Breaking Down Barriers: Professionals Speak on Mental Health in the Black Community

The Office of Multicultural Affairs hosted a special community panel focusing on mental health in the Black community in honor of Black History Month.

The panel featured three mental health professionals: Tiara Foster, a behavioral health specialist; Cornell Morton, a therapist; and Maurice Stallings, an accessibility coordinator.

Moderated by PACE students, the event saw meaningful conversations between the panelists and attendees about the challenges that Black individuals face in accessing adequate mental healthcare, as well as strategies for overcoming stigmas and fostering resilience. 

A key theme of the conversation was accessibility. Panelists highlighted challenges such as limited resources for Black communities, distrust in the healthcare system, and low representation in mental health professions.

Morton emphasized the importance of knowing where to look for mental health help. “There are Black mental health experts that can relate and connect with you who can help you.” 

Panelists then shifted to discussing how to break down the barriers that stigma imposes. Foster encouraged the audience to be kind and build connections to create safe spaces for young people to connect.

She mentioned the notion of a trauma backpack, something that everyone carries and that continues to fill up as we age. “It is better to clean your backpack in a controlled way than when you hit rock bottom,” Foster said.

The panel also made it clear mental healthcare is not just for those who have experienced significant trauma. “The wording that we use makes it seem like it’s some massive, traumatic event, but the little everyday things can also catch up to you,” said Stallings. 

The event was a powerful reminder of the importance of mental healthcare. By increasing representation in the field and fostering open conversations, Black communities can work toward a future where mental healthcare is more accessible and stigma-free for all. As put by Stallings, “The only time we are alone is when we die. So why live alone?”