ABFF and NAMI Look To Help Mental Health In The Black Community Through Reel Heeling Program

The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) has teamed up with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to launch Reel Healing, an impactful dialogue centered on the portrayal of mental health in film and television. This initiative aspires to highlight the significant influence of these mediums while working to normalize mental wellness within the Black community. By bringing together esteemed healthcare professionals and prominent entertainment figures, this project endeavors to dismantle the stigma often associated with mental health concerns. Participants are encouraged to voice their mental health requirements.On June 14 at Truist Hall, the festival featured a panel discussion that included Da'Vinchi, Shameik Moore, and NAMI's Christine M. Crawford, moderated by NAMI CEO Daniel Gillison Jr. The conversation explored the mental hurdles encountered in Hollywood, with Moore and Da'Vinchi sharing their strategies for coping with the demands of social media and the emotional complexities of their craft, emphasizing the pivotal importance of mental health in their professional lives.