Black History Month is Coming to a Close: How to Continue the Conversation All Year Long

Over the past five years, media coverage of racial discrimination has increased. While greater exposure has helped many to begin understanding diversity, racism, oppression, and privilege in this country, it leaves many feeling lost, confused, angry, and hopeless. So how does one begin to unpack such complex concepts?

In honor of Black History Month, we asked our team to share the ways we celebrate, honor, and acknowledge Black History. Here’s what they shared:

1. Educate Yourself

We believe therapists should continue to grow, both personally and professionally. This month we’ve been reading:

• The 1619 Podcast

• Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America by Ibram X. Kendi

• How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi

• White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo

• Why Is It Still So Hard For Young People of Color to Get Therapy?

• White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack 

2. Locate Yourself

At AGP, we’re constantly working to improve access to care by offering sliding scale fees, creating a space that reflects the diversity of our clients, and making sure we “locate ourselves” in session. We believe it’s especially important to have conversations that challenge prejudices and vocalize our values. This article about social locators is one resource we draw on to navigate the spoken and unspoken impact of racism.

3. Look Beyond Yourself

At AGP, we’re always looking to support partners who align with our values.

• Check out Myisha T’s movement, Check Your Privilege. She shares, “Through workshops, social advocacy, and radical self compassion, The CYP movement explores the unconscious behaviors, actions, and inaction that impacts the mental health of Black, Brown, and Indigenous POC.”

• If you’d like provide support to those who can’t afford therapy, check out the Loveland Foundation Therapy Fund that allows young women of color to access therapy.

And for the times when fighting the system takes too much out of you and scrolling on Instagram is all you can do, be sure to check out:

• Check Your Privilege

• Therapy for Black Girls

• Therapy for Women of Color

• Melanin & Mental Health

• Therapy for Black Men

• Melanated Social Work

Though Black History Month is coming to an end, our journey to challenge injustice is only at the beginning. Educate yourself. Ask questions. Do the deeper work of examining the ways in which you uphold and oppose oppressive systems. It isn’t until we challenge ourselves that we can begin to create real change.