Shaping the Future of Black Mental Health

AspireTV: Nehemiah, how did your own journey lead you to this mission, and why do you believe it’s so critical for Black individuals to have access to these discussions? Nehemiah McClendon: Coming from a personal background where family members and friends have suffered from mental health challenges, including my mother developing PTSD after an abusive relationship and friends impacted by depression, I felt a strong calling to advocate for my community. Growing up in the small city of Brunswick, Georgia, I was surrounded by constant crime and poverty. Spaces like this predominantly experience the most trauma and anxiety, yet are the least likely to report or seek mental health help. After dedicating over seven years to the mental health field and completing a Ph.D., I am finally ready to be a change agent in how communities like mine experience and discuss mental health. AspireTV: Your children’s book, The Time I Cried in Dr. Moore’s Office, addresses the complex emotions of a young Black boy. What inspired you to focus on children’s mental health, and how do you hope this book will impact young readers and their families? Nehemiah McClendon: To answer this, I must address the reading struggles our community...