African-Heritage People and “Mental Health” Liberation
In March of this year I attended the African-Heritage People and “Mental Health” Liberation Workshop led by Barbara Love [International Liberation Reference Person for African Heritage People] and Jenny Martin [International Liberation Reference Person for “Mental Health” Liberation]. I am still reaping the benefits.
The following are some of my highlights:
We shared our “mental health” stories. I became more aware of my early hurts and the ways I had attempted to cope.
Everyone worked on early unbearable hurts. This made it safe for all of us to work deeply.
Jenny reviewed Janet Foner’s “Five-Point Program for Getting Present and Staying That Way.” [See www.rc.org/publication/journals/recovery_and_ re-emergence/rr7/rr7_003_jf. Janet Foner was the former International Liberation Reference Person for “Mental Health” Liberation. She died in 2019.] It was great to be reminded of these points and to see how they connected to Jenny’s direction “I can take complete charge of my mind and fulfill my wildest dreams.” Discharging on this direction as an African-heritage woman felt revolutionary.
Barbara spoke to us about racial trauma and the large amount of racism we continue to experience every day. This should not be taken lightly. I realized how important it is to take my self-care seriously and prioritize my healing.
I had an epiphany: “I no longer want to ‘live’ in my head.” This means that I no longer want to be preoccupied with my distress. As a young person, the only option available when challenges arose was to “go away” in my head to try to solve problems or escape. At the workshop I decided not to do that anymore. I am trying to live my life in line with Jenny’s direction and the five-point program. I am grateful to everyone who made this workshop happen. It has changed my life!
Oakland, California, USA
(Present Time 208, July 2022)