Suicide is up among Black Americans. We need to talk about it.
This article discusses the rising suicide rates among Black Americans, particularly youth, and the urgent need for open dialogue. The author highlights a live NPR event featuring experts and public figures who share personal experiences to destigmatize the conversation around mental health.
Why it matters
It addresses a critical public health crisis and the systemic barriers that prevent marginalized communities from accessing mental health support.
My brother took his own life on May 10, 2010. Rarely a day goes by that I don't think of him. But just because I thought about him, it didn't mean I could talk about him. For a long time, I couldn't.
Sometimes when the subject of suicide came up, I would want to — or literally have to — leave wherever I was. Not helpful if you're in the news business.
I've come to realize that I have to talk about it. We have to talk about it.
Why do we have to? Because our silence is not protecting us.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in