Celebrating Black History with Pearl and Michelle Artwork

Let's Rethink This

Let’s Rethink This is taking real conversations about mental illness from behind closed doors right out into the open. Hosted by Abby Berger, episodes will explore the complex corners of mental illness by having candid conversations with people living with a severe mental illness and mental health providers on how mental illness affects all aspects of life including education, employment, housing, relationships and so much more. Let’s Rethink This is bringing you real stories of the challenges of mental illness along with real inspiration to manage the symptoms of mental illness, find belonging and purpose in your community, and gain the confidence to live a healthy, quality life.

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Let's Rethink This

Celebrating Black History with Pearl and Michelle

March 21, 2022 • Abby Berger • Episode 38

Date: March 21, 2022

Name of Show: Let’s Rethink This

Episode title and number: Celebrating Black History with Pearl & Michelle

Brief summary of show: This week I am speaking with two Independence Center members, Pearl and Michelle about Black History Month and how members and staff have been celebrating this month. Pearl and Michelle both participate in the member led group, The Conversation Stars Here. This group meets weekly, and their mission is to “promote unity, dialogue, action, and education to create a safe, antiracist, and equitable atmosphere of belonging. This group discusses all types of diversity, equity, and inclusion matters but for the purposes of this conversation we will be speaking about Black History Month.

Bullet points of key topics & timestamps:

1:15 - 2:30 Pearl & Michelle's Background

3:09 - 5:05 Black History Month

5:15 - 5:56 Why Celebrating Black History is Important for Black People

6:31 - 7:53 Establishment of Conversation Starts Here

8:09 - 11:14 How 'Conversation Starts Here' Benefits Members

11:23 - 14:12 Why It's Important to Celebrate Black History Month in February

16:03 - 21:57 Celebrations of Black History

25:31 - 28:42 Blackfishing or Passing for Black

28:53 - 29:36 Celebrating Diversity

35:03 - 37:11 Stigma of Mental Illness in the Black Community

37:11 - 40:15 Importance of Black Providers in Mental Health Settings