Written By: Dr. Sonya Alise McKinzie
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to reflect, educate, and act on one of the most urgent public health issues in the United States. But for Black communities, this month carries deeper weight as this month has a plethora calls to action, such as domestic violence, cancer, PCOS, and Suicide Awareness. However, today, we are focusing on Suicide Awareness, and how the rates among African Americans, especially youth and young adults, have risen at an alarming pace, revealing a crisis that has long been hidden behind cultural stigma, systemic neglect, and silence.
Mental health has historically been a taboo subject in many Black households. The idea of seeking therapy or admitting emotional distress is often seen as weakness, or worse, betrayal of the cultural strength that has carried generations through adversity. Yet the numbers tell a different story. Between 2018 and 2021, suicide rates among Black youth aged 10–24 surged by nearly 37%, the highest increase among any racial group. These statistics are not just numbers, they are lives lost, families shattered, and communities grieving in silence.
The reasons are complex. Racial trauma, economic instability, and the daily burden of navigating a society that often marginalizes Black identity contribute to chronic stress and emotional fatigue. Add to that the lack of culturally competent mental health professionals, and it’s no wonder many suffer without ever seeking help. The historical mistrust of medical institutions, rooted in real experiences of discrimination and neglect only deepens the divide between Black individuals and the care they deserve.
But change is happening. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) has launched L.E.T.S. Save Lives, a culturally tailored program designed specifically for Black communities. Standing for Listening, Empathy, Trust, and Support, this initiative encourages open dialogue, reduces stigma, and equips participants with tools to recognize warning signs and offer support. It’s not just about awareness, it’s about empowerment.
Community spaces are stepping up too. Churches, barbershops, sororities, and fraternities are becoming safe havens for mental health conversations. These trusted institutions offer culturally affirming support and help bridge the gap between individuals and professional care. Representation matters and increasing the number of Black therapists and counselors is essential to building trust and ensuring that care is relevant and respectful.
Immediate support is also critical. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, launched in 2022, offers 24/7 assistance to anyone in emotional distress. But awareness of this resource remains uneven. Outreach efforts must be intentional, using language, imagery, and messengers that resonate with Black audiences, where schools, churches, and community centers can play a vital role in spreading the word and normalizing help-seeking behavior. Healing in Black communities often draws on deep wells of resilience, creativity, and spirituality. Music, art, storytelling, and activism have long been tools for processing pain and reclaiming joy. Suicide prevention efforts must honor these traditions while also addressing the structural inequities that contribute to mental health disparities.
National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is a call to actionfor Black America, it’s a chance to break the silence, challenge stigma, and build systems of support that reflect the richness and complexity of Black life. Whether through conversation, education, or advocacy, each of us has a role to play in creating a world where mental health is prioritized and every life is valued.
Because healing begins when we speak. And hope grows when we listen.
References:
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP): https://afsp.org
• SAMHSA Black Youth Suicide Prevention Initiative: https://samhsa.gov
• National Council for Mental Wellbeing: https://africanamericanbehavioralhealth.org
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org
Image Credits:
Center for Health and Wellness
Charlie Health
Nami
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