Black History Month: Popular Culture, Racism and Mental Health

The awareness of systemic racism and mental illness continues to be on the rise, especially in the black community. There is a unique interaction between these major issues in popular culture with the world events which have triggered responses via social media and by organisations such as Black Lives Matter.

As part of Black History Month, the Association of Black Psychiatrists and the Royal College of Psychiatrists are holding a series of webinars examining these issues, their impact on black communities and humanity as a whole.  Join our discussion on popular culture, racism and mental health.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists is dedicated to fighting against race inequality for our patients, carers, members, staff and in wider society. The Association of Black Psychiatrists supports the professional development of black psychiatrists, through education, training, and mentoring and promoting innovation and excellence in the delivery of high quality care. It fosters engagement and discussion about difficult conversations on racism and racial trauma, and is also a medium for teaching and engaging with the younger generation.

Dr. Raphael Travis Jr., LCSW Professor, MSW Program Director at Texas State University, School of Social Work Lab: Collaborative Research for Education, Art, and Therapeutic Engagement (CREATE) Founder and Executive Director, FlowStory, PLLC

J Chambers is an MC, Dub Poet and Senior Lecturer in Music Production and Business at BIMM Institute, Manchester where he developed and introduced the new ‘Business and Culture of Hip Hop’ module. His music is a celebration of being Black and British in contemporary English Culture and explores themes of redemption, Black liberation, freedom and equality. 

Parise is a PhD Education Student at the University of Manchester whose thesis draws upon Black feminist thought to explore and understand the social determinants of adolescent boys’ mental health and wellbeing. She is interested in exploring Black British identities through music and the relationship between Hip Hop and education.