Prioritizing your wellbeing. Resting, setting boundaries, choosing joy, seeking mental health support — isn’t selfish.

“People of color, particularly African Americans, feel the stigma more keenly. In a race-conscious society, some don’t want to be perceived as having yet another deficiency.” – Bebe Moore

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. As we move through the second half of it, please take a moment to check in with yourself. How in touch are you with your emotions? Do you brush them off? Do you try to reason them away? Give yourself space to feel; join us on July 25th at the SAiD Library as we reflect, reset, and enjoy the healing power of music. AfroSounds is our highly anticipated night of live performances from incredible local talent that takes place every three months. It’s the perfect atmosphere to breathe in, let go, and give in. The SAiD Library is a safe space for us, by us. It does not come to you by chance. Invite a friend, colleague, or loved one. Spread the word. Let’s jam.

Our last Art & Inform was incredible. We had an amazing turnout. As always, our dedicated art instructor, William North, showed up and showed out. We also met some new people. We hope to see them again at our next session. This particular session was very important as it was our first one-day Art camp. From 11 am to 4 pm, our students were given the space to work on their two exhibition pieces. In the next few months, they will be showcasing their work. We are already counting down. With all being SAiD, well done, Art & Inform! The program continues to remind the rest of the community why the children are our future.

Speaking of community and future, let’s talk about ours. Our wonderful founder, Mr. Debo Folorunsho, has poured so much into this phenomenon. As we approach our sixth anniversary in August (less than a month away!) I encourage us all to visit our website and donate to our Africa House, an extension of our MLK Dream, our “any means necessary”, our next stop on this beautiful journey of community building and engagement. The Africa House is a repurposed residential building dedicated to African and African American scholarship. This is a haven for not only the survival of our culture, but the thriving of the academic, artistic, and even business-minded experts who have dedicated themselves to our vision. What is our vision? To provide uninhibited. To make beautiful art. To connect. To enrich. To amplify these global contributors. We are a bridge, and we need some concrete. The Africa House is not just a house; it is a home.