This pilot episode was originally released in July 2021.  

July is BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month. So when our family at the Run Movement Non-Profit Organization reached out to collaborate on an awareness campaign, we jumped at the chance to make it happen.  In this special episode of Stories All Around Us, you’ll hear multiple perspectives on the pursuit of mental health, from Black people who engage in this journey every single day.

Listen and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you stream.  Become a Patron to support our content and get the unedited interviews with each of our storytellers, exclusively on Patreon.

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Special thanks to RUN Movement for asking us to participate in their BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month campaign.  You can learn more about RUN Movement and get involved by following them on Instagram @runmovement77.

We also want to thank our storytellers for today’s episode: 

Tiffany Lawrence (@simplitiffany).  “I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Florida. I am one of the owners of Unified Community Partners, LLC which provides mental health and supportive services and consultation to the community!”

Adejare McMillan (@thetjtherapist).  “I’m a silent anthology; a slurry of whiskey, curry, and gun powder. I’m my grandmother’s second son, first in line in my time; a deferred dream finding its way into recognition. I am everything you never thought could exist harmoniously; chaos controlled... barely.”

Blake Johnson (@diaryofambm).  “I am the host of Diary of a Mad Black Man, which chronicles my life and mental health journey that’s been challenged by anxiety depression, and suicidal ideation. I am a creative and humanitarian, who happens to be black, queer and a man in America; who wants to make this world a better place, one story at a time.”

Kim Hicks (@runmovement77).  “I am an entrepreneur, non-profit director, artist, and writer. I have suffered from mental illness since I was a child. The struggle of mental illness has been one of the single most defining parts of me and my everyday journey. Still, it is also one of the single most identifying attributes as well as difficult roads to navigate that make me unique and special. My faith and therapy have been a guiding light.”

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TRIGGER WARNING: This program contains stories that explicitly describe self-harm, suicidal ideation, and attempt; which may be triggering to some listeners.  Anyone in the United States experiencing a suicidal crisis or emotional distress should call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

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Any information provided in this episode is for entertainment purposes only and does not replace a personal relationship with a qualified mental health professional.

To find a Black therapist in your area visit:

Therapy For Black Girls

Therapy For Black Men

FULL TRANSCRIPT