Black Voices Advocating the Importance of Mental Health

This World Mental Health Day (Oct 10), it’s imperative to recognize not only the importance of mental health but also the amazing strides Black people have made advocating for it. Here are a few examples of how Black voices in tech, gaming, entertainment, and content creation are leading the charge in fostering a supportive environment for positive mental health.

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Marah Lidey, Co-Founder of Shine

In 2016, Co-Founder and co-CEO Marah Lidey helped launch Shine, a mental health and wellness app that offers personalized support for marginalized groups through guided daily meditations, self-care courses, and virtual community workshops. The app’s content helps address issues specific to Black, LGBTQ+, and women’s mental health. 

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Nigel Twumasi, Co-Founder and CEO of Mayamada

Co-founded by now-CEO Nigel Twumasi, Mayamada is an entertainment brand that publishes manga and webcomics. Twumasi uses his brand to promote mental health among the youth through discussions that help demystify and remove stigma. 

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CoryxKenshin, Content Creator

Though content creator CoryxKenshin hasn’t posted a video in a while, he is known to strongly advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)and mental health. In 2018, he posted a video about the topic and personal challenges prioritizing his own mental health as a YouTuber. Additionally, there are numerous clips of him stressing the importance of seeking support when needed and uplifting his followers. 

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Black Girl Gamers

Black Girl Gamers, a popular gaming channel on Twitch and YouTube, uses its platform to uplift women gamers and advocate DEI in the gaming community. However, during its recent 2024 Online Summit, it hosted an incredible session on how gaming affects mental health and how you can leverage games to protect your peace. 

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Taraji P. Henson, Actress

Taraji Henson has openly shared her struggles with mental health and has even gone as far as to establish the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation in honor of her father, which aims to remove the stigma around mental health issues within the Black community. Through the organization, Henson also launched The Unspoken Curriculum, a six-week program that allows kids to learn how the U.S. education system can impact the mental health of students and how to stay protected and find support. 

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These are just a few examples of Black people who have been advocates for mental health. Their work is inspiring and essential, as it helps to break down barriers, challenge stigmas, and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone!

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