Have you ever chatted with an Unapologetically Black Unicorn? Someone who symbolizes freedom, power, strength and is a true force of nature and thought, ‘WOW people need to hear this’? Now you can and learn how to be a U.B.U. too! Join the weekly conversation with host Keris Jän Myrick, an unapologetically black unicorn in their own right, and nationally recognized mental health advocate chatting with amazing U.B.U. folk who are advancing all things mental health, racial justice, and anything cool to enhance human existence.
Episodes
Mar 1, 2022
Mar 1, 2022
32 min
Brenda Vaca (she/hers) is a published poet, the Founder of Riot of Roses Publishing House and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Brenda talks about her debut collection of poetry “Riot of Roses” and the origin of the title. They talk about how they had to fight for themselves in school, sharing the backstory of Brenda’s Aunt and her schizophrenia diagnosis, their religious ties and why it’s important to keep telling your stories.
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.
Feb 22, 2022
Feb 22, 2022
33 min
Dr. Curley Bonds (he/him) is the Chief Medical Officer for the Los Angeles Country Department of Mental Health. Dr. Bonds talks about his experience as a psychiatrist and the events that influenced his decision to become a psychiatrist. They talk about collaborative care, being mindful of the protective measures we use for our metal health and motivating more future psychiatrists of color.
This episode is sponsored by Janssen Neuroscience and Supported by The Painted Brain, a California based Peer Run Organization.
Feb 15, 2022
Feb 15, 2022
36 min
Tanya DePass (she/her) is a journalist, activist, streamer and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Tanya speaks on the RPG (Roll Playing Games) she created “Into The Motherlands” and how she’s telling a story through a Black lens. They talk about the tools for safety and consent while gaming, they talk about Tanya’s mental health work with the nonprofit “Take This” and creating things and spaces that speak to the Black experience.
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.
Feb 8, 2022
Feb 8, 2022
31 min
For Black History Month, we go back to an earlier episode to hear from a black woman who is doing amazing things! 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
Feb 1, 2022
Feb 1, 2022
31 min
Asantewaa Boykin (she/hers) R.N MICN, is an Emergency RN and the co-founder of APTP (Anti Police - Terror Project), helped developed Mental Health First and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Asantewaa speaks on why we should minimize police contact with those who are in the midst of a mental health crisis and working on divorcing danger from mental health. They talk about how to contact Mental Health First, the concerns that we are creating a “crisis system industrial complex”, mental health crisis response and the damaging outcomes especially for communities of color and understanding that the boxes aren’t real.
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.
Jan 25, 2022
Jan 25, 2022
35 min
Courtney Billington (he/him) is the President of Janssen Neuroscience, a Mental Health & Wellness Advocate, veteran and community volunteer. Courtney shares his journey with Janssen Neuroscience and Johnson & Johnson and how his father’s dementia made him want to be part of the change. They talk about the political and social events that shape their approach on how Janssen Neuroscience relates to patients and providers of color, how Courtney wants his legacy to be about lives changed and the importance of mental health and wellness across the continuum of care for the Black community especially those with the greatest mental health needs.
This episode is sponsored by Janssen Neuroscience and Supported by The Painted Brain, a California based Peer Run Organization.
Jan 18, 2022
Jan 18, 2022
33 min
Henry Zhu (he/him) is the Chief of Staff at The Jed Foundation and he is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Henry shares how he got involved with the JED Foundation and how he found mentors along the way. They talk about youth mental health and finding a voice that youth can resonate with, men’s mental health, trying to advance BIPOC leadership and advocates as well as some of their wellness strategies.
Henry Zhu’s report – “A Call to Strengthen Men’s Mental Health”:
https://jedfoundation.org/news-views/a-call-to-strengthen-mens-mental-health/
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.
Jan 11, 2022
Jan 11, 2022
31 min
Lori Kerr (she/her) is a Peer Support Specialist located in Los Angeles County and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Lori is using the arts as a medium to connect to people and have people connect to their own strengths and abilities. They talk about how Lori’s experiences with trying to hold a job while being homeless has helped her become an effective Job Developer, how playing games can bring people together and her passion for making dolls with peers.
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.
Jan 4, 2022
Jan 4, 2022
30 min
Cornelle Jenkins, J.D., MBA (he/him) is the Director of Strategic Initiatives at California Alliance of Child & Family Services and he is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Cornelle shares what he does at CACFS and for the Catalyst Center and how it’s been a fulfilling line of work. They talk about trauma informed care, flourishing because of the work they are doing, the things they do for their own self-care and giving our kids of color more love and let them be who they are.
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.
To learn more about the Catalyst Center visit: www.catalyst-center.org
To learn more about The California Alliance of Child and Family Services visit: www.cacfs.org
Dec 28, 2021
Dec 28, 2021
36 min
Dr. Jonathan Edwards and Rayshell Chambers share the importance of talking about Black Mental Health. They talk about implementing a plan for your emotional health including a Wellness Recovery Action Plan and vision boards. They discuss the importance of language, finding and reaching out to the people in your support network and how they address the issues of racial inequities.
This episode is sponsored by Janssen Neuroscience and Supported by The Painted Brain, a California based Peer Run Organization.