Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective
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beamorg.bsky.social
Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective
@beamorg.bsky.social
58 followers 6 following 170 posts
BEAM funds, trains and resources an international network of grassroots wellness orgs, mental health institutions, and wellness practitioners across the world while holding healing spaces that center healing justice.
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beamorg.bsky.social
On this Trans Day of Remembrance, we remember and celebrate the life of Miss Major Griffin-Gracy - an organizer, healer and advocate for Black trans women impacted by policing, incarceration, and violence.
A portrait of an older woman with short, curly gray hair, wearing a bright yellow dress and smiling warmly while seated against a soft beige background. Text on the right reads: “Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, 1946–2025.” Additional text at the bottom center reads: “In honor of Trans Day of Remembrance, we are highlighting Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, legendary transgender rights activist and community mother.” The BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective) logo appears at the bottom.
November 20, 2025 at 6:44 PM
beamorg.bsky.social
In our communities, silence has often been a survival strategy — but it can also become a barrier to healing. Keeping things to our selves does not always keep us safe, but it does encourage isolation.
November 12, 2025 at 10:17 PM
beamorg.bsky.social
Last quarter, BEAM’s Parent Support Fund reached 42 families across 12 states, redistributing $8.4K directly to caregivers getting ready for Back to School ’25.

This holiday season, we’re back at it, and it all kicks off November 10th!
A graphic split into two sections. On the right, a smiling adult embraces a young child as they sit on a couch, both looking happy. On the left, a blue background displays bold text with program statistics: “$8.4K distributed directly to families during Back to School ’25,” “12 states funding reached families,” and “42 families cash stipends were redistributed across the country.” At the bottom, the logo reads: “The Parent Support Fund Back to School ’25.” The BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective) logo appears in the bottom right corner. A graphic divided into two parts. On the right, an adult leans closely over a young child who is smiling while reading or looking at something just outside the frame. On the left, a blue background features text titled “Why We Provide the Parent Support Fund.” It includes a statistic—“48%”—and a paragraph explaining how financial strain and reduced safety net programs affect parents, especially Black and marginalized families. The BEAM logo appears in the bottom right corner. At the bottom left is the Parent Support Fund Back to School ’25 logo. RECAP Map of the United States with the 12 highlighted states that were funded by the parent support fund. A graphic where the right side shows a smiling adult standing behind a joyful child with voluminous curly hair. The left side features a blue background with a quote in large white and yellow text: “The fund helped me to not worry about the expense of my daughter's payment for mental health therapy session co-pays” It is attributed to a Parent Support Fund Recipient. At the bottom, the Parent Support Fund Back to School ’25 Recap logo is displayed, along with the BEAM logo in the bottom right corner.
November 6, 2025 at 8:44 PM
beamorg.bsky.social
SAVE THE DATE! Mark your calendars! Set your alarms! BEAM’s Parent Support Fund returns on November 10, 2025.

Get ready for another round of direct community-centered support for parents and caregivers.
A bold, colorful graphic on a black background announcing an upcoming event. Large white text at the top reads “The Parent Support Fund.” Below it, orange text says “Save the Date.” Further down, big blue text displays the date: “Nov. 10, 2025.” At the bottom, purple text reads “12pm PT / 3pm ET.” The BEAM logo appears at the bottom center with the words “Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective” beneath it.
November 5, 2025 at 10:05 PM
beamorg.bsky.social
Today we want to celebrate @torbjorncrawford who leads our Altadena and Pasadena community care work!!

Tor has been coordinating for people impacted by the fires in LA to access @quantumclinicsusa for float therapy, mediation, art therapy and more.
November 4, 2025 at 7:20 PM
beamorg.bsky.social
It is your birthright no matter where you were born. It is your birthright no matter who or how you love. It is your birthright no matter what shape or ability your body holds.

