VISION
"Empowering Minds, Restoring Rights: Our Commitment to Black Mental Health and Human Rights."
Welcome to BLACKadil - where we're changing the conversation about mental health in the African American community. Our mission is to break down historical misconceptions and empower individuals to work in the therapeutic field. We provide top-quality, culturally competent services to all our clients, because we believe that mental health resources should be accessible and inclusive for everyone. Our team is made up of ambitious, driven, and intelligent individuals who are dedicated to making a difference. Join us in creating a better world for all, one where mental health is taken seriously and everyone has the resources they need to thrive.
-William West, CEO
History of Human Rights
The history of human rights dates back to ancient times, with philosophers and leaders recognizing the importance of respecting individual dignity and freedom. The concept of natural law emerged during the Roman Empire, while the Middle Ages established the principle that even kings were subject to the rule of law. The Enlightenment era saw the emergence of modern human rights, and in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations, establishing a set of fundamental human rights. Since then, international treaties and conventions have been established to protect human rights, but human rights violations still occur, the ongoing need to advocate for and protect human rights.
History of Human Rights Consulting
Human rights consulting emerged in the latter part of the 20th century as a new field, primarily driven by the concept of corporate social responsibility. This led to businesses hiring human rights consultants to assess and manage their human rights impact. In the 1990s, human rights consulting expanded to include government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations. Today, human rights consulting is a diverse field, with consultants working in various sectors, including developing and implementing human rights policies and practices for businesses, promoting human rights advocacy for NGOs and governments, and addressing human rights issues at the local level.
Mental health advocacy among Black Americans history
Mental health advocacy among Black Americans has a long and complex history that spans centuries. During slavery, enslaved Black people were often subjected to physical and emotional abuse, which undoubtedly had a significant impact on their mental health. Following the Civil War, many Black Americans continued to face discrimination, racism, and violence, which led to increased stress and trauma.
In the early 1900s, Black mental health advocates began to emerge, including Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller, who became the first Black psychiatrist in the United States in 1907. Dr. Fuller's groundbreaking work focused on the study of Alzheimer's disease and other neurological conditions. He also worked to challenge the prevailing racist and pseudoscientific beliefs about the supposed "inferiority" of Black people's intelligence and mental capacities.
During the Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and 60s, mental health issues began to be recognized as a critical concern for Black Americans. Organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) included mental health issues in their efforts to improve the lives of Black people.
In the 1970s, Black mental health advocacy continued to gain momentum with the formation of organizations such as the Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi), which aimed to address the unique mental health needs of Black people. The ABPsi emphasized the importance of culturally competent mental health care and advocated for policies and practices that recognized the intersection of race, class, and mental health.
In the 1980s and 90s, the HIV/AIDS epidemic disproportionately impacted Black communities, leading to increased advocacy for mental health services and support for those living with the disease. Organizations such as the Black AIDS Institute and the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS were formed to address the mental health needs of those affected by the epidemic.
More recently, the Black Lives Matter movement has brought renewed attention to the mental health challenges faced by Black Americans. Advocates have highlighted the impact of systemic racism, police brutality, and other forms of violence on Black mental health, and have called for increased access to culturally competent mental health care.
Today, Black mental health advocacy continues to be an important part of efforts to improve mental health outcomes for all Americans. Black mental health advocates work to challenge the stigma surrounding mental illness, increase access to mental health care, and promote culturally responsive and trauma-informed approaches to care.
