Black joy: Impacting the mental health of Black communities
February is Black History Month, and MHA is highlighting the rich culture, joy, and vast contributions that continue to come from our Black communities. We recognize that learning about the history of systemic racism, particularly in the mental health system, and how it harms Black communities in the U.S. and around the world is key to creating a mentally healthier world. This panel-style webinar will focus on how Black culture and joy have a positive impact on individual and community mental health.
Join MHA and guests for this free, 90-minute webinar where we will:
- Hear from panelists about what Black History Month means to them
- Discuss the many strengths of Black communities and how that directly impacts mental health
- Explore how Black joy and cultural practices create space for mental health to flourish
Speakers
Minaa B. is a writer, speaker, licensed mental health professional, and author of “Owning Our Struggles: A Path to Healing and Finding Community in a Broken World.” She is also the founder of Minaa B. Consulting, a mental health consulting practice that helps organizations develop psychological safety and become mental health inclusive. Her work has been featured in a variety of media outlets, including Red Table Talk, Peace of Mind with Taraji, BBC, Essence, and more.
Radiance Basden is a trailblazing well-being consultant, professional life coach, yoga instructor, NASM- certified personal trainer, and lululemon ambassador. As a champion of human development, she enlightens others about the mental, spiritual, and physical benefits of internal wellness and body movement. Basden's mission includes creating channels to amplify underrepresented voices, service marginalized communities, and champion DE&I, health, and well-being topics.
Morgann Noble is a rising sophomore marketing major at Howard University and is passionate about business, social justice, and reading. Recently, Noble starred in Dove’s national campaign, The Real Cost of Beauty, where she recalls a time when her hair and skin was ridiculed by her peers. As an intern at The AAKOMA Project, Noble works with different partners to move the conversation surrounding mental health from concept to action. She plans to pursue a career in sports marketing, public relations, or advertising.
Marlisa B. Nixon is a person living in long-term recovery … LOUDLY! She is the director of employee experience and DEI lead facilitator at Aspire Behavioral Health; a Georgia Recovers Billboard ambassador, recovery champion, and coach; certified addiction recovery empowerment specialist; certified peer specialist for addictive disease; and certified Science of Addiction Recovery (SOAR) trainer. She gets to use her voice to contribute her lived experience and voice of recovery in and around her community while on the journey for healing and wholeness.
Ayana Malone is the Director of Training and Education for Onyx Therapy Group in Washington, DC. Having started her career as a special education teacher focusing on emotional and behavioral disorders, she developed a deep passion for advocacy and seeking the best of her students rather than focusing on their deficits. Because of this, Ayana has spent a great deal of time exploring the efficacy of educational programs to serve and steward children who come to them as they are and value their social and cultural wealth. Her belief in mental health advocacy is centered on psycho-education, teaching people to understand mental health processes, terminology, and skills.