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Sugar Land Sara

Writer & Content Creator

Favorites, Mental Health · July 28, 2020

The history of BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month & Why It’s So Important

In May of 2008, the US House of Representatives announced July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. The resolution was sponsored by Rep. Albert Wynn [D-MD] and cosponsored by a large bipartisan group to achieve two goals:

  1. Improve access to mental health treatment and services and promote public awareness of mental illness.
  2. Name a month as the Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month to enhance public awareness of mental illness and mental illness among minorities.

Bebe Moore Campbell was a 3-time New York Times best-selling author who wrote stories that matter involving realistic depictions of families maneuvering the many obstacles created by mental illness. Not only did Campbell write about mental illness, but she was also a real-life advocate on behalf of her daughter who lives with severe mental illness. As co-founder of NAMI Urban Los Angeles and national spokesperson, Campbell passed away in November 2006, but her legacy lives on.

For many BIPOC, mental illness is a difficult subject muted by stigma. Many make their best attempt of somersaulting over the subject like a Simone Biles’ triple-double or avoiding a family member that lives with symptoms related to severe mental illness—- to safely land and remain in their comfort zones. Campbell worked tirelessly to change that. 

Regardless of whether you are BIPOC, many are doing mental gymnastics all day long as they backflip over tough questions and somersault under discussions about mental illness.  People just don’t want to talk about it, let alone deal with mental illness. In order to eliminate stigma, especially in BIPOC communities, and to support loved ones through mental illness, we must: 

-ACKNOWLEDGE the realness of severe mental illness as a global-365 multifaceted issue that does not discriminate. 

-ACCEPT our family members with their symptoms related to severe mental illness. Our loved ones may never be the people they were prior to their initial signs of experiencing symptoms related to severe mental illness. 

-ADVOCATE for funding, research, and legislation to improve mental health services, treatment, and access. Any one of us can be impacted at any given time. It is imperative to have mental health and wellness services readily available in our local communities.

It took over 30 years for me to fully acknowledge my mom’s mental illness and accept the symptoms related to her illness.  I’m grateful for the experiences because they  helped me to passionately advocate for metal health and wellness. It is imperative that families and friends know about the resources that are available AND be a part of their loved ones’ treatment. 

They need us! Here’s what you can do:

1. Educate yourself about the illness/illnesses.

2. Maintain current contact information for local mental health and law enforcement resources.

3. Have realistic expectations.

4. Reach out for support, even for yourself- It’s ok to go to counseling.

5. Work closely with your loved one’s treatment team.

If you or someone you know would like more information about mental health resources, contact organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI):

Text: NAMI to 741741 / Call: 1-800-950-6264 / Visit: www.nami.org


About the Author:

Attorney Corey Minor Smith is a thought leader in the social justice space with a primary focus on mental health and wellness advocacy in communities across the nation. Smith produces radio roundtable conversations with youth and community members to discuss ways to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.

Currently, Smith serves as General Counsel for Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority of which she was once a resident. She has received numerous accolades and awards, including the Boy Scouts of America Buckeye
Council Spirit of Scouting Award, She Elevates Woman of Courage Award, induction into the YWCA Women’s Hall of Fame, and was named an ATHENA International Women’s Leadership Finalist.
Smith also served as a Canton City Council at Large member after receiving the most votes out of five other candidates. She is the first African-American to ever be elected to a city-wide position in Canton,
OH. As a city council member, Smith focused on supporting community development block grant funds being allocated to address mental health issues among youth and enhancing community awareness about
services and resources available in the community. Whether she is speaking at the lectern, holding forth in
court, or conversing in dialogue in community centers across the country, Attorney Corey Minor Smith is well-versed speaker, thinker and community activist.

You may also go to coreyempowers.com and sign-up to receive a free Mental Health resource guide or to purchase her debut book #Driven—- another resource for families and friends who have a loved one living with severe mental illness. Follow Corey on IG, FB & Twitter: @coreyempowers 

Posted In: Favorites, Mental Health · Tagged: bipoc mental health, minority mental health, people of color

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Welcome to my space! I’m a Muslim-American Texan writer mom who utilizes my platform to discuss and share my passion for motherhood, community, inclusivity, and mental health.