Our Rooted in Healing collection is a reminder that healing isn’t reserved for a few — it belongs to all of us.
Brown text that reads "Healing is my birthright." Black woman sitting in meditative pose in nature with a cream t-shirt that reads "Healing is my birthright." in brown text. Two shirts spread across the ground in nature. One black t-shirt with white text that reads "I have the POWER to HEAL" the other is cream with brown text that reads "Healing is my birthright."
October 29, 2025 at 8:11 PM
beamorg.bsky.social
Our hearts are with the Caribbean as Hurricane Melissa approaches Jamaica. At BEAM, we’re uplifting the incredible people and teams already on the ground making moves to provide relief.

Support takes many shapes and forms.
A black poster with bold, colorful text reading “From Jamaica, to Haiti, to Trinidad, lift the Caribbean in care.” The BEAM: Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective logo appears below. A flyer titled “Hurricane Melissa Relief Efforts” from Caribbean Strong and Global Empowerment Mission (GEM). It lists three ways to help — donate through the Miami Foundation or GEM.org, purchase emergency items via SFLCaribbeanStrong.org, or volunteer assembling kits at GEM’s Florida headquarters. The background shows storm damage and the text encourages following @SFLCaribbeanStrong for updates. A GiveDirectly webpage announcing “Cash Relief for Hurricane Melissa Survivors in Jamaica.” Below the headline, a photo shows people gathered in a shelter, including an older woman sitting in the foreground. A caption reads “Send cash directly to Hurricane Melissa survivors” with credit to Ricardo Makyn, AP, Kingston, Jamaica.
October 28, 2025 at 8:16 PM
beamorg.bsky.social
💙 Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is one of the most stigmatized mental health diagnoses — and even its name carries harm. The term “borderline” comes from outdated ideas about “being on the border” of psychosis, a framing that pathologized pain and misunderstood trauma.
BEAM’s logo at the top right corner which reads BEAM, Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective. Background has a picture of a Black individual wearing a white sweatshirt who is sitting down with their hands on their face. To the right of this picture, the text reads: “Let’s Break the Stigma on…Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Created by L'Oréal McCollum, MSW, LSW, M.Ed., BEAM Black Mental Health Training Manager @lorealmccollum. BEAM’s logo at the top right corner which reads BEAM, Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective. Background picture is of young Black mand and woman sitting on a green couch. Title reads, “What is Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?” At the center of the graphic, text reads, “BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder) is a mental health condition often characterized by an ongoing pattern of varying moods, behavior, and functioning. For many folks with BPD, experiences with self-image distress, suicidality, and self-harm may be common. It is estimated that BPD affects around 1% of the population.” BEAM’s logo is at the bottom right corner which reads BEAM, Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective. Graphic background has a young Black man who is wearing a black top and reading glasses sitting at a desk reading a textbook. Title reads, “Common Myths About Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).” There are 6 text bubbles at the center of the page. Each bubble has a different text. Bubble 1: Only women have or get BPD. Bubble 2: BPD is a rare condition. Bubble 3: Folks living with BPD are always dangerous, attention-seeking, and manipulative. Bubble 4: Folks with BPD are all incapable of living independently. Bubble 5: Folks with BPD can't live satisfying lives. Bubble 6: BPD cannot be treated. BEAM’s logo is at the top right corner which reads BEAM, Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective. The title at the top of the page in white text with a gray background and reads, “How Is Borderline Personality Disorder Treated?” Beneath the title, the text is at the center. “While medication is a commonly sought first choice of treatment for folks diagnosed with mental health conditions, the most studied & effective treatment for BPD is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. This modality, also referred to as DBT, was developed in the 80s by psychologist Dr. Marsha Linehan. Linehan created the modality after she discovered that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy alone did not prove to be an effective treatment for folks living with BPD. Though DBT has been proven effective for many folks living with BPD, the condition itself remains one of the most misunderstood, mistreated, & underdiagnosed mental health conditions. This issue is further complicated for Black folks and marginalized communities who often go undiagnosed for BPD, despite significant evidence suggesting similar prevalence rates across races and genders.”
October 17, 2025 at 7:02 PM
beamorg.bsky.social
Healing belongs to all of us. 🌱 

Our new BEAM tee is a reminder — healing isn’t linear, but it’s ours to claim.

