Your Voice: When it comes to mental health, what is your opinion on therapy and its importance to the Black Community?

Nia Quincey

Decatur

“I believe in therapy. I believe black people, of all people, need therapy because we have generational trauma that is carried on and passed on that we don’t know how to deal with because we didn’t experience it. However, we are still suffering from it and our dramas, so we need to know how to distinguish and make better choices from them. Relationships, personal… I think therapy is a positive tool that can equip us all for good decision-making.”

Conchetta Wearen

Fayetteville

“Do I think therapy is good? Yes. Do I believe black people need therapy? I do. I believe everybody needs therapy. Therapy is a good outlet. It’s a way for people to express themselves without getting any criticism or anybody judging them. And actually, it’s a way to have someone help you cope with whatever issues you’re going through. I think it’s good. It’s a good release. A good way to get yourself situated if you need some help to get your life in order.”

Fredrick Hope Jr.

Atlanta

“I feel like it’s very much needed, especially in my community where we deal with a lot of crap, a lot of poverty, a lot of trauma, and a lot of gun violence. I mean, there’s a lot of negativity to me. I’m 44 years old, and just from my upbringing, man, I have witnessed over 300-400 kids that have died, and so, you know, I’m traumatized myself. I definitely know I need to be in some therapy just for the line of work I do. I’m a Violence Interrupter for an organization called Cure Violence Atlanta.”

Shamir Wallace

Atlanta

“I feel like therapy is necessary for everybody involved with any trauma. I think it’s not just something for white people, young people, or older adults. It’s something anybody can use to work through any issues, move forward in life, and live a happy life.”

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