This Week on American Black Journal:

Suicide Prevention Month spotlights efforts to combat the stigma around mental illness

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about mental health, combating stigma and providing resources to prevent suicide. One in five Americans are affected by mental health conditions according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). That’s a statistic NAMI Michigan Executive Director Kevin Fischer knows well.  

Fischer, who lost his son to suicide 14 years ago, advocates for eliminating the stigma around mental illness and dispelling myths about suicide, particularly in the African American community. NAMI Michigan offers free education, skills training, and support for individuals with mental illness and their families.

NAMI was founded in 1979 and has since become the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization. What began as support for a small group of families has evolved into a nationwide network of local affiliates, state organizations, and volunteers. Today, the organization provides resources for those managing their own mental health and caregivers supporting others. 

Host Stephen Henderson talks with Fischer about the loss of his son and his organization’s advocacy efforts surrounding mental illness and suicide.

Caleb’s Kids supports metro Detroit students’ mental health during Suicide Prevention Month

In a world where mental health struggles have skyrocketed, especially among young children and teens, one young woman from Detroit has stepped up to support students through her nonprofit Caleb’s Kids. The organization serves metro Detroit area youth in 4th through 12th grades by providing tools, educational resources and materials, workshops, and other support in the efforts to strengthen mental health and prevent suicide.

Founder and CEO Kiesha Jackson formed the company after losing her younger brother Caleb to suicide, and she now seeks to provide hope and help for young people experiencing mental health challenges in the city of Detroit. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 10-24 nationwide, and Jackson roots her work specifically in metro Detroit where she was born and raised and where she wants to make the most impact.

In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month in September, “American Black Journal” contributor Angela Brown talks with Jackson about how the tragedy of losing her brother created the spark for Caleb’s Kids and explained what students are taking away from workshops on coping skills and emotional intelligence. Plus, two former participants talk about the impact Caleb’s Kids had on their lives.

5th annual Detroit Black Film Festival couples with Taste of Black Spirits National Conference

The 5th annual Detroit Black Film Festival returns to the city Sept. 25-29, featuring an array of independent films at venues across the city. This year’s festival is themed “Cinema & Culture over Cocktails” and will be held in tandem with the Taste of Black Spirits National Conference, a tasting and educational event focusing on Black-owned spirits and beverages. 

The film festival includes 57 short and feature-length films from both emerging and veteran Black filmmakers. The Taste of Spirits event also includes financial education workshops and access to spirit and beverage distributors. Together, they’re focused on celebrating Black culture and creativity. 

The two events are supported by the Ford Foundation and will be hosted at venues across metro Detroit including the Marlene Boll YMCA Theater, The Carr Center, the Michigan State University Detroit Center and more. Full festival passes and single-day tickets are available for purchase.

Host Stephen Henderson talks with the festival’s co-directors Marshalle and Lazar Favors about the various film genres represented at the festival, how the films were selected, and the festival’s impact on the independent film industry locally and around the world. They also talk about the activities taking place during the Taste of Black Spirits Conference.

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