The Intersection of Social Justice and Mental Health in the Black Community

Virtual Presentation

Speaker: Candice Barfield

Belonging to a group that experiences oppression, discrimination, and biases is one thing, but belonging to various groups who experience oppression, discrimination, and prejudices simultaneously, is an even more intense and unique lived experience in its own right. The Black community, specifically in the United States, carries the burden of not only being the recipients of racism but being involved in a system that is notorious for not prioritizing their wellbeing either. Racism and other forms of inequality and inequity mentally scar the Black community and exist everywhere Black people hold space. It starts in schools, followed by the workplace, the legal system, and public spaces. ‘Born to Lose: The Intersection of Social Justice & Mental Health in the Black Community’ explores how the lack of fair and equitable distribution of social, political, educational, and economic benefits impacts the mental health of Black people in the United States. It will specifically focus on the life trajectory of Black individuals from the time they are born, following their youth and adolescence, and ending with their transition into adulthood.