her transition to mental health. They share their experiences about being black in the mental health field, the importance of sharing your lived experience and they offer hope for those struggling with mental health conditions.

If you or someone you know is in a mental or substance use disorder crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

Introduction

Keris Jän Myrick is a nationally recognized mental health advocate and an unapologetic black unicorn. Keris explains what U.B.U. means and what the show is going to be about. Join the weekly conversation June 10^th for the premiere of Unapologetically Black Unicorns.