In the warmly lit confines of the Barner-McDuffie House, a group of 15 Black students embarked on a transformative journey, navigating the intricacies of their mental well-being. The event, titled ‘Mind your Matter’, unfolded as a beacon of hope and understanding, addressing the often overlooked mental health needs of Black students at Syracuse University. Spearheaded by the university’s Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Barnes Center at the Arch, this session, led by peer educators Kelvin Boakye and Kayla Turner, marked a pivotal moment in the conversation about intersectionality and mental health.
Breaking the Silence
The need for such an initiative is underscored by stark realities. A recent study by EAB, as reported by WHYY, reveals that nearly a third of students opt out of college due to mental health concerns, with Black students disproportionately affected. This session aimed to shatter the silence, providing a platform where students could freely explore their identities and the aspects most misunderstood about them. Through interactive activities, Boakye and Turner illuminated the weight of intergenerational trauma and the power of resilience, encouraging an open exchange of experiences and coping strategies.
Empowering Through Education
Amid the discussions, a sobering statistic emerged: approximately 50% of Black students have never received any mental health education before college. This gap, coupled with the heightened stressors unique to their experiences on campus, places an undue burden on these young scholars. The session’s focus on intersectionality served as a critical lens through which students could examine the multifaceted nature of their identities and the compounded impact on their mental health. In doing so, Boakye and Turner not only offered insight but also equipped students with the tools necessary to navigate their mental health journeys with confidence.
Building a Supportive Community
The event culminated in a powerful exercise of self-reflection and affirmation. Participants penned letters to their future selves and adorned mirrors and canvases with messages of self-love, a testament to the session’s impact in fostering a supportive community among Black students. This act of solidarity and self-empowerment resonated deeply, reinforcing the importance of normalizing mental health discussions and ensuring that every student feels seen, heard, and valued.
The ‘Mind your Matter’ talk at Syracuse University stands as a profound reminder of the strength found in vulnerability and the transformative potential of education. By addressing the specific mental health needs of Black students, the university has taken a significant step forward in promoting inclusivity and well-being on campus. As this conversation continues to evolve, it holds the promise of not only uplifting individual students but also shaping a healthier, more compassionate academic community for all.