Since 2008, July has been recognized as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) Mental Health Awareness Month. Established by author, educator, and mental health advocate Bebe Moore Campbell, BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month was created to highlight the unique hurdles that marginalized groups face when seeking mental wellness.
As an artist, music can be used as an outlet. In sharing your story, your music can reach, uplift and help your fans feel seen and understood. If you find yourself in need of similar support, as so many do, there are numerous resources that can help suit your specific wellness needs. And if you’d like to advocate to your audience, spread the word! You never know who might need it.
The following organizations strive to overcome challenges preventing BIPOC from seeking the resources necessary to live full and healthy lives. Every individual has the right to self-care.
AYANA Therapy
Founded by Eric Coley and created specifically for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities, AYANA strives “… to address the strong lack of engagement between minorities and the mental health care industry which arises as a result of cost, stigma, and lack of cultural competency. We achieve this by matching users with licensed professionals that share their unique traits, values, and sensibilities.” With their app, AYANA Therapy developed an algorithm that matches the user based on personal traits, values, and experiences.
Follow @ayana_therapy to find resources and get to know the therapists you can match with on the app.
BEAM (Black Emotional And Mental Health)
A collective created for Black Emotional And Mental Health, “BEAM is a training, movement building and grant making organization dedicated to the healing, wellness and liberation of Black and marginalized communities.” Founded by Yolo Akili, the organization provides resources specific to the Black community including therapist resources, events and discussion series, toolkits and educational resources. The organization is known for their awareness initiatives such as “Black Masculinity (re)Imagined,” “Exploring Black Trans Wellness,” and “Take Off The Cape.”
Follow @_beamorg and embrace the power of healing.
Black Mental Health Alliance for Education & Consultation, Inc.
The Black Mental Health Alliance was created with the mission to provide education, training and forums to support mental wellness in Black and other underserved communities. Members of the alliance, including clinicians, communities, as well as individuals, families and children, can receive additional access to networking tools, publications, training and can qualify for awards and recognition. Nevertheless, you don’t need to be a member to access their resources including their community programs, events, and directory of mental health professionals.
Follow @black_minds_matter_ for inspiration and frequent updates on events/discussions.
Get Loved Up
Koya Webb is a spiritual health and wellness educator, author, and founder of Get Loved Up. Get Loved Up, is a holistic health and yoga community offering classes and nutrition plans as well as book clubs, wellness networking, and other mental health tips. Get Loved Up also provides classes to empower others to transform their lives and even pursue a career in holistic health.
Follow @GetLovedUp to learn more and unite with others passionate about holistic health.
HealHaus
HealHaus is a cafe/yoga studio founded by Darian Hall and Elisa Shankle based in Brooklyn, NY. Their goal is to challenge the stigma that surrounds mental health and healing. “At HealHaus, we’ve combined diverse healing modalities and practitioners under one roof to provide people with an inclusive space focused on holistic health and wellness.” While in person gatherings are paused, HealHaus has continued to provide many various wellness options across mind, body and spirit, including online yoga and meditation, breathwork, holistic wellness consultation, therapy and coaching, mental health and mindfulness in the workplace workshops, and more.
Follow @healhaus and start your spiritual journey.
Inclusive Therapists
Search from a directory of therapists specific to their cultural expertise, insurance, languages, cost and so much more. Inclusive Therapists make it easy to find a therapist based on your needs who celebrate your identity.
Follow @inclusivetherapists to begin your search for an inclusive counselor.
Liberated Meditation
Liberated is a meditation app created specifically for the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color community. Hosted by leading BIPOC meditation teachers all over the world, Liberate can be used to sleep better, and reduce anxiety and stress. Beyond the app, Liberate “…is a thriving global community moving with inner peace.” Their conversations focus on uplifting and healing, recently sharing discussions on topics such as “Black Love & Rage,” and “The Impact of Structural Racism.”
Follow @liberatedmeditation to share your story.
The Loveland Foundation
The Loveland Foundation is founded by educator and activist Rachel Cargle, and seeks “to bring opportunity and healing to communities of color, and especially to Black women and girls.” The Loveland Therapy Fund works with a number of resources including Therapy for Black Girls, National Queer & Trans Therapists of Color Network, Talkspace and Open Path Collective, to provide financial support for Black women and girls seeking access to therapy.
Follow @thelovelandfoundation for mental health tips, reminders, as well as guided meditations, and sound baths on IGTV/IG Live.
Shine
An app created for everyone, Shine was created by two BIPOC women, Naomi and Marah, and is staffed with more than 80% BIPOC employees. According to their site Shine “believe that fighting for the mental health of marginalized groups helps fight for their lives and rights—and it’s one of the most important ways to improve the global landscape of mental health.” With the app, users can access a multitude of resources such as inclusive meditations, advice from therapists, podcasts, gratitude journaling, daily affirmations and access to a diverse community all working together to reduce anxiety and depression in their everyday lives.
Follow @shinetext to learn more.
Silence The Shame
Founded by Shanti Das, a music industry executive and philanthropist, Silence the Shame’s purpose is to erase the stigma and shame associated with mental health. Through community outreach programs, wellness training, and content, and a team composed entirely of BIPOC individuals, Silence The Shame is changing the conversation and encouraging everyone to embrace mental wellness.
Follow @silencetheshame and spread the word of wellness.
Here are some more helpful resources
Black Wellness Guide (Including links to guided meditation, therapists, movement and fitness, breathing, herbalism, food justice and more).
QTPOC Mental Health’s Link List (Intersectional Mental Health Concerns of LGBTQ & POC Communities)
