As we do every year for Bebe Moore Campbell Minority Mental Health Month, we share resources for diverse and historically underrepresented communities and seek to elevate the voices of community members. Here is NAMI’s press release for this year’s awareness month.
About Bebe Moore Campbell
Bebe Moore Campbell was an author, advocate, co-founder of NAMI Urban Los Angeles and national spokesperson, who worked tirelessly to advocate for mental health education and eliminate stigma among diverse communities, until she passed away in 2006. In 2005, inspired by Campbell’s charge to end stigma and provide mental health information, longtime friend Linda Wharton-Boyd suggested dedicating a month to the effort. The duo got to work, outlining the concept of National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month and what it would entail. After Campbell’s passing, Wharton-Boyd, friends, family and allied advocates reignited their cause. In 2008, July was designated as the Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month by the U.S. House of Representatives. There have been recent attempts to change the month’s name, but NAMI continues to recognize the importance of honoring Bebe Moore Campbell’s incredible legacy and groundbreaking work.
“Once my loved ones accepted the diagnosis, healing began for the entire family, but it took too long. It took years… It’s not shameful to have a mental illness. Get treatment. Recovery is possible,” said Bebe Moore Campbell when she was advocating to enhance public awareness of mental illness and mental illness among minorities.
Observing Bebe Moore Campbell Minority Mental Health Month
Together, we can raise more mental health awareness in underrepresented populations so they can get the mental health care they need to overcome obstacles and live healthy, fulfilling lives in a community that cares.
Here’s how you can honor Bebe Moore Campbell Minority Mental Health Month:
- Check out NAMI’s Sharing Hope: Mental Wellness in the Black Community resources and information, and their Strength Over Silence docuseries focused on stories of courage, culture and community
- Share your experience and advice with those who need the most encouragement, by answering our questions: Have you faced cultural stigma about mental health? and “What do you think are the biggest challenges faced by diverse communities?”
- Share your story in blog post or essay form: Answer our other 30-second survey questions
Videos
Watch the video replay of the presentation by NAMI CA Board Secretary Dr. Jei Africa, “Why We Should Bring Conversations About Race and Racism to the Table,” from our 2020 Multicultural Symposium; jump to 21:00 for the presentation.
Watch the virtual event with NAMI Urban Los Angeles on July 29, 2021: “Honoring Bebe Moore Campbell: Supporting Mental Health Needs in Diverse Communities”