BIPOC MENTAL HEALTH READING LIST
CommunitiesofAfricandescent
“A Gift Grows in the Ghetto: Reimagining the Spiritual Lives of Black Men” by Jay-Paul Michael Hinds
“A Healing Journal for Black Men” by Danny Angelo Fluker Jr.
“And Then We Rise: A Guide to Loving and Taking Care of Self” by Common
“Between the World and Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates
“Bipolar Faith: A Black Woman’s Journey with Depression and Faith” by Monica A. Coleman
“Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We’re Not Hurting” by Terrie M. Williams
“Breaking Through” by Chamique Holdsclaw
“Decolonizing Therapy” by Jennifer Mullan, Psy.D.
“Healing Racial Stress Workbook for Black Teens” by Jessica S. Henry, Ph.D.; Farzana T. Saleem, Ph.D.; Dana L. Cunningham, Ph.D.; Nicole L. Cammack, Ph.D.; Danielle R. Busby, Ph.D.
“How We Heal” by Alexandra Elle
“Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen: The Emotional Lives of Black Women” by Inger Burnett-Zeigler, Ph.D.
“Playing Hurt” by John Saunders
“Racial Wellness” by Jacquelyn Ogorchukwu Iyamah
“Rest is Resistance” by Tricia Hersey
“Sisterhood Heals” by Joy Harden Bradford, Ph.D.
“Sleepless Nights” by Marques Ogden
“The Other Wes Moore” by Wes Moore
“The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health” by Rheeda Walker, Ph.D.; Na’im Akbar, Ph.D.
“Who I Always Was” by Theresa Okokon
BooksbyBebeMoore
Campbell
“72 Hour Hold” “Brothers and Sisters”
“Singing in the Comeback Choir” “Successful Women, Angry Men: Backlash in the Two-Career Marriage”
“Sweet Summer: Growing Up With and Without My Dad”
“What You Owe Me”
“Your Blues Ain’t Like Mine”
Children’sBooks
“I Get So Hungry” “Sometimes My Mommy Gets Angry”
“Stompin’ at the Savoy”
QUICK TIPS: ADVOCATE FOR MENTAL HEALTH
AT WORK, SCHOOL, OR IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Yourvoiceisapowerfultoolformentalhealthadvocacy,andyoudon’tneedatitleora megaphonetohaveanimpact.Changecanstartwithaone-on-oneconversation,ashared flyer,orasimplequestion:“Whatsupportwouldhelpyoufeelseen?”
Intheworkplace
Ask HR to include mental health resources in internal emails or newsletters, or display them in common areas
Encourage leadership to offer mental health days or flexible schedules during high-stress times
Use employee resource groups (ERGs) or staff meetings to start conversations about what support looks like, especially across different cultures and communities
Inthecommunity
Drop off flyers or hang posters at places where people gather, like barbershops, salons, places of worship, grocery stores, or laundromats
Work with local community groups, clinics, or businesses to host mental health screenings, healing circles, or storytelling events
Attend public meetings in your community and speak up about the need for access to mental health care
Inschools
Recommend wellness options like journaling corners, healing circles, or quiet spaces for rest
Advocate for mental health staff who reflect and understand the students they serve
Encourage training on positive discipline and restorative justice
Share screening tools and culturally relevant mental health resources with students, families, and faculty
Fromyourhome
Join Mental Health America’s Advocacy Network to get notifications about action alerts. These alerts are an easy way to contact your legislators and support mental health access by communicating online
Contact your local Mental Health America affiliate to see how you can support them
Learnmore:mhanational.org/bipoc Takeafreementalhealthtest: mhascreening.org
THE LEG BEBE M
Each July, we honor the legacy of author, advocate, and trailblazer Bebe Moore Campbell by recognizing Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month (also known as BIPOC Mental Health Month).
Moore Campbell’s ability to tell impactful stories highlighting themes of racism, mental health, and family left a lasting mark on this world and is a foundation for much of the work that continues in support of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) mental health.
Throughout her work, Moore Campbell did not shy away from the realities of what it meant to live as a Black person in America. Her book, “Your Blues Ain’t Like Mine,” was inspired by the murder of Emmett Till and was deemed as one of the most influential books of 1992 by the New York Times. Moore Campbell continued to write of real events that impacted Black and marginalized communities, such as her work in “Brothers and Sisters,” which takes place in Los Angeles following the Rodney King riots. By highlighting these issues, Moore Campbell brought themes of environmental impact, race, and community connections to the forefront of American literature.
Her early books drew attention to the harsh realities of racism and the way that this continued trauma can show up in everyday life. Her later books continued with similar themes and included strong ties to mental health, as well as the importance of community bonds, leaning on family and friends, and finding support during an individual’s treatment and recovery journey. Additionally, through her advocacy efforts, Moore Campbell continued to engage with community members, connect individuals to support networks, and create spaces that were truly inclusive for those within them.
Moore Campbell passed away on Nov. 27, 2006, but through her powerful storytelling, advocacy, and strong community roots, fellow advocates continued her fight. Mental Health America honors her unforgettable legacy each July by releasing an outreach toolkit and campaign that gives individuals throughout the country the tools they need to educate themselves and others. Her legacy lives on, providing a powerful foundation for marginalized communities to thrive and be known.
Saint Paul’s Baptist Church Men’s Fellowship - Mentoring Program
Dear Brothers in Fellowship,
• We are excited to introduce the new Mentoring Program at St. Paul's Baptist Church for young men from Seventh thru Twelfth grades. This document outlines the key aspects of the program, inviting your participation and support.
Mission Statement
• The St. Paul's Baptist Church Men's Fellowship Mentoring Program will be designed to nurture and guide young men in St. Paul’s. The mission is to establish meaningful connections between mentors and mentees, fostering an environment of growth, learning, and positive role modeling, striving to empower the youth to reach their full potential and become responsible, compassionate, and successful members of the community and the broader society.
Program Objectives:
• To provide academic support, personal development, and career guidance.
Participant Identification:
• Initially the target mentees will be young men affiliated with St Paul’s Baptist Church and the target group will be seventh thru twelfth grade students
Mentor Identification:
• Open to Men who are members of St Paul’s Baptist Church Men’s Fellowship. Men who are interested will complete an application to ensure an appropriate match is made with the mentee. Please note a set of guidelines or a mentoring agreement will be established to set clear expectations and boundaries. Also, please know that background checks and mentor training will be included in the process.
Mentor-Mentee Matchmaking:
• Pairs will be based on shared interests, goals, and compatibility, with an emphasis on diversity and inclusivity. Training sessions will cover effective communication, mentorship best practices, and understanding the specific needs of young men.
Interested in being Mentored?
Meeting Commitments:
• Mentors and mentees must commit to meetings for a minimum of six hours each month (with at least one contact per week), ensuring consistent and meaningful engagement. Additionally, there will be a mandatory group meeting held every month at St. Paul's Baptist Church, lasting for not more than two hours. This gathering is an essential part of the program, designed to bring all mentors and mentees together for collective learning, sharing experiences, and fostering a sense of community within the program.
Celebrating Achievements:
• A strong emphasis will be placed on celebrating the achievements of the mentors and mentees with recognition events featuring success stories placed in the church's communications, highlighting the progress and accomplishments.
Additional Guidelines:
• Key principles such as confidentiality, respect, inclusivity, and regular communication to foster a trusting and supportive environment will be emphasized. Mentors are expected to provide guidance, not control, while prioritizing the safety, professionalism, and well-being of all participants.
• We invite you to join us in this enriching journey, either as a mentor, a supporter, or an advocate. Your involvement can make a significant difference in the lives of young men in our church.
With Many Blessings, The Committee:
Dr. Juan R Baughn (Chair), Dr. Koreem Bell, Rev. Dr. Lawrence Clairborne, Stanley Edwards, Deacon Scott Rector, Luther Reeder, Deacon Donnell Sheppard, Deacon Larry Wright (Chair, Men’s Fellowship)
Use the below link or QR Code to Access the online MENTEE Application.
New Directions Childcare Cent
Affordable, Quality, Experienced Care
Meet Our Director
With over 25 years in early childhood education and social services, Tonya has led childcare programs with a focus on safety, learning, and family support. She previously served as Director of Compliance at VisionQuest, a national youth services organization Tonya also founded Little Faces Childcare Center in West Chester, and she operated this thriving center for 15 years Her extensive experience ensures a nurturing, high-quality environment for every child
Our Programs
Infants (6 weeks - 13 months): Loving care in a nurturing environment to support early development.
Toddlers (14 - 36 months): Interactive activities that encourage independence and socialization.
Preschool (3 years): Focus on foundational skills in reading, math, and emotional development
Pre-K (4 years): Preparing children for kindergarten with an emphasis on literacy and math
School-Age
(5 - 12 years): Before and after-school care with STEAM activities, including arts, music, and technology.
Why Choose Us?
Affordable Care: We accept ELRC subsidies and offer a sliding scale for families who qualify.
Quality Care: Our program fosters creativity, curiosity, and confidence through hands-on learning As a nonprofit childcare center, New Directions has the benefit of an array of partners, such as WCU, WCASD, and CCIU Children enjoy enriching experiences guided by volunteer experts including S.T.E.M professionals, literacy specialists, and visual/performing artists,
Experienced Care: With over 30 years of experience, our nurturing and credentialed staff are dedicated to your child’s growth, safety, and development
Well-equipped
Tonya Walls Director of New Directions Childcare Center
