Black and Blue (series)
A discussion and exploration of mental health from my POV.
This series was birthed from an impromptu painted self-portrait (pictured below). From there, it bloomed into a deeper look into my mental health as well as the mental health of folks in the black community.
My interest in mental health heightened in college while dealing and learning about my own mental health. With the help of my friends and my wonderful guidance/mentors, I was able to found an organization, REVIVE, centered around folks of color to create safe spaces to discuss, explore, and educate on the realms of health and wellness and how it looks within our respective communities.
It was through my involvement with REVIVE that I learned more about the stigmas that exist within different cultures. Every culture has their own the stigmas that shape language(s) and behaviors around our health and health concerns.
The series started with a deep dive into my mental health. After discussing my own health more openly and exchanging with others, I've learned that we're not so different in our expression, feelings, etc. Though our health is unique, there are things that connect us all.
"When we know ourselves to be connected to all others, acting compassionately is simply the natural thing to do."
- Rachel Naomi Remen
