BONUS EDITION: Black People Die By Suicide Too & Upcoming Guests
?? This newsletter discusses suicide and mental health struggles. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org . ??
Suicide Prevention Month: Special Podcast Episode with Black People Die By Suicide Too (BPDBST)
September is Suicide Prevention Month , but the work of suicide prevention is every day of every month. One organization that is dedicated to suicide prevention 365 days of the year is Black People Die By Suicide Too . It was truly an honor for Justin Stewart and I to sit down with Jordan Scott and Brittany Hanani for a raw, vulnerable, and powerful conversation about suicide in the Black community. And believe it or not, we shared a lot of laughs too! Full episode here .
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the second leading cause of death for African Americans between the ages of 15 and 24. It is particularly prevalent among Black men, who die by suicide at a rate more than four times that of Black women (Young Black men are dying by suicide at alarming rates ( uga.edu ) ).
Suicide has impacted so many of us, whether it be a relative, friend, co-worker, or maybe even student--but how many of us talk about it? And why don't we talk about it? I had a relative who died by suicide, and everyone will talk freely about him having brain surgery or a stroke, but no one will say out loud that he ultimately died by suicide.
I also had a student who died by suicide, and I remember reading the words, "he died suddenly." And I thought, was it a heart attack? What could have caused a young man who I thought was healthy, to die suddenly? I found out from his classmates that he actually took his own life. Those situations happened many years apart and in two completely different parts of the country, but the response was the same--silence--and maybe even denial.
Silence is killing so many people, which is why our book and our podcast are both titled, "We're Not OK," because we want others to feel comfortable sharing when they are not OK and why they're not OK and we hope that through our community of healing, we provide you with some tools, solutions, encouragement, and joy.
We are so glad that there are organizations like BPDBST , that focus on the very important work of reducing the stigma around suicide.
We dedicate this episode to anyone who is struggling with thoughts of suicide and those who have died by suicide. Since the foundation of our work is in higher education, we want to especially dedicate this episode to the life of Antoinette "Bonnie" Candia-Bailey .
On January 8, 2024, she died by suicide after allegedly being bullied and harassed in her workplace. Following her death, several Black women from various industries shared similar struggles, and for what felt like the first time--many of us were sharing that we were not OK--out loud. We urge you to please keep sharing, seek support, and stay with us--because you are loved and needed here. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org .
September 20th Jordan Scott & Brittany Hanani: Black People Die By Suicide Too. Click Here for the full episode on Apple Podcasts and here for Spotify.
Jordan Scott serves as the community outreach/peer support manager, co-founder, and board member of Black People Die By Suicide Too (BPDBST). She assists with the management of peer support programs, co-developing educational workshops and training initiatives, supporting podcast and communication efforts, and working collaboratively with the executive director on programming and fundraising. Additionally, she is the co-host and producer of the Black People Die By Suicide Too Podcast .
Living with depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, Jordan Scott was born in Washington, D.C. and raised in the predominantly African-American suburbs of Prince George’s County, Maryland. From an early age, she harbored a desire to assist others in leading happy and productive lives, sparking her journey into mental health recovery.
Jordan earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Georgia State University and a Master’s degree in the Administration of Human Services from Wilmington University. She is deeply passionate about mental health and is committed to reducing the stigma surrounding suicide.
Brittany Hanani is a dedicated advocate, therapist, and board President of Black People Die by Suicide Too where she brings her expertise in mental health and personal resilience to the forefront. Her journey is marked by both professional accomplishments and personal triumph over adversity.
As a licensed therapist, Brittany has devoted her career to supporting individuals navigating mental health challenges. Using a strength-based approach, her clinical practice emphasizes compassionate care reflecting her commitment to improving the well-being of her clients and community. Beyond her clinical work, Brittany serves as a valued board member of, Black People Die by Suicide Too where she plays a pivotal role in shaping strategic initiatives and programs that promote mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Her insights as both a therapist and a suicide survivor bring a unique perspective to the organization's mission.
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Brittany's journey with suicide survival has deeply influenced her advocacy efforts. Through public speaking engagements, media appearances, and her role as a guest on Black People Die by Suicide Too podcast, she shares her story with authenticity and courage, aiming to reduce stigma and inspire hope in others facing similar challenges.
Topics Covered in the Black People Die By Suicide Too Episode :
Up Next to the Mic...
October 4-- Tequila M Johnson, PMP , known as “The Mouth of the South,” is a renowned activist, community organizer, and political strategist. Listed on Nashville’s Power 100 for three consecutive years (2021-2024), she has received numerous accolades, including the 2022 RH Boyd Legacy in Service Award, the 2023 NAACP Legacy Award, and the 2022 Salute to Excellence Award. As the co-founder and CEO of The Equity Alliance , a Black-led Tennessee-based network, Johnson spearheads initiatives to empower marginalized communities through economic opportunities and civic engagement. Recognized for her impactful work, she has been featured in major publications and news outlets.
Tequila’s commitment to justice and equity is evident in her culturally relevant programs and events that amplify the voices of those facing injustice. Her extensive list of awards includes the 2020 Roddenberry Civil Rights Fellow and the 2021 Echoing Green Fellow. A graduate of Tennessee State University with a master’s degree in counseling psychology, Tequila is pursuing a Ph.D. in industrial and organizational psychology.
She is a certified project manager, holds a graduate certificate in grant writing and nonprofit management, and actively contributes to various boards and organizations. Tequila’s passion extends beyond her professional life; she serves on the Metro Nashville Industrial Development Board, the sustainable business coalition, and is the Vice President of Rosebank Elementary PTO. In her leisure time, she enjoys singing in her church choir, dancing, and cherishing moments with her daughter. Follow @theequityalliance on Instagram.
October 18-- Danielle S. Mitchell is an experienced Clinical Research Professional bringing diversity and much-needed change to one of the most critical industries. She has helped many professionals increase their reach and opportunities through Black Women in Clinical Research (BWICR) , Black Men in Clinical Research (BMICR), and Minorities In Clinical Research (MICR). Presently, the organization has over 15,000 active members. The mission is to educate, empower, support, and help Black women, men, and minorities thrive in the clinical research industry." Follow @bwicr20 on Instagram.
Join Danielle at the Black Women in Clinical Research Conference and gain valuable insights and knowledge from industry experts. Network with like-minded professionals and stay updated on advancements in the field. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your skills and advance your career.
The 2nd Annual Black Women in Clinical Research (BWICR) Conference is an essential event for professionals seeking to break barriers and fortify resilience in the clinical research field. With the theme "Breaking Barriers, Building Resilience," this conference promises a dynamic platform to address the unique challenges faced by black women in the industry. Registration closes on October 4th so get your tickets now: Black Women In Clinical Research Conference Tickets – BWICR.
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