Black History Month and Mental Health: Honoring Resilience
Black History Month is a time for reflection, education, and celebration of the immense contributions Black individuals have made to society. It’s also an opportunity to have meaningful discussions about mental health in the Black community, an area that has historically been overlooked or stigmatized. While we honor Black excellence, it’s equally important to recognize that Black identity is not monolithic—just as greatness exists, so too does wrongdoing, as with any group.
As the founder of Living Revive, I, Taylor, am incredibly proud to be a Black woman. I am deeply in love with my culture—the strength, the creativity, the resilience, the richness of our history, and the vibrancy of our traditions. From our music and art to our language and food, Black culture is powerful, influential, and deeply rooted in community. It is an honor to celebrate Black excellence while also advocating for the mental health and well-being of Black individuals.
For too long, discussions about mental health have been stigmatized in our communities, and I want to be part of the movement that shifts this narrative. Through my work with Living Revive, I strive to create spaces where Black individuals feel empowered to prioritize their mental health without fear of judgment. Healing is a revolutionary act, and Black joy, self-care, and wellness are essential parts of our legacy.
At the same time, I believe in balance and accountability. Celebrating Black history does not mean turning a blind eye to wrongdoing within our community or any other. Every race and culture has people who contribute positively to society and those who do harm. Our goal should always be to uplift, educate, and evolve while holding individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of race.
Recognizing Black Excellence and Contributions
Black history is filled with stories of resilience, innovation, and progress. From civil rights leaders who fought for justice to inventors who revolutionized daily life, Black individuals have shaped the world in profound ways. Their contributions are woven into the very fabric of society, often in ways many people may not even realize.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Black history is the sheer ingenuity of Black inventors, many of whom have created everyday objects that we rely on without even knowing their origins.
Garrett Morgan, for example, invented the modern traffic light, a device that has saved countless lives by improving road safety.Frederick McKinley Jones developed refrigerated trucks, revolutionizing the food and medical industries by allowing for the transport of perishable goods over long distances.
Sarah Boone, a Black woman, improved the ironing board, making it more efficient and practical for household use.
Alexander Miles invented an automatic elevator door system, increasing the safety of elevator travel.
Charles Richard Drew, a pioneer in blood plasma preservation, transformed medicine by creating the first large-scale blood banks, a contribution that continues to save lives today.
Even household appliances, like the toaster, were influenced by Black innovation—George Washington Carver, famous for his work with peanuts, contributed to agricultural and industrial advancements that shaped many products we use daily.
Recognizing these contributions is not just about celebrating achievements but also acknowledging the mental and emotional toll of systemic barriers and discrimination.
Evil Exists in Every Race—Accountability Matters
One important aspect of Black History Month that is often overlooked is the need for balance in how we discuss race and morality. Celebrating Black excellence does not mean overlooking wrongdoing within the community. Every racial and ethnic group has individuals who engage in harmful or immoral behavior. Black communities, like all others, consist of people with diverse moral compasses, experiences, and choices. Recognizing Black history should not mean exempting individuals from accountability.
At times, discussions of race can become polarizing, with extremes painting entire groups as either victims or villains. True racial progress involves moving beyond stereotypes—whether they are overly negative or overly idealistic. The reality is that no racial or ethnic group is inherently good or bad; morality is shaped by individual actions, not by skin color. While Black history is filled with stories of strength, resilience, and extraordinary contributions, it is also essential to acknowledge that wrongdoing exists in every community.
While systemic issues play a significant role in shaping communities, individual accountability remains important. We can honor Black leaders who fought for justice while also recognizing that ethical and moral responsibility transcends race. No group should be idealized to the point where critical conversations about personal responsibility are avoided. Black history is about truth, and truth includes both triumphs and challenges.
By promoting balanced discussions, we encourage a more nuanced and fair approach to both celebration and critique. Recognizing Black excellence does not require dismissing wrongdoing, just as acknowledging wrongdoing should not overshadow the immense contributions of Black individuals throughout history. Black History Month should be about embracing the full story—one that highlights greatness, acknowledges struggles, and fosters honest conversations that push us toward a better future.
How to Support Black Mental Health Beyond February
Black History Month is more than just a time of reflection—it’s a call to action. Honoring Black excellence and addressing mental health challenges must go beyond February. While it’s important to recognize the resilience and contributions of Black individuals throughout history, it’s equally essential to acknowledge the complexities of humanity. No race is inherently good or evil; morality is shaped by personal actions, not by skin color. True progress comes from embracing the full picture—celebrating achievements while also fostering accountability and personal responsibility.
Supporting Black mental health should be a year-round effort. One of the most impactful ways to do this is by normalizing conversations about mental well-being within Black communities. Reducing the stigma around therapy and emotional health allows more individuals to seek the help they need without fear of judgment. Supporting Black therapists and mental health organizations, such as the Black Mental Health Alliance and Therapy for Black Girls, ensures that culturally competent care is accessible to those who need it most. Advocacy also plays a critical role in systemic change—pushing for policies that address racial disparities in healthcare, education, and employment can lead to long-term improvements in Black mental health outcomes. Additionally, education is a powerful tool. Reading books, attending events, and listening to Black voices who discuss both triumphs and struggles in mental health can help dismantle harmful stereotypes and encourage a more informed and supportive society.
At the same time, conversations about Black history should be balanced and honest. While it is crucial to celebrate the remarkable contributions of Black inventors, activists, and cultural leaders, we must also acknowledge that wrongdoing exists in every community. The reality is that no group should be placed on a pedestal or villainized—people are individuals, shaped by their choices and experiences. Recognizing Black history does not mean exempting anyone from accountability, nor should it allow harmful stereotypes to persist. Instead, Black History Month should be a space for both celebration and honest conversations that push us toward a more just and equitable future.
By embracing both the brilliance and the struggles within Black history, we create a more meaningful celebration—one that fosters true understanding, healing, and growth. This month, and every month, I stand proud in my identity and remain committed to the work of uplifting my community, advocating for mental wellness, and ensuring that Black excellence is recognized and preserved.
