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.
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
- 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 the NAMI California 2020 Multicultural Symposium; jump to 21:00 for the presentation
Mental health information and resources for diverse and underserved communities:
Asian American and Pacific Island Communities
Black/African-American Communities
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