Black Mental Health Day: highlights the importance of strategies to combat anti-black racism

BY PAUL JUNOR

Monday, March 2^nd, 2020 marked what was truly a significant and pivotal day in the history of Toronto as it was observed as Black Mental Health Day.

Toronto became the first city in the world to recognize and acknowledge this day. In the official proclamation by Mayor of Toronto, John Tory “Black Mental Health presents an opportunity for all Torontonians to reflect on the systematic nature of anti-black racism and continue our efforts to combat it.”

There have been studies that document the impact of anti-black racism on the mental, emotional and physical heath of people of African descent. This day highlights the importance of bringing awareness. The recognition of this historic day did not occur in isolation but was conceived by the collective efforts of many within the African-Canadian community.

There were community organizations that fought hard and long to bring awareness to the epidemic of mental health problems in the black community. Organizations such as: Tropicana, Jamaican-Canadian Organizations (JCA) , TAIBU, Access  Alliance, Black Creek Community Health Centre, CAMH  SAPACCY (Substance Use Program for African-Canadian Youth), Regent Park CHGC, Women’s Health in Women’s Hands along with many others were crucial in this historic day.

The acknowledgment of this day is not meant to be a one-time event but will be a catalyst to initiate ongoing conversations, dialogues, exchanges, discussions and sharing between many stakeholders to address the impact of anti-black racism. Awareness is only the first step in this process.

There were community-inspired events held that focused on the need for structural and institutional changes, as well as some solution-based interactions to highlight black mental health. In the lead up, G98.7 FM spread awareness of #BlackMentalHealth Day, and the discussions at the station centered around the requirement of more resources that are culturally targeted for black mental health.

There was a kickoff at Queen’s Park, which was led by the Executive Director of TAIBU Community Health Centre, Liben Gebremikael, who focused on the historic significance of the day and the need to have allies who are involved in the process.

There was a panel held at CAMH on black mental health which consisted of: Notisha Massaquoi, Jully Black, Kwame Mckenizie, Tatiana Ferguson, Jam Celinacc who shared their insights and knowledge. The panel was streamed live on Facebook.

There were discussions by the Black Medical Students of the University of Toronto.  Donna Alexander spoke on cultural safety in practice, and Dr. Josiah Osagie spoke about his experiences and gave insight as a black resident psychiatrist working in the hospital in Toronto.

In addition, there was a community celebration in the evening at TAIBU Community Health Centre that was titled, “Power in Healing” with a quote from Maya Angelou, “Take a day to heal from the lies you’ve told yourself and the ones that have been told to you” on the flyer.

The importance of Black Mental Health Day cannot be overstated. The official proclamation by the City of Toronto highlights the effects of anti-black racism as, “It is experienced as a lack of opportunity, and gaps in accessing culturally appropriate services. It is poor physical health and mental health outcomes, as well as poor education outcomes. Higher rates of precarious employment and unemployment”

The cumulative effects of this diminish the quality of life and increase negative overall health outcomes. There is thus a need for all levels of government to collaborate and develop multi-disciplinary strategies, which as community grounded to address these systematic and structural challenges. Attempts at bringing awareness and removing stigma, fears, misconceptions and lack of trust is just the initial stage. The greater work and more difficult one will be based on solutions and strategies that get to the root of combating anti-b

lack racism at all levels of society. This is not easy as there are many mountains to climb.