Alex Barnard (he/him) is a sociologist and an Assistant Professor of Sociology at New York University and he is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Alex is a part of a project looking at all the bills that reference involuntary treatment, forced medications, civil commitment, guardianship and conservatorship. They talk about getting to why people are refusing services and how listening to that person’s “why” is one of the best ways to understand them plus a look at some important local bills in California.

For more information on “Conservatorship: Inside California’s System of Coercion and Care for Mental Illness” by Alex V. Barnard visit: https://cup.columbia.edu/book/conservatorship/9780231210256

Also to learn more about Alex Barnard visit https://alexvbarnard.org/

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Keris shares how she’s feeling during this African American History Month and how she’s looking for change. She talks about finding those bright lights in your life, what makes her happy when she’s feeling disheartened and enacting and activating hope.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Mark Tuggle (He/Him) is the author and editor of “Cultural Silence and Wounded Souls: Black Men Speak about Mental Health” and he is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Mark explains the process of getting a book published and why he wrote the book about mental health. They talk about the focus on the mental health of Black men and the common themes of the stories that were shared in the book.

 For more information on the book “Cultural Silence and Wounded Souls: Black Men Speak about Mental Health” visit: https://www.amazon.com/Cultural-Silence-Wounded-Souls-Mental/dp/B0BW2RSRQN

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Marion Costentin (she/her) is an artist and illustrator, and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Marion shares how she wants her artwork on her Oracle and Tarot cards to be used to explore your emotions and how her cards have been used for a purpose by therapists. They talk about classifying emotions as full spectrum, openly talking about your mental health journey and how Marion consults with her community during her artistic process.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Website: https://little-darkness.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littledarkpress/

Rest in Peace and Power: this episode is a replay of UBU#75 to honor and remember our time in Unapologetically Black Unicorns with Dr Ikwunga Wonodi.

https://www.forevermissed.com/ikwunga-okogbule-wonodi/about

Dr. Ikwunga Wonodi (he/him) is a psychiatrist, an Afrobeat Poet and he is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Dr. Wonodi talked about what afrobeat poetry represents and his personal journey in becoming an afrobeat poet. They talk about pidgin, how afrobeats has been used as a vehicle for change, his poem and songwriting process and his message on homelessness and mental illness.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

To listen or purchase Dr. Woondi’s music check out:

"Calabash: Afrobeat Poems by Ikwunga Vol.1": https://music.apple.com/us/artist/ikwunga/30240928

“Deep Sleep”: https://music.apple.com/us/album/deep-sleep/270004179

Nicole Kwan (she/her) is a mental health advocate and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Nicole talks about how mental health was stigmatized in her own culture and how she found people to talk to and support her. They talk about the focus on immigrant mental health, getting more young people to the table and the importance of compassion, kindness and empathy.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Keris recaps 2023 by sharing her spontaneous trip she made on a train and what she did this new years. Keris was inspired by a tarot card of “the fool’s journey” and how the wise fool is about embracing new beginnings, expanding your horizons and the willingness to take risks. She talks about how she realized she could control how she wanted ring in the new year and she also wants you to know that if you’re feeling lonely during this time that you’re not alone.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Keris recorded this podcast on Christmas and shares a Christmas memory from her childhood. She shares the struggles people have during the holiday season and the magic of a picture she saw of a Black Santa when she was young. Keris remembers the sacrifices her dad made and she wants you to know that it gets better.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Alex Barnard (he/him) is a sociologist and an Assistant Professor of Sociology at New York University and he is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Alex is a part of a project looking at all the bills that reference involuntary treatment, forced medications, civil commitment, guardianship and conservatorship. They talk about getting to why people are refusing services and how listening to that person’s “why” is one of the best ways to understand them plus a look at some important local bills in California.

For more information on “Conservatorship: Inside California’s System of Coercion and Care for Mental Illness” by Alex V. Barnard visit: https://cup.columbia.edu/book/conservatorship/9780231210256

Also to learn more about Alex Barnard visit https://alexvbarnard.org/

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Keris takes you on a tour of the podcast. You can access Unapologetically Black Unicorns wherever you get your podcasts and you can also view separate playlists of the podcast on YouTube. Keris shares what each playlist is about, access to discussion guides and suggesting ways in which to use the podcast.

For all information on the UBU podcast visit https://linktr.ee/UnapologeticallyBlackUnicorns

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline