By: Nicki Reid, Bilingual BA
A Brief History
This year, Black Mental Health week is taking place from March 3 - 9, 2025. In 2020, the city of Toronto “officially declared the first Monday of March as Toronto’s first Black Mental Health Day” to raise awareness about the various contributing factors that negatively impact the mental health of Black people such as anti-Black racism as well as solutions to help support those in the Black community moving forward. In 2021, it was expanded to Black Mental Health Week which “now occurs annually during the first full week of March.”
This Year’s Theme
According to Black Mental Health week, the theme for this year, Joy as Resistance, “underscores the power of joy as an act of defiance against systemic oppression.” There are 3 main points to keep in mind:
The events for this year will be focusing and highlighting the aforementioned. For more information and resources, please visit the following websites: The City of Toronto Black Mental Health Week, Statement from The Government of Canada’s Public Health Agency, and The Canadian Mental Health Association - Ottawa.
Events
There are several organizations such as the Black Health Alliance, Strides Toronto, TAIBU Community Health Centre, and others that are hosting various activities in and around the city. From dinners, to art shows, film viewings, panel discussions, virtual webinars, and more.
To view the events, check out Black Mental Health Week and The Federation of Black Canadians.
Mental Health, Joy, Laughter, and You
The impact of anti-Black racism in our community is far reaching; impacting all of us from the elderly to the young and permeating every aspect of our existence. As Black mamas, we are not only the pillars of our families, but also of our communities; which is one of the reasons why it’s of the utmost importance that we prioritize caring for ourselves physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
I invite you to take some time to turn inwards as you sit with, reflect upon, and / or journal about the following:
Final Thoughts
In closing, always remember the principle of Ubuntu - I am because we are. You are not alone, you are supported, you are loved. You got this. We got this.
If you are in need of support, connect with Mino Care. They offer free counselling sessions for Black parents in a 1:1 or group session. For more information and to learn about their other services, read here.
Take deep care, stand confidently in your power, and be well mama.
Nicki Reid, Bilingual BA
Certified Transformational Coach | Certified Essential Oil Specialist |
Certified ARōMATOUCH Practitioner | 200 YTT , Wholesome Mind Health Coaching