MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK 13-19 MAY 2024: Movement: Moving for Our Mental Health

A Dance of Resilience: Embracing Our Histories and Futures

In the vibrant tapestry of the Black diaspora, each thread tells a story of struggle, resilience, and triumph. As we step into Mental Health Awareness Week this May 2024, under the theme "Movement: Moving for Our Mental Health," we find ourselves at a unique crossroads of history and healing, a place where Black Cultural Archives' vision to collect, preserve, and celebrate the histories of people of African and Caribbean descent in the UK intersects with our journey towards mental wellness. This week, we embrace the values of reflect, disrupt, empower, ignite, and champion, weaving them into the narrative of our collective and individual mental health journeys.

Reflecting on Our Collective Resilience

Our history is not just a backdrop; it's the very stage upon which we confront our mental health challenges today. The stories preserved by the Black Cultural Archives remind us of our ancestors' strength and resilience, offering both solace and strength. Reflecting on our shared past, we're reminded that our struggles with mental health are not signs of weakness but echoes of the enduring spirit that has carried us through centuries of adversity.

Disrupting the Stigma

Mental health stigma has long cast a shadow over our communities, often silencing conversations and isolating those in need. This week, we challenge and disrupt this status quo by moving together—literally and metaphorically. Through movement, whether it's dance, walking, sports, or any physical expression, we not only celebrate our cultural heritage but also highlight the importance of mental and physical health interconnectedness. Let's dismantle the barriers to mental health care and advocate for spaces where our vulnerabilities are met with understanding and compassion.

Empowering Through Movement

Physical movement has profound implications for mental health, offering a tangible pathway to healing and empowerment. By incorporating movement into our lives, we're not just improving our physical well-being; we're also making strides toward emotional and psychological resilience. Community-led initiatives, like dance classes that celebrate African and Caribbean traditions or group walks in our local neighbourhoods, serve as powerful platforms for empowerment, fostering a sense of belonging and community strength.

Igniting Change in Our Approach to Mental Health

This Mental Health Awareness Week let's ignite a new approach to mental wellness within our communities. By integrating the joy, strength, and diversity of our cultural expressions into our mental health strategies, we create a more inclusive and effective framework for healing. Let's champion innovative programs and resources that address our unique needs, ensuring that mental health services are not only accessible but also culturally competent.

Championing a Future of Inclusivity and Well-Being

Our vision for the future is one where the histories and contributions of the Black diaspora are not only recognised but also celebrated as integral to the fabric of British society. In championing this vision, we also advocate for a mental health landscape that is equitable, inclusive, and responsive to our communities' needs. Use this week to foster dialogue, build partnerships, and advocate for policies that support mental health equity.

A Call to Movement

As we move through this Mental Health Awareness Week, let our actions reflect the values of the Black Cultural Archives—honour our past, challenge the present, and build a future where mental health is prioritised and preserved as part of our cultural heritage. Let us dance, walk, and move together, not just for our physical health but for our mental well-being, creating a legacy of strength, unity, and wellness for generations to come.

In this journey, we are not alone. We are part of a vibrant, dynamic community that has always found ways to overcome, to celebrate, and to thrive. We should not forget pioneers like Melba Wilson and many others to follow. Born in 1947 in Virginia, USA Wilson trained as a journalist, gaining a degree in Mass Communication in 1977. She moved to the UK later that year and continued her career as a journalist, specialising in health reporting. Concurrently Melba Wilson also began to write more politically focused pieces about Britain’s Black communities and became a part of the burgeoning Black Women’s Movement. Her work in the Brixton Black Women’s Group, a groundbreaking socialist feminist organisation (1973-1985) alongside her broader involvement in campaigning for the rights of Black women, particularly in the field of healthcare, merited her an OBE in 2007 for her services to healthcare. https://collections.blackculturalarchives.org/repositories/2/archival_objects/6548.

We should continue to move forward with purpose, embracing our collective power to transform the narrative around mental health in the Black diaspora. Together, we reflect, disrupt, empower, ignite, and champion a brighter, healthier future for all.

This Mental Health Awareness Week, let us recommit to moving for our mental health, inspired by the rich tapestry of our histories, and empowered by the collective strength of our communities. Let us challenge the existing narratives, shine a light on the pathways of resilience, and celebrate every step, dance, and movement toward mental wellness. In doing so, we honour our ancestors, support our contemporaries, and lay a foundation of hope and health for the generations that will follow.

Lorna Hunte

Volunteer, Black Cultural Archives

About the author:
Born and raised in the vibrant cultural mosaic of London, I am passionate about exploring the intricate tapestries that weave together culture, history, and art. I enjoy research and writing, and I have a strong interest in the interplay between the past and present and how cultural heritage, stories, and artistic expressions shape today's social behaviours and beliefs. Through my writing, I aim to deepen public appreciation and cultivate a more informed and reflective society.