As we honor survivors, caretakers, and anyone moving through their own healing journey this month, we’re wearing our reminder loud:

“I have the power to heal.”
October 16, 2025 at 7:20 PM
beamorg.bsky.social
We know the term "mood disorder" can feel heavy — even pathologizing. But it’s the language most commonly used to describe emotional states that become hard to manage over time. We are always thinking of new language and how to name our experiences without this framing.
Illustration showing people riding carousel horses at different heights labeled with mood states — from mania (high) to depression (low) — representing different mood disorder states. Text reads “What is a Mood Disorder anyway?” with definitions by BEAM. A gradient blue-to-orange background graphic titled “What is a Mood Disorder anyway?” explains that it’s a condition where emotions are unregulated for long periods. It lists the main types: Bipolar I: Alternating manic and depressive episodes Bipolar II: Alternating hypomanic and depressive episodes (“Hypomania = mild mania”) Cyclothymia: Alternating hypomanic and mild depressive episodes Unipolar Depression: Single or recurrent episodes with no mania Dysthymia: Chronic, low-grade depression Text credits BEAM: Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective, and notes that it’s an alternative version of art by Ellen Forney.
October 15, 2025 at 6:18 PM
beamorg.bsky.social
Our communities have the power to heal!

Healing doesn’t only happen in hospitals — it happens in living rooms, barbershops, church pews, front porches, and block parties. It happens when we choose care, connection, and collective action.
October 14, 2025 at 8:45 PM
beamorg.bsky.social
On World Mental Health Day, we are affirming our right to reimagine mental health care.

To align with our mission, we’ve launched our Rooted in Healing initiative including a t-shirt collection to affirm our communities.

Learn more & grab yours today! beam-community.myshopify.com/collections/...
October 10, 2025 at 7:42 PM
beamorg.bsky.social
Art is activism. Creating art that inspires us to resist and reimagine helps the movement for care and healing justice to continue. Here is a very small sneak peek of some projects the BEAM team has been working on!!!! Stay tuned for more!!! There even might be some giveaways coming….👀
October 2, 2025 at 10:27 PM
beamorg.bsky.social
What’s happening in Sudan is not just a political crisis—it’s a human one.
Displacement. Violence. Disconnection from care and home.
As healers, organizers, and community members, we recognize that healing justice must be global. Our liberation is bound together.
The graphic features the Sudanese flag with horizontal red, white, and black stripes, and a green triangle on the left side. Across the black stripe, bold white text reads: “SUPPORT SUDAN.” At the bottom, a torn-paper effect reveals a dark brick wall background with the BEAM logo in white, which includes the words “Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective.”
September 23, 2025 at 6:54 PM
beamorg.bsky.social
Last week in Atlanta, BEAM gathered community for the Black Masculinity (Re)imagined Summit.

Together we shared moments of connection through sound baths, healing circles, sacred pauses, and meals — creating space to rest, reflect, and reimagine what masculinity can mean for Black folks.
September 22, 2025 at 9:54 PM
beamorg.bsky.social
When is the last time you checked-in with yourself to evaluate how you show up for Black women?

On World Suicide Prevention Day, we center the care, protection, and healing of Black women.
Promotional flyer with a green background featuring two headshots inside orange circles: Yolo Akili Robinson, Founder & Executive Director of BEAM, and Dr. Raquel Martin, Ph.D., HSP. Large bold text reads: “Brothers, Siblings & Solidarity: Supporting Black Women on World Suicide Prevention Day.” Below, the event details say: “Sep. 10, 11AM PT, 2PM ET, Virtual.” Additional text invites people to join a conversation centering the care, protection, and healing of Black women, reflecting on collective responsibility and solidarity to create pathways toward life, wholeness, and liberation. At the bottom are the BEAM logo, Instagram icon, and website link: www.beam.community/events.
September 4, 2025 at 11:49 PM
beamorg.bsky.social
What happens when Black men and Black masculine folks of ALL GENDERS come together to rewrite the story of masculinity?

