Unapologetically Black Unicorns

“If You’re Not at the Table, You’re on the Table” with Laura Evans

Laura Evans (she/hers) is the Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs at Vibrant Emotional Health and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Laura shares how she got involved in policy and some of the color lines she observed in this field. They talk about reading between the lines when breaking down a bill, being strategic with public policy and the focus on climate and climate justice issues.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

#BlackMentalHealth with Ellis Gordon Jr.

Ellis Gordon Jr. (he/him) is treasurer of NAMI Urban Los Angeles and he is the former husband of Bebe Moore Campbell. Ellis shares the story of how he met Bebe Moore Campbell and why it was so important to name the month of July after Bebe. They talk about the inception of NAMI Urban Los Angeles, how NAMI is community-centric and community-centered and continuing the goal of erasing the stigma.

This episode is sponsored by Janssen Neuroscience and Supported by The Painted Brain, a California based Peer Run Organization.

https://paintedbrain.org/ubu-black-mental-health/

“Where There is No Listener, There is No Noise” with Howard A. Myrick

Howard A. Myrick, PhD (he/him) is an Author, Retired Army Officer and he is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Keris visited her dad to celebrate his birthday and they discuss how their experiences define who we are. They talk about Dr. Myrick’s two new books and why he wrote them, his experiences in the military during a tumultuous time in America and traveling as a Black man with a family and the racism he endured.

Surviving Toxic “Isms" and Polarizing Dissent: Protecting Our Democracy by Howard A. Myrick: https://www.amazon.com/Surviving-Toxic-Isms-Polarizing-Dissent/dp/B08N3K59Q4

Protect and Defend by Howard A. Myrick: https://www.amazon.com/Protect-Defend-Howard-Myrick-Ph/dp/B0C1DJ42V6

 

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

“Cultural Silence and Wounded Souls: Black Men Speak about Mental Health” with Mark Tuggle

Mark Tuggle (He/Him) is the author and editor of “Cultural Silence and Wounded Souls: Black Men Speak about Mental Health” and he is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Mark explains the process of getting a book published and why he wrote the book about mental health. They talk about the focus on the mental health of Black men and the common themes of the stories that were shared in the book.

 For more information on the book “Cultural Silence and Wounded Souls: Black Men Speak about Mental Health” visit: https://www.amazon.com/Cultural-Silence-Wounded-Souls-Mental/dp/B0BW2RSRQN

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

“Get In Where You Fit In” with Jalyn Radziminski

Jalyn Radziminski (they/she) is an activist whose work is dedicated to advocating for voter rights, racial equity, and accessibility for the BIPOC Disability Community and they are an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Jalyn talks about starting the non-profit “Count US IN” and how they are trying to elevate people’s voices and foster inclusive and equitable political participation. They talk about how they are trying to slowly change the culture, celebrating small wins and how they both find time to rest.

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 it Takes: Wisdom from Peer Support Specialists and Supervisors” with Dr. Jonathan Edwards and Rita Cronise

Dr. Jonathan Edwards (he/him) and Rita Cronise (She/Her) are editors for the book “What it Takes: Wisdom from Peer Support Specialists and Supervisors” and they are Unapologetically Black Unicorns. Jonathan and Rita explain how the book came about and the history of Peer Support. They talk about who the target audience is for the book, why this book is needed and remembering their colleague Steve Harrington.

For more information about the book “What it Takes: Wisdom from Peer Support Specialists and Supervisors” visit: https://www.peersupportworks.org/naps-members-author-guide-to-peer-support/

 

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

“Spirituality and Black Mental Health: Meeting Care and Support Needs in Community” with Rev. Dr. Najuma Smith-Pollard

Rev. Dr. Najuma Smith-Pollard (she/her) is the Founding Pastor of Word of Encouragement Community Church (WOECC) in Los Angeles, California. Rev. Najuma talks about the marriage of mental health and the faith community. They talk about being a first responder for the church community, empowering the village and going from building to bonding.

This episode is sponsored by Janssen Neuroscience and Supported by The Painted Brain, a California based Peer Run Organization.

https://paintedbrain.org/unapologetically-black-unicorns-podcast

For more information about Rev. Dr. Najuma Smith-Pollard visit: https://linktr.ee/Rev.Najuma

“Recovery is Real and Recovery is Possible” with Dr. Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon

Dr. Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, Ph.D. (she/hers) is the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Administrator of SAMHSA and an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Dr. Delphin-Rittmon reflects on her roles before joining SAMHSA and some of her mentors through the course of her career. They talk about mental health promotion and early intervention, the data behind the increase in use of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, equity focus work including the Black youth suicide summit and why SAMHSA offers hope with their funding of support and services.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Links:

SAMHSA Interim Strategic Plan: https://www.samhsa.gov/about-us/interim-strategic-plan

Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator: https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/

“Oppression Hides in Ambiguity” with Carolina Valle

Carolina Valle, MSW, (She /Hers) is the Senior Policy Director at the California Pan-Ethnic Health Network and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Carolina unpacks the impact of her family history and what inspired her to become a social worker. They talk about the diversity of how communities are defining mental health and wellness, some concerns with the CARE Court framework and fighting stereotypes in the field of policy.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

For more information about CPEHN visit: www.cpehn.org

“Providing Humane and Compassionate Care” with Dr. Rupi Legha

Dr. Rupi Legha (she/hers) is a psychiatrist focused on anti-racism and providing humane and compassionate care and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Dr. Legha walks us through her path to becoming a psychiatrist and how she was not convinced by the biomedical approach. They talk about safety concerns in mental health, community-oriented care and working to not problematize a child and their mental health.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

For more information on Dr. Rupi Legha visit: www.rupileghamd.com