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School is right around the corner and I know a lot School is right around the corner and I know a lot of us are scrambling to get organized with the prospect of homeschooling for now. It's such an overwhelming time but we can do this -- get organized and take control of the things you can! 💪
There's nothing I love more than a good planner from @erincondren. And they just launched a fabulous Wonder Woman collection so I thought this would be the perfect time to gift one of you a collection of goodies to help you get squared away this autumn! Here's all that I'm giving away in the pack:
1️⃣Wonder Woman x EC Classic Comic LifePlanner™ ($55)
2️⃣Wonder Woman x EC Classic Comic Note List Pad ($8)
3️⃣Wonder Woman x EC Flair Pin ($8)
4️⃣Wonder Woman x EC Sticker Pack Trio ($8)
5️⃣Wonder Woman x EC Productivity Petite Journal ($9)
6️⃣Wonder Woman x EC Classic Comic Stationery ($15)
Total value $100+⭐💙🍎
Make sure you're already following me @sugarlandsara and simply sign up for my newsletter (link in bio) and you'll be entered. If you are already signed up for the newsletter, nothing else for you to do, you're all set and already entered!💃
I send out a bi-monthly update packed with goodies, resources and tidbits about things I've been up to so make sure to subscribe!🌈
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#ECSQUAD #organizer #personalorganizer #organiza #organize #professionalorganizer #organizermurah #organization #homeschoolorganizer #planner #homeschoolplanner #organizing #organized #getorganized #quarantineorganizer #erincondren #homeschool #homeschooling #homeschoolmoms #homeschoolingmamas #homeschoolkids #homeschool2020
Happy humpday friends! Today is turning out to be Happy humpday friends! Today is turning out to be another really busy day and I'm thinking of getting curbside pick-up from my favorite new Sugar Land Town Square restaurant, State Fare! 🎉
We did their incredibly efficient (and contact-less) pick up recently and the food was SO, SO good!! I especially loved the braised beef short ribs and even my pickiest of eaters loved everything (asparagus included!! 💃)! If you haven't tried them out yet, I highly recommend you get to it and don't forget to try the dill pickle dip & queso blanco with brisket (yum!) 😋
And my boys went WILD for their freakin' huge funnel cake (I personally loved the mason jar banana puddin'). Whether you're in Houston or Sugar Land, make sure to check them out and #supportlocal! ❤️
⭐PLUS, if you really want to stretch your dollar, be sure to take part in the Visit Sugar Land Sweet Cash program where every time you purchase a gift card from a local business in Sugar Land (minimum of $40), you can get a bonus gift card from another small business in our city! So for example, I purchased a gift card from State Fare and received a FREE $20 gift card from Guru Burgers and Crepes and I nominated a front line worker to get the same thing! 
Head over to the link in my bio to check out more details and let's go all in for Sugar Land 🌈
🌟🌟Giveaway Time🌟🌟#complimentaryfromMer 🌟🌟Giveaway Time🌟🌟#complimentaryfromMerciHandy
Happy Monday friends! I've partnered with @mercihandy to gift one lucky person $75 worth of goodies from their colorful line of products such as the gorgeously scented shower jelly, cleansing hand gel, deodorant, hand cream and so much more!! 🌈
To enter, simply make sure you're already following me and complete the following two steps:
1️⃣Follow @mercihandy on IG
2️⃣Drop a comment below! 👇For multiple entries, you can tag friends & each comment counts as a new entry! 
Giveaway ends on Friday, August 7th at 5pm and winner will be announced shortly thereafter!🎉
✳️This giveaway is in no way sponsored or endorsed by Instagram or a Facebook. Open to US residents only. By entering, you release Instagram and Facebook of all responsibility. Void where prohibited. ✳️
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#mercihandy #giveaway #octolyfamily #wocblogger  #houstonmoms #houstontx #houstonmomblogger #houstonblogger #houstoncontentcreator #htxmom  #texasmoms  #sugarlandtx #sugarland #sltx #sugarlandblogger #sugarlandmoms #houstonkids #htxkids  #momhack #momlife #quarantinelife #momsofig #mondaygiveaway #skincaregiveaway
I got a byline in @huffpost yesterday. Showing up I got a byline in @huffpost yesterday. Showing up with vulnerability about #ppd still feels so scary. But the important thing is to show up. ❤️ 
(link in bio).

