Mental Health in society has always been stigmatized in society, and while we do continue to make progress in recognizing its importance, The Black Community faces a unique barrier to mental health wellness: Systematic Racism. Racism has not only prevented us from receiving adequate treatment for mental health issues, but continual hardships have forged a culture of “Strength” in the black community. This strength is our legacy and proves that we are truly resilient but have greatly stigmatized mental illness, which may not be seen as real hardship, or worse deemed as something derogatory. In this Episode, I will discuss the stressors that affect our community, and its effect on black women and specifically black men. I will also discuss the role of music for black men in expressing their feelings and frustrations. I will also be joined by Dr. Linda J.M. Holloway,   the Program Coordinator of the Counseling Education Program at Alabama State University, spoken word poet, and  author of 4 children books, one of which is called Little Miss Linda Goes to Counseling. We discuss her children’s books, the impact of oppression on the mental health of young black children,  and the importance of affirmations and faith to make it through life’s tribulations.

You can purchase Dr. Holloway's Books here:

 https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Linda-J.-M.-Holloway/e/B07SPHX5SX%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share

Music featured: New Soul by Ketsa; Suicidal Thoughts by Sabio Da Great

Join me and Qualesha’s kiki session as we discuss both our birth experiences and how she as a young black woman persevered after suffering not one but TWO rare birth complications.

We will also get educated by Dalia Abrams, certified doula and co-founder of Birthwell Partners: A Community Doula Project, a non-profit in Birmingham, AL.  We will discuss how her and Susan Petrus founded their project, the important work doulas do, and how they can be the key to reducing C-Section rates.

In this episode, I work through my own exhaustion and find ways we can contribute to the fight against justice in the streets and online. A lot of the resources mentioned should reappear on our IG, @tcblacketowah

A mental health check for those triggered by the slaying of Ahmaud Arbery. I will talk about helpful tools and resources you can use to protect your mental health and still be active in the fight for justice. #JusticeforAhmaud #BlackLivesMatter

In this episode, we will talk about the impact of heart disease on the black community and the different risks associated with heart disease. This episode will define non-modifiable risk factors and modifiable (changeable) risk factors we can address in order to prevent the development of heart disease. We will also look at how the superwoman schema can affect heart health in black women. Our episode’s consultant is Jayde Price.

In this episode, we will discuss the health and cultural impacts obesity has had on the black community. We will also discuss the role of body positivity in weight loss and resources to support a sustainable and healthy lifestyle .