February 2022 Newsletter
Dear MHAS Friend,
As the celebration of Black History month comes to a close, I'd like to honor the legacy and contributions of a mental health hero who helped increase awareness around mental illness.
Bebe Moore Campbell was an author, journalist, teacher, and mental health advocate who made it her mission to bring attention to the mental health needs of Black Americans and other communities of color. Her novel “72 Hour Hold,” a New York Times bestseller in 2006, detailed the epic struggle of mothers and fathers who faced a perilous fight against an unjust mental health system.
Bebe founded the National Alliance on Mental Illness-Inglewood (now known as NAMI Urban LA) in a predominantly Black neighborhood to create a safe space for Black people to talk about mental health concerns. Bebe recognized that existing as a person of color often exacerbates the stigma of mental illness and that racism intensifies the barriers to accessing mental health services.
Bebe passed away in 2006 due to complications with brain cancer. Two years later, the US House of Representatives announced July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
I am proud to give Bebe Moore Campbell her flowers today (and any day!). Bebe envisioned a world in which all of us—no matter our background—would be able to ask for and receive help without being shamed. Our team here at Mental Health Advocacy Services is proud to work towards this same vision through our provision of holistic and culturally competent legal services year-round.
Sincerely,
Jenny Farrell
Executive Director
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