Explore what Black History Month and Black Art, Culture and Sporting Influencers, Means To Our Collaborators - Joe Barksdale and Kayla McBride
Black History Month is a time to deepen the spotlight on the enormous impact Black Americans have on our nation.
It’s a time of celebration, pride, resilience – and how this can uplift the mental health of Black youth.
A recent study showed 76% of Black folks feel race is a huge part of their identity. And having a sense of ethnic pride may be as important as self-esteem to the mental wellbeing of Black youth specifically.
Part of our Black History Month celebrations are to shine a spotlight on the champions from the past and present.
And we start with our very own Head In The Game Collaborators – Joe Barksdale and Kayla McBride – who are brave mental health advocates and champions of positive change for Black teens and those who identify as LGBTQIA+.
WNBA All-Star and Minnesota Lynx guard, Kayla McBride is a force to be reckoned with in the world of women’s basketball. Kayla’s impact and legacy extend beyond the court, through her advocacy for youth mental health, raising the profile of Black women in sport, and her dedication to help others.
Kayla shares what Black History Month means to her:
“It’s so important as Black women that we continue to take the time to celebrate ourselves. To be able to share our stories and inspire the next generation – that’s what it’s all about. It’s an amazing feeling to be able to know your a part of something and where your family comes from.”
Find out more about what Black History Month means to Kayla, who were her role models growing up, and who her African American Sporting Heroes are. ????????
Joe Barksdale, former NFL offensive tackle turned comedian and musician, is a courageous individual who decided to share his experiences with depression, anxiety, and autism, to help break down the pervasive stigma surrounding these issues, especially within the Black community.
Joe shared that he’s a firm believer in:
“You can’t know where you’re going if you don’t know where you’ve been.”
Joe sees Black History Month as a time to reflect on what Black people in the US have had to go through in order to get to where we are today.
Joe shares his passion for African American arts influencers and how they have influenced his life as a creative artist in comedy and music.
Find out more about what Black History Month means to Joe and which Black artists have had a positive impact on his life so far. ????????
Disclaimer: This website offers general information and is not a substitute for professional advice. We are not clinicians or trained professionals; this information should not replace seeking help from a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
