On Sunday, August 25, the BOSS Wellness Empowerment and Resiliency Campus (WERC) at Eastmont Town Center was filled with hope, healing, and resilience during the second annual "Be Here Tomorrow" Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention Conference.
Organized by The Healing Circle www.thehealingcircleorg.com and founded by Felicia Carr, this event stemmed from a place of deep personal loss—Felicia has tragically lost five family members to suicide. Her story is a poignant reminder of the urgent need for mental health support and suicide prevention, particularly within the Black community.
Mental Health and Suicide in the Black Community is an Urgent Issue!
Mental health struggles are widespread, but in the Black community, they are often shrouded in stigma and go unaddressed. The statistics are alarming: suicide is the second leading cause of death among Black youth aged 10-24, and Black adults are 20% more likely to experience serious mental health problems than the general population. Despite these facts, cultural stigmas and systemic barriers often prevent individuals from seeking the help they need. It’s time to break this silence and offer support, understanding, and accessible resources.
The day began with an invocation of love, grace, and healing led by Dr. Rosche Brown and Michele Condon. This opening set a compassionate and inclusive tone, emphasizing the importance of community support and collective healing. It was a powerful reminder that we are stronger together.
Panel Discussions: Bridging the Gap in Mental Health Care
The first panel featured experts like Dr. Rosche Brown, Dr. Shelitha Campbell, Yolanda Hopkins from the Crisis Support Team, and Jameelah Hanif. They discussed the pressing issues surrounding mental health in the Black community, highlighting the need for culturally competent care and the urgency of breaking the silence around mental health struggles. Their insights underscored the importance of creating safe, supportive environments where individuals can openly discuss their mental health without fear of judgment.
Participants then engaged in breakout sessions tailored to their needs:
Amongst Men: A safe space for men led by Alonzo "Tae" Jackson, President of Mixed Behavior Foundation, to discuss their personal experiences and mental health challenges.
The Healing Circle: A session led by Kimberly Burton, LMFT, focused on women's mental health and empowerment.
Healing Art Room: An ongoing art therapy session provided by Treehouse Family Counseling Services, offering children a creative outlet for expression and healing.
Survivors Shared Their Stories
One of the most impactful moments of the event was the second panel, featuring survivors Deseanda Wilson, CeCe John, Shae Bryant, Courtnii Banks, Alice Usher, and Kevin Berthia. These brave individuals, who have survived their own suicide attempts, shared their personal stories, revealing the struggles they’ve faced and their ongoing journeys toward healing.
Their courage to speak openly about their darkest moments provided hope and understanding, showing that even in the depths of despair, there is a way forward. By sharing their stories, these survivors not only found strength within themselves but also offered it to others, reminding the audience that they are not alone and that there is always hope beyond the pain.
The day it was continued with a heartfelt slideshow tribute accompanied by a live performance from recording artist iStevie, honoring those lost to suicide. This was followed by a vibrant fashion show by "ThatVibe" celebrating the creativity and resilience within the community.
The event concluded with a peaceful "I Maintain" sound bath, promoting relaxation and mental clarity, and closing remarks from Felicia Carr. Felicia shared her own story and honored her lost loved ones by displaying their photos on chairs—an emotional and powerful reminder of their absence and the profound impact of suicide on families.
Ongoing Support and Resources
BOSS remains committed to providing safe spaces and support for mental health and healing:
Healing Circles: These are regular sessions at the Wellness Center at Eastmont Town Center, offering a supportive environment for sharing and healing.
Wellness Wednesdays: Weekly gatherings at the Trauma Recovery Center (TRC) in Oakland, focusing on holistic health and well-being.
Haven for Black Healing: Two havens, one in East Oakland and the other in West Oakland provide safe spaces for the community to take refuge, heal, and have community.
We all have a role to play in ending the stigma surrounding mental health and providing the support needed to save lives. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out—help is available, and you are not alone.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, 24/7 crisis counseling.
Contact Alameda County Behavioral Health Department for information on mental health services available in Alameda County.
Let’s stand together, support each other, and commit to being present for one another.
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