Why Black People Need Permission to be Mentally Ill

In April 2016, Ebony and her family were shook by the suicide of her cousin. Her cousin who prior to, had no signs of mental illness. In July 2019, she released a children’s book titled Dear Black Boy: It’s Ok to Cry. Dedicated to her cousin and the many boys and men across the globe that silence their pain and emotions due to stigmas and lack of knowledge/ encouragement to seek help. Ebony will discuss the silent cry that exists in our communities. She will look at the stigmas and historical context that have plagued African American communities for far too long. And explore the idea of needed permission for black people and people of color to be mentally ill despite the trauma and disparities they face daily.