Twenty-five Black student leaders from Jacksonville recently participated in a White House meeting about Black youth mental health and suicide.
The group from the Jacksonville-based I’m a Star Foundation‘s leadership program for students ages 12 to 18 was invited to the Sept. 18 Black Youth Mental Health Convening in Washington.
They spoke at both the White House Office of Public Engagement and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships. They also discussed distracted driving at the National Transportation Safety Board, where former Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown is a board member.
Their proposed locally based solutions include expansion of the foundation’s leadership training “to increase students’ resilience,” regional youth leader and youth mental health summits led by I’m A Star students and student-led “Mindful Midweek” stress-relief sessions broadcast in schools. Other options are development of an EmpowerME wellness app for teens; youth mental health clubs in schools; and expansion of the I’m A Star mental health toolkits.
“I was beyond impressed and proud,” foundation founder and board chairwoman Betty Burney said. “The students passionately shared their insights and proposed solutions to help their peers manage stress, anxiety and the crucial decision to choose life.”
The suicide rate among Black adolescents is increasing faster than other racial and ethnic groups, jumping 144% among 10- to 17-year-olds from 2007 to 2020, according to the Pew Charitable Trust, citing federal figures.
At the Health and Human Services Department, the group took part in’ “table talks” and focus groups, Burney said.
White House and Health and Human Services leaders said they admired the students’ “knowledge, critical thinking skills and eloquence” and asked them to participate in other ongoing initiatives. A collaboration is planned on a way “to inform policy on Black youth mental health and suicide prevention,” Burney said.
The September visit was not I’m a Star’s first encounter with the Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships. In April, the Rev. Que English, center director, came to Jacksonville for a two-day I’m A Star event focused on youth empowerment.Established in 2010, the foundation “provides an outlet for students … to develop solutions to help their peers overcome negative statistics,” according to the foundation website. Star is an acronym for “smart, talented and resilient” students.
Every year the foundation recruits 35 student leaders from Duval County middle and high schools. They “strategize” ways to improve childhood obesity, food deserts and student homelessness, and so far have come up with service projects including an annual healthy food and fitness festival and fundraising to provide resources and scholarships for homeless students, according to the website.
bcravey@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4109