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hey there!

I'm Sara. I’m a Muslim-American Texan writer and mom who utilizes my platform to discuss and share my passion for motherhood, community, inclusivity, and mental health.

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School is right around the corner and I know a lot School is right around the corner and I know a lot of us are scrambling to get organized with the prospect of homeschooling for now. It's such an overwhelming time but we can do this -- get organized and take control of the things you can! 💪
There's nothing I love more than a good planner from @erincondren. And they just launched a fabulous Wonder Woman collection so I thought this would be the perfect time to gift one of you a collection of goodies to help you get squared away this autumn! Here's all that I'm giving away in the pack:
1️⃣Wonder Woman x EC Classic Comic LifePlanner™ ($55)
2️⃣Wonder Woman x EC Classic Comic Note List Pad ($8)
3️⃣Wonder Woman x EC Flair Pin ($8)
4️⃣Wonder Woman x EC Sticker Pack Trio ($8)
5️⃣Wonder Woman x EC Productivity Petite Journal ($9)
6️⃣Wonder Woman x EC Classic Comic Stationery ($15)
Total value $100+⭐💙🍎
Make sure you're already following me @sugarlandsara and simply sign up for my newsletter (link in bio) and you'll be entered. If you are already signed up for the newsletter, nothing else for you to do, you're all set and already entered!💃
I send out a bi-monthly update packed with goodies, resources and tidbits about things I've been up to so make sure to subscribe!🌈
.
.
.
#ECSQUAD #organizer #personalorganizer #organiza #organize #professionalorganizer #organizermurah #organization #homeschoolorganizer #planner #homeschoolplanner #organizing #organized #getorganized #quarantineorganizer #erincondren #homeschool #homeschooling #homeschoolmoms #homeschoolingmamas #homeschoolkids #homeschool2020
Happy humpday friends! Today is turning out to be Happy humpday friends! Today is turning out to be another really busy day and I'm thinking of getting curbside pick-up from my favorite new Sugar Land Town Square restaurant, State Fare! 🎉
We did their incredibly efficient (and contact-less) pick up recently and the food was SO, SO good!! I especially loved the braised beef short ribs and even my pickiest of eaters loved everything (asparagus included!! 💃)! If you haven't tried them out yet, I highly recommend you get to it and don't forget to try the dill pickle dip & queso blanco with brisket (yum!) 😋
And my boys went WILD for their freakin' huge funnel cake (I personally loved the mason jar banana puddin'). Whether you're in Houston or Sugar Land, make sure to check them out and #supportlocal! ❤️
⭐PLUS, if you really want to stretch your dollar, be sure to take part in the Visit Sugar Land Sweet Cash program where every time you purchase a gift card from a local business in Sugar Land (minimum of $40), you can get a bonus gift card from another small business in our city! So for example, I purchased a gift card from State Fare and received a FREE $20 gift card from Guru Burgers and Crepes and I nominated a front line worker to get the same thing! 
Head over to the link in my bio to check out more details and let's go all in for Sugar Land 🌈
🌟🌟Giveaway Time🌟🌟#complimentaryfromMer 🌟🌟Giveaway Time🌟🌟#complimentaryfromMerciHandy
Happy Monday friends! I've partnered with @mercihandy to gift one lucky person $75 worth of goodies from their colorful line of products such as the gorgeously scented shower jelly, cleansing hand gel, deodorant, hand cream and so much more!! 🌈
To enter, simply make sure you're already following me and complete the following two steps:
1️⃣Follow @mercihandy on IG
2️⃣Drop a comment below! 👇For multiple entries, you can tag friends & each comment counts as a new entry! 
Giveaway ends on Friday, August 7th at 5pm and winner will be announced shortly thereafter!🎉
✳️This giveaway is in no way sponsored or endorsed by Instagram or a Facebook. Open to US residents only. By entering, you release Instagram and Facebook of all responsibility. Void where prohibited. ✳️
.
.
.
#mercihandy #giveaway #octolyfamily #wocblogger  #houstonmoms #houstontx #houstonmomblogger #houstonblogger #houstoncontentcreator #htxmom  #texasmoms  #sugarlandtx #sugarland #sltx #sugarlandblogger #sugarlandmoms #houstonkids #htxkids  #momhack #momlife #quarantinelife #momsofig #mondaygiveaway #skincaregiveaway
