Celebrating Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
Delve into the legacy of Bebe Moore Campbell as this article examines the significance of National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, spotlighting the unique challenges and cultural strengths within BIPOC communities.
Celebrating Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
Date: July 8, 2024
Author: Brittany Oneill
July is a significant month for mental health awareness, particularly within Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. Named in honor of Bebe Moore Campbell, a revered advocate and author, Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month shines a spotlight on the unique challenges and strengths of BIPOC individuals in navigating mental health.
Who was Bebe Moore Campbell?
Bebe Moore Campbell was a journalist, teacher, and passionate mental health advocate for the Black community and other marginalized groups. Her legacy lives on through this month of awareness, promoting mental health equity and breaking stigma.
Addressing Stigma and Cultural Differences
Stigma is a major barrier to mental health care in BIPOC communities. Cultural beliefs, fear of judgment, and lack of access often prevent individuals from seeking help. Open, respectful dialogue is key to dismantling stigma and encouraging culturally sensitive support.
Generational Perspectives on Mental Health
Attitudes toward mental health vary by generation. Bridging generational gaps through conversation fosters understanding and healing across families and communities.
Encouraging Open Conversations
Despite historical adversity, BIPOC communities thrive through resilience. Sharing stories and lived experiences helps normalize mental health discussions and inspires others to seek help.
Seeking Support and Taking Action
Finding culturally competent mental health care is crucial. Whether through therapy, support groups, or conversations with trusted individuals, taking the first step can lead to healing and empowerment.
Mental Health America's screening tools provide a confidential and accessible way to assess symptoms. These screenings can start important conversations with healthcare providers and guide individuals to appropriate care.
BIPOC Mental Health Resources
Resources for Immediate Assistance
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 24/7 free and confidential support. Call 988 (Spanish & English); TTY: 1-800-799-4889. 988lifeline.org
- Crisis Chat: Text HELLO (English) or AYUDA (Spanish) to 741741. crisistextline.org
- Call Blackline: Social justice-based crisis support for BIPOC communities. Call 1-800-604-5841. callblackline.com
- Project LETS: Trans Lifeline for crisis support without police involvement. Call 877-565-8860. projectlets.org
Spanish-language Assistance
- APA La Salud Mental: Bilingual mental health resources. psychiatry.org
- Su Familia (National Alliance for Hispanic Health): Free, confidential help in English and Spanish. Call 1-866-783-2645 (Mon–Fri, 9 AM–6 PM). healthyamericas.org
- NIMH Resource Center: Spanish and English mental health info and publications. Call 1-866-615-6464 (Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM–5 PM ET). infocenter.nimh.nih.gov
Related Reading from Our Advocacy Corner
Stay informed and inspired by exploring more stories from our Advocacy Corner. From uplifting community visits to powerful policy insights and personal recovery journeys, these articles spotlight the people and progress shaping mental health advocacy today.
Transforming Lives, Strengthening Communities
From peer-led recovery programs to statewide advocacy and education, our work touches thousands of lives every year. These numbers reflect our deep commitment to accessible, compassionate, and person-centered mental health support across Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania.
8,480
individuals and families served
34
active programs across the region
1,106
Peer Specialists trained each year
5,801
people supported through direct services
3000+
individuals reached monthly through homeless outreach
1,573
engaged in community advocacy
Real Stories of Hope and Recovery
We’re here to champion every journey to wellness, offering unwavering support and transformational advocacy. Together, we foster resilience and recovery—so everyone can thrive and live their fullest life in the community, free from barriers to mental health care.
"I'm so grateful for the community that's here and the people that I get to work with in a way that they inspire me every day."
"Every experience I've had with MHP thus far has been great, from the training to being able to get support, a community, sponsorships to go places I never thought I'd go."
"MHP has given me so much, I want to give back."
"Give you your own purpose, you know, just like doing something more. Just a good feeling for me. Now I can be productive."
"MHP has a long history of being a really trusted and reliable resource for peer specialists.
So these experiences already live within your walls."
"The incredible empowerment and the impact that peers have in the field of mental health."
"There's something really, really powerful that happens when you're connecting with someone who's sitting across from you and says, you know, I see you and I hear you. Because I've been there."
"...and just that little click. Wow, it's so powerful just to have somebody who understands exactly how you feel, because we can sympathize all day, but to have somebody else in the room with me, to say, I've done it too, I've experienced that too, allows for a bond that goes beyond words."
"That opened me up to talk to other people so I could coach them and have them get the aha moment again. I did it and I'm glad that I got into new ways of thinking."
"I'm able to be helpful just to know that, like, all that hard work I put through actually paid off."
"And I hope that everybody would get the opportunity to connect with that organization"
"At Mental Health Partnerships. Together..."
"Together..."
"Together..."
"Together...we build hope."
"Together...we build hope."
"We build hope."
"We build hope."
"Together...we build hope."
"Together...we build hope."
"Together...we build hope."
"Period!"
Guiding Principles for Empowerment and Growth
At the heart of our mission lies a steadfast commitment to core values that shape every aspect of our work. These values—rooted in hope, empowerment, and respect—guide us in fostering environments where individuals can thrive, exercise self-determination, and pursue lifelong learning. By embracing a holistic, non-judgmental, and culturally aware approach, we empower individuals to achieve their full potential and contribute to their communities.
Together, We Build Hope
At Mental Health Partnerships, we are dedicated to fostering hope and resilience. Our mission is to create a supportive environment where individuals can regain control of their mental health and live fulfilling lives. We offer personalized care that aligns with your unique needs and helps you connect with a community that cares.
Real Stories of Hope & Gratitude
Hear directly from individuals whose lives have been touched by our programs and services. Whether it’s case management, family support, or peer-led guidance, these stories showcase the power of compassionate care and unwavering belief in every person’s potential for recovery and growth.
Let’s Take the Next Step Together
At MHP, we understand that the journey to mental wellness can feel overwhelming. With peer-led support, proven resources, and a warm, caring community, we’re here to guide you through every step—so you never have to walk this path alone.