Racism’s toll on young Black boys: A call to action for mental health

Racism is a generational obstacle that is still affecting Black Americans today. Black people have persevered through this obstacle, but the encounters of discrimination and harm have taken a toll on people. One group under this umbrella who isn’t considered enough regarding racism’s toll is young Black boys. Young men are often told to man up and get over it when it comes to pain and discomfort. In regards to racism, studies have shown that they have either acted out or internalized it when they have been exposed to it.Dr. Assaf Oshri is a College of Family and Consumer Sciences professor at the University of Georgia. He is the lead author of the report about racism’s toll on young Black boys. He shares how racism has led to increased rates of depression in Black youth and illustrates why now is the time to step in for their mental health.“I’m very interested in the emotional well-being of our youth. I think stressors that come from the environment, including cultural stress, discrimination, and socioeconomic stress, accumulate. It becomes chronic and has implications on how we develop,” said Dr. Assaf Oshri,& & & a developmental psychologist and director of the Georgia Center for...