I got a byline in @huffpost yesterday. Showing up I got a byline in @huffpost yesterday. Showing up with vulnerability about #ppd still feels so scary. But the important thing is to show up. ❤️ 
(link in bio).
Today marks the holiest Islamic holiday for Muslim Today marks the holiest Islamic holiday for Muslims called Eid-al-Adha. It honours the obedience & sacrifice that Ibrahim made to God. But for me, this day commemorates how one year ago, I went on the pilgrimage of a lifetime, Hajj. 🕋
In 2019, I joined 2.5 million Muslims from around the world (yes, that number is correct & not a typo!) who felt compelled to go visit the House of Allah. They say that God invites you when it is your time and I never gave it much thought until all of a sudden, I knew it was my time to go.❤️
I’m not a very religious person by practice and far from pious. But the seed had been planted in my heart & I had no choice but to show up. 
These are some pictures from the trip but they don’t depict how arduous the pilgrimage was. Or crowded. Or even dizzying with an otherworldly spirituality.
Throughout the course for my 14-15 days there, I experienced the most profound mental challenges of my life & felt at times that I wasn’t a part of the living world anymore. Then there were instances when the collective energy of SO MANY people became palpable & lifted me up time & again, like an adrenaline shot of mercy & forgiveness. 
There really is no easy way to put into words what the experience was for me. But I continue to be full of gratitude & awe at everything that transpired a year ago & hope that you are afforded an experience this transformational at least once in your lifetime, irrespective of our differing religion or beliefs. Because divinity can touch all of us, believers and non-believers, saints and sinners alike. 
Eid Mubarak to all celebrating today. 🕌
Happy Wednesday, you guys! 🎈You all probably kn Happy Wednesday, you guys! 🎈You all probably know about my love for my adopted hometown, @sugarlandtxgov but did you know that I've lived here longer than anywhere else in the world? It's been 20+ years here and I think part of my love comes from the fact that I moved around SO much. I've lived in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Chicago, Atlanta, Minnesota, London and can honestly say that there's no better place for me than this diverse gem of a city, deep in the heart of Texas. 💝
Which is why I'm genuinely thrilled to #partner with @visitsugarland and their generous SWEET CASH program that is helping small businesses during this economic downturn and pandemic. Here's how the program essentially works: You buy a gift card from ANY small business in SL (minimum of $40), fill out an online form and then receive an ADDITIONAL gift card (value dependent on the purchase value of initial gift card) and a front line worker receives the same gift card as you! Simple enough, right? Here's an example:
1️⃣I bought a $60 gift card from @decadentsugarland 
2️⃣I then submitted an online form (that took 2 mins to complete)  along with a copy of my gift card receipt
3️⃣While completing the form, I nominated a front line worker of my choice (optional)
4️⃣Once approved, I received a bonus $20 gift card from a small business located in SL. AND the front line worker I nominated also got a $20 gift cards from a small business in SL!
5️⃣Along with getting a great value of $80 in gift cards for the price of $60, my purchase provided a $20 gift card for a front line worker AND helped small businesses thrive in our local community! ❤️
I'm #allinforSL, are you?? 🌈
⭐To view details if the Sweet Cash program, head over to the link in my bio! 
📸: @lipstickandbrunch 
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#sweeterinSL #sugarlandtx #sltx 
#sugarlandmoms #sugarlandeats #sugarlandtexas #sugarlandfoodies #sugarlandtownsquare #sugarlandfood #sugarlandblogger #sugarlandkids
With July almost over, I wanted to share a few res With July almost over, I wanted to share a few resources for #bipocmentalhealthawarenessmonth and have some new posts up on the blog. Head over to the link on on my bio, today I’m featuring @coreyempowers — lawyer, mental health advocate and all-around badass! ❤️
“What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversation.” Glenn Close
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