Who is Bebe Moore Campbell and Why It Matters to Our Community During National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in the U.S. It was designated as such in July 2008 by Congress. The resolution was sponsored by Rep. Albert Wynn [D-MD] and cosponsored by a large bipartisan group to achieve two goals:

●Approve access to mental health treatment and services and promote public awareness of mental illness.

●Name a month as the Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month to enhance public awareness of mental illness among underserved communities.

This recognition is in honor of African American author, Bebe Moore Campbell, who founded NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Inglewood, which is a suburb of Los Angeles. Ms. Campbell’s advocacy efforts were a result of her daughter Maia’s struggle with mental illness and finding the proper supports for her.

What makes this so important, is that, as a community, mental health challenges are woven into our shared history, which includes centuries of discrimination, and personal and historical trauma. It has been documented that since the Middle Passage, the abuses that we have endured have produced a crisis in of unforeseen proportions. Everything from what are known as social determinants of health (economic stability, education access and quality, healthcare access and quality, neighborhood and built in environment, and social and community context) to health disparities, has revealed major gaps in between those in black and brown communities and their counterparts here in the U.S. The rates of suicide in our black youth is skyrocketing and we are facing more stress across the board, which results in increased issues such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.

What Ms. Campbell did was to highlight these inequalities in an effort not just to help her daughter, but to help the entire African American community, nationwide, to the extent of even traveling to the U.S. Capitol in D.C. to deliver her message.

In her own words:

"Stigma is one of the main reasons why people with mental health problems don't seek treatment or take their medication. People of color, particularly African Americans, feel the stigma more keenly. In a race-conscious society, some don't want to be perceived as having yet another deficit."

Herein lies the key message: the stigma that is experienced in the black community comes from, not wanting to be seen as having any shortcomings. “Be strong. Don’t reveal how you’re feeling because you’ll be seen as being soft.” This message needs to be eliminated and replaced with affirmative language such as, “It’s okay to ask for help,” or “Strength can come from being open about how we feel.”

When I consider the years that I have been a mental health advocate, one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the power of sharing one’s story and how it is possible to connect with others through this experience. And while our stories may not all be the same, we can all connect at a deeper level that helps us to heal emotionally. It is through this shared experience that we can break down the walls of stigma that have surrounded us for centuries and build nurturing connections for future generations. Be safe and Be well.

Karl Shallowhorn is the director of youth programs at Mental Health Advocates of WNY and vice-chair of the Mental Health Association in NYS.

Moon Watch New Moon July 17 In Cancer

The affect of this new Moon can cause you to be moved easily, because during this New Moon you become highly sensitive.

You need emotional intelligence more than ever. On a spiritual level the New Moon in Cancer 2023 opens up sacred doorways within you. This can bring you a greater sense of awareness of the emotional vibration of love and connection.

A New Moon is a wonderful time to receive Spiritual Guidance. New moons are known as initiation points—days for planting seeds that we'll harvest six months later at the corresponding full moon.

New Moon Energy can be powerful. Tapping into this energy can support your dreams and desires. We can harness the energy of the new moon to fulfill our visions and make our desires come true by creating a new moon ritual.

Now is the time to get going on creating our world the way we want it to be and creating ourselves the way we want ourselves to be. Get healthy by creating it.

Don’t just watch calories, eat healthier! More fruits and veggies. It is summertime so go to the farmers markets and get the fresh stuff with all the nutrition still in it!

Take care of yourself. Hang out with the people you love and tell them how much you appreciate who they are! Have some fun in the sun with friends and family. Enjoy each other while we are here. Love each other and treasure each other each and every day. Appreciate all you have learned from those around you. Appreciate all those things that you are getting from those around you who love you enough to give. Create for yourself a new storefront that will help the community. What talent do you have that you can share with the community to ease suffering and bring joy? Do it in your own special way that is just yours uniquely.

Now is the time for the rebirth of your spirit. What can you do to rebirth yourself and the world around you? How can you re-invent yourself to be more uniquely helpful to your community with your special talents. What obstacles need to be removed for you to make this happen? How can you begin to make that change starting right now? You are the change!

The new moon is about starting with an empty clean slate; it is the conception of an idea to become birthed into life with the coming full moon.

•Use this time wisely. •This is a time of new beginnings! •Die to the old to begin again! •Use this energy to discover what has been holding you back. •Plant seeds of manifestation. •Harness the energy of all things of beauty.

Look after yourself, and you’ll be ready to throw yourself into this New Moon with gusto! It’s a wonderful, transformational vibe. If you feel like something exciting is about to get started, you’re right! We’re about to turn a big corner. It’s going to be glorious. Make sure you dance!

Uncrowned Queens Institute Announces Winners of 2023 Memorial Scholarships

The Uncrowned Queens Institute is pleased to announce the winners of the 5th annual Mary Crosby Chappelle and Ida Dora Fairbush Memorial Scholarships.

In late Spring of this year, the Scholarship Committee reviewed and evaluated the submissions of local graduating student applicants and selected Brooklyn Bullock, from Olmsted H.S. for the Fairbush Award and Xavier Mann, from City Honors for the Chappelle Award. The two award recipients will each receive a $1,000 scholarship at a reception to be held at the Buffalo Historical Society on Monday, July 17 at 5: p.m.

The scholarships are supported by a grant from the Buffalo Teachers Federation and the Uncrowned Queens Institute for Research and Education on Women, Inc.

There Is A Story To Tell About The History Of African American Gardeners

Author Abra Lee has written a hidden figures story about 45 unknown African American Gardeners. Her Book; “Conquer the Soil: Black America and the Untold Stories of Our Country's Gardeners, Farmers, and Growers “is an interesting read.

Hear Abra Lee share stories on July 19, 2023, at a FREE COMMUNITY EVENT from 5:30 - 6:30pm. A Light Reception follows the presentation.

Also hear the story about Mrs. Frances Nash’s garden that was located on the grounds of the NASH HOUSE Museum. Attendees are welcomed to schedule a tour of the Nash House Museum.

The event will take place at the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor at 132 Broadway Avenue. ABRA LEE, horticulturist, educator, and author of the forthcoming book "Conquer The Soil: Black America and the Untold Stories of Our Country’s Gardeners, Farmers, and Growers," has been featured in The New York Times, Fine Gardening, Veranda Magazine, and NPR. Abra’s work is centered on unearthing what she refers to as “love stories” on the richness of U.S. garden history and culture.

Support for this program has been generously provided by The M & T Charitable Foundation and is hosted by The Nash House Museum and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House.