July 11, 2021
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
Vol. 26, Issue 25
who police the police? “Addressing Current & Historical Realties Affecting Our Community”
GIVING BACK
MENTAL ILLNESS KILLS!
By: Roy Douglas Malonson
You don’t have to look too far to find how mental illness harms the Black community. From people outside of our homes to members of our families, chances are you know someone dealing with a mental illness. The question is – are you doing anything to help them? We’ve seen the horrific headlines far too many times, with sons and daughters killing their parents, people walking into crowded spaces and opening fire on everyone in sight and other instances involving people who allegedly “snap” and harm themselves or someone else. In the end, are we all innocent? Or who is really guilty -- the people who saw the signs coming but never did anything about it? Does someone just “snap” or is it that many of us are too embarrassed or unwilling to seek help for others who may not be capable of getting help for themselves? We need to stop turning the other cheek on an issue that is running rampant right under our noses! Talking about mental health in the Black community is almost taboo. It’s something we hide in the closet, and while we might acknowledge it is there, there is often no conversation on how to get help for our family members with mental illnesses.
While our younger generation is putting mental health in the spotlight, the Black community at large still has many misconceptions about what mental illnesses are, where they come from, and how they can be treated. There are so many factors that play into the mental health crisis in the Black community, and while many of those factors include institutional racism, Black people also contribute to the crisis. We know that our experiences of being Black in America shape our mental health in both good and bad ways. Family, spirituality, music, community, and many other shared cultural experiences can be our sources of strength. However, part of our shared experiences also include racism, discrimination, violence and inequity, all of which have significant impact on our mental health. White supremacy and the atrocities behind it has attacked the mental wellbeing of African Americans since we were stolen and brought to this country. Let’s look back at chattel slavery in the United States. How many stories have you heard of enslaved people receiving therapy after enduring generations of torture, malnutrition, dehumanization, etc? Mental Illness cont’d page 2
By: Nevaeh Richardson
Some people spend a lifetime building a legacy, but one Houston man is determined to leave his mark now as an activist and community leader. Trae Tha Truth, born Frazier Ethel Thompson III, is a rapper, producer, and record producer, but to many Houstonians, he is most known for his philanthropic work to support underserved communities in Houston. Trae Tha Truth is working to put computer centers in low income apartment complexes, has helped rescue and provide meals for Houstonians during the Beta Tropical Storm, rented out a gas station and helped 250 families fill up their tanks, helped 100 families for Christmas by giving trees, ornaments and a 10,000 shopping spree at Academy, helped provide roofing and plumbing services to damaged homes during the winter freeze in February, and so much more. His latest acts of philanthropy include opening an ice cream shop that hires people with disabilities and partnering with ‘Tha Cru’ little league football team to help inner city youth. The rapper has been so consistent in his community service, that he even has his own “Trae Day” in Houston. While the day was made to celebrate Trae Tha Truth, the rapper turned it into a holiday for the entire city. This year, Trae Day will expand to an entire weekend starting on June 22nd. It includes concerts, a family fun day, and comedy shows. - AANI
“OUR VOTE AND OUR MONEY ARE THE TWO MOST POWERFUL THINGS WE HAVE. BE CAREFUL WHO YOU GIVE THEM TO.” - ROY DOUGLAS MALONSON