By Crystal Joseph, a licensed mental health therapist in Maryland & Virginia and Chief Media Liaison for Nefertiti Network
(WASHINGTON, DC – February 3, 2025) The first week of a new administration can usher in significant change, especially some when policies disproportionately affect Black communities. As we navigate these shifts, it’s essential to prioritize mental health while remaining engaged in the fight for justice. Below are tips to protect your psychological safety and foster resilience in cities like Baltimore, Newark, Detroit, Miami, and Prince George’s County, Maryland.
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Understand the Stakes: Know Your Rights and the Legacy of the 14th Amendment
Trump’s executive orders have reignited debates around birthright citizenship and the 14th Amendment, which affirmed citizenship for formerly enslaved persons. The potential undermining of this amendment impacts immigration, voting rights, and the legacy of racial equity in America.
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- Actionable Tip: Stay informed by following reputable legal experts and organizations like the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.
- Educational Resource: Watch Exterminate All the Brutes (HBO) to understand the historical roots of systemic oppression and how policies are often wielded to maintain power hierarchies.
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Rest as Resistance: Protect Your Energy for the Fight Ahead
Policies targeting marginalized communities often aim to exhaust and silence dissent. Rest is a revolutionary act, especially when designed to recharge for the continued fight against systemic injustice.
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- Actionable Tip: Set boundaries with media consumption to avoid burnout. Engage with trusted outlets like BMore News, The Root or Blavity that center Black voices. The Nap Ministry, an organization which emphasizes the power of naps as liberation, may be a good start.
- Historical Context: Audre Lorde said, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” Remember, rest is a tool for resilience.
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Build Local Power: Organize in Your Community
Cities like Detroit and Baltimore are often the first to feel the impacts of federal executive orders, particularly regarding housing, policing, and healthcare access. Collective action can amplify your voice and create change at the local level.
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- Actionable Tip: Join or support local advocacy groups, such as Detroit Action or CASA Maryland, that are fighting for policy changes affecting urban Black and Latino communities.
- Educational Resource: Revisit Eyes on the Prize (PBS) to learn how grassroots organizing during the Civil Rights Movement created lasting impact.
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Create Safe Spaces for Processing and Healing
Uncertainty and fear can increase anxiety and trauma in Black communities. Creating spaces for open dialogue and healing is essential to address collective pain and reinforce solidarity.
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- Actionable Tip: Attend virtual or in-person support groups led by Black therapists or faith leaders. PsycYourMind and similar platforms often host events to process national stressors.
- Social Media Tip: Voice your strategies offline, not on social media apps where usage and engagement behaviors are quantified.
- Media Recommendation: Watch 13th (Netflix) to explore the connection between historical oppression and present-day challenges. Use it as a starting point for group discussions.
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Lean on Historical Resilience: Remember We’ve Overcome Before
The systemic targeting of Black communities isn’t new, but our history of resilience is a blueprint for survival and triumph. Whether it’s Jim Crow laws or modern executive orders, we have always risen to the challenge.
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- Actionable Tip: Reflect on personal or familial stories of resilience. Engage in acts that celebrate Black culture, from reading James Baldwin to supporting Black-owned businesses.
Stay grounded, stay informed, and take care of your mental health. Policies can create significant challenges, but our legacy of resistance and resilience will guide us forward. Remember: Rest is critical, but our fight continues.
