Let’s Talk: Black Women Exploring Journeys in Mental Health

Burnout, stress, anxiety — we’ve all been there. Mental health affects everyone,
so why isn’t everyone talking about it?

Stigma and discrimination can make it hard to have honest conversations about mental wellness,
especially for Black women, whose mental health has long been undervalued, underfunded,
and under-acknowledged. But it’s time to flip the script. Together with Black Girls Smile and
the kate spade new york Foundation, we’re shining a light on Black women’s mental health,
so you can feel empowered throughout every step of your journey. No fluff, no filler — just real
stories, perspectives, and advice from women who look like you.

You can also join the conversation using #KateSpadeNYLetsTalk on social media.

Together with kate spade new york and Black Girls Smile, Her Campus hosted the first chapter of Let’s Talk: Black Women Exploring Journeys in Mental Health.

During the event, Black mental health experts, content creators, and more gathered to share their stories,
perspectives, and advice for prioritizing your mental health and nurturing your wellbeing as a Black woman.
Missed the first event or want to rewatch your favorite session?

Check out the full recording below:

Schedule

Burnout and the Myth of Doing it All

with Dr. Vivid, Doctor of Clinical Psychology and Mental Health Advocate;
Shadaè Lezama, Content Creator and Activist; & Nylah Boone, Travel Influencer and Content Creator

Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt like the world expects you to be “doing it all.”
Whether you’re in college or working a 9-5, chances are you’ve experienced burnout at some
point (even if you didn’t realize it). Dr. Vivid, Shadaè, and Nylah discuss their experiences with personal and
community pressure and offer tips for protecting your energy, managing expectations, and dealing with burnout.

Building Sisterhood and Community

Shevon Jones, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Founder and CEO of the Mental Wellness Collective,
and Zion Ross, Student and Content Creator 

We all need a group of sisters we can lean on through the good days, the bad days, and
every day in between. Zion and Shevon discuss the value of community, sisterhood, and self-expression.
Plus, they share their strategies for building support systems and safe spaces.

Special Guest Logan Browning

In conversation with Alexis Barber, Content Creator, Host of "You’re Too Smart for This" Podcast

Accessing Mental Health Services & Support

with Lauren Carson, Executive Director of Black Girls Smile and
Mykal-Michele Longino, Marketing Specialist and Content Creator

Let’s be honest — finding a healthcare provider that understands your unique experiences
as a Black woman isn’t always easy. Lauren and Mykal-Michele sit down to discuss how to find the right
mental health services and support and share their tips for navigating clinical mental health resources.

With Personal Stories From:

Ivy Coco  Nae Wallace Rayy Syymone Maria Cadet Lauren Chambers

Resources by Segment

Building Sisterhood and Community

Black Female Therapists

Quilt

Accessing Mental Health Services & Support

Open Path Collective 

The Steve Fund

Active Minds

Speakers

  • Ciara Hall

    (she/her)

    Senior Manager, Sales and Business Development

    Her Campus Media

    Instagram

  • Dr. Vivid

    (she/her)

    Doctor of Clinical Psychology, Mental Health Advocate

    Instagram

  • Shadaè Lezama

    (she/her)

    Content Creator and Activist

    Instagram

  • Nylah Akua

    (she/her)

    Travel Influencer and Content Creator

    Instagram

  • Ivy Coco

    (she/her)

    Digital Creator, Vice President of Walk Good LA

    Instagram

  • Nae Wallace

    (she/her)

    Digital Creator

    Instagram

  • Shevon Jones

    (she/her)

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Founder & CEO

    Mental Wellness Collective

    Instagram

  • Zion Ross

    (she/her)

    Student and Content Creator

    Instagram

  • Rayy Syymone

    (she/her)

    Fitness Trainor

    Instagram

  • photo credit Diana Ragland

    Logan Browning

    (she/her)

    Actress

    Instagram

    Photo By Diana Ragland

  • Alexis Barber

    (she/her)

    Content Creator, Host of "You’re Too Smart for This" Podcast

    Instagram

  • Maria Cadet

    (she/her)

    Blogger

    Instagram

  • Lauren Chambers

    (she/her)

    Blogger

    Instagram

  • Lauren Carson

    (she/her)

    Executive Director

    Black Girls Smile

    LinkedIn

  • Mykal-Michele Longino

    (she/her)

    Marketing Specialist and Content Creator

    Instagram

 This event provides an open space for conversations and personal experiences to be shared. Some content during the event may include discussions on mental health topics such as eating disorders, self-harm, suicidal thoughts and depression that some participants may find triggering. We ask all participants help to create an atmosphere of mutual respect and sensitivity.

Text HOME to 741741 to connect with Crisis Text Line in the U.S.