In honor of Black History Month, we at the Vermont Health Equity Initiative (VHEI) are committed to acknowledging the ongoing struggles of the Black community and working towards creating a more equitable and inclusive healthcare system.

February is International Boost Self-Esteem Month! Self-esteem is an essential factor in overall mental health and well-being; it is the foundation of a positive self-image. It affects how we perceive ourselves and interact with the world around us. Unfortunately, for many Black girls and women, self-esteem can be a significant challenge due to societal and cultural messages that often promote a narrow standard of beauty and value.

In honor of Black History Month, it is vital to recognize and address the unique mental health struggles Black men face. We’ve compiled a list of tips to support Black men and begin open conversation.

This past October, VHEI’s Co-Founder and Program Director, Belan Antensaye, sat down with Dr. Marissa Coleman of The University of Vermont Medical Center to ask Coleman for her insights on the complexities of mental health within the BIPOC community.

We compiled a directory featuring cultural clubs and affinity groups at Vermont colleges! This is a great resource to pass on to a current or incoming BIPOC individuals who are looking to connect with culturally aligned students. 

Bebe Moore Campbell was a pioneer in advocating for equitable mental health care, especially for Black and African-American communities. Through her best-selling books and powerful NPR commentations, she spoke on the harmful mental health stigma in black communities, and how that affected her experience as a Black woman in America.