On Sept 14 in Atlanta, BEAM’s Black Masculinity (Re)imagined Summit is creating space for truth, healing, and liberation. A day of power, peace, and possibility.
Flyer for BEAM’s Black Masculinity (Re)imagined: The Summit happening on September 14, 12–5 PM ET in Atlanta. At the top, a group of smiling people of diverse ages and genders stand together, holding event cards. The headline reads: “Leadership Training and Healing Space: A Day of Power & Peace.” The text explains this is an intergenerational gathering centering Black men and Black masculine folks of all genders to explore narratives around masculinity, challenge harmful norms, and imagine new pathways rooted in care, accountability, and liberation. The flyer notes that limited free seats are available and refreshments will be served. Registration link: www.beam.community/events.
September 3, 2025 at 6:46 PM
beamorg.bsky.social
This September at BEAM! 

We're diving deep into Herbalism & Black Farming as Healing and Resistance—rooted in legacy, liberation, and community care. From powerful Heart Space gatherings to Black Masculinity Reimagined and Healing Justice in HR, we’re reclaiming our wellness, one event at a time.
### **(September 2025 BEAM Events)** **Extracted Text:** - BEAM: Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective - This September at BEAM 2025 - September Theme: Herbalism and Black Farming as Healing and Resistance - September 10: Heart Space (Virtual) - September 14: Black Masculinity Reimagined, The Summit (Atlanta) - September 16: Heart Space (Atlanta) - September 25: Healing Justice in HR (Virtual) - www.beam.community **Alt Text:** A flyer for BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective) promoting September 2025 events. The theme is "Herbalism and Black Farming as Healing and Resistance." Four smiling people are pictured at the bottom. Event dates include: Sept 10 (Heart Space, Virtual), Sept 14 (Black Masculinity Reimagined, Atlanta), Sept 16 (Heart Space, Atlanta), and Sept 25 (Healing Justice in HR, Virtual). Website: beam.community. Flyer for BEAM’s “Heart Space” event on September 10, 2025, from 3 PM – 4:30 PM PT / 6 PM - 7:30 PM ET, Virtual. The background shows a group of people gathered around a table with herbs, candles, and wellness items. The event explores the legacy of herbalism and Black farming as healing and resistance, honoring ancestral knowledge and community resilience. Website: beam.community/events. Flyer for BEAM’s “Black Masculinity (Re)Imagined: The Summit” event on September 14, 2025, from 12–5 PM ET in Atlanta. The flyer features a group photo of smiling participants holding event cards. The event focuses on leadership, healing, and reimagining masculinity rooted in care, accountability, and liberation. Free seats available with refreshments provided. Website: beam.community/events. Flyer for BEAM’s “Heart Space” event on September 16, 2025, from 6–8 PM ET in Atlanta. The background shows a group of people gathered around a table with herbs, candles, and wellness items. The event explores the legacy of herbalism and Black farming as healing and resistance, honoring ancestral knowledge and community resilience. Website: beam.community/events.
August 29, 2025 at 9:27 PM
beamorg.bsky.social
What if HR was more than just rules and policies? These are the questions our leadership team has grappled with, and worked to integrate healing-centered practices into a field often designed for punishment and rigidity.
Promotional flyer for a virtual event titled “From Compliance to Care: Healing Justice in HR,” hosted by BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective). The flyer features headshots of Jessica Johnson, Director of People and Operations, and Natalie Patterson, Director of Training & Programs. The event is scheduled for **September 25, from 12 PM – 2 PM PT / 3 PM – 5 PM ET** , and will be held online. The description explains that HR is often focused on rules and compliance, but this session will reimagine HR as a space centered on care, healing, and compassion. Website listed: **www.beam.community/events** Promotional flyer for the event “From Compliance to Care: Healing Justice in HR,” hosted by BEAM. Features the same headshots of Jessica Johnson and Natalie Patterson. The flyer outlines what participants will explore: - The impact of trauma, systemic oppression, and workplace culture on mental health. - Strategies for transforming HR into supportive, healing-centered spaces. - Tools for incorporating care, accountability, and cultural responsiveness into HR practices like hiring and conflict resolution. Website listed: **www.beam.community/events**.
August 28, 2025 at 10:37 PM
beamorg.bsky.social
✨ NYC Casting Call ✨

We’re looking for Black, queer, and trans models of all body sizes who feel comfortable in front of the camera to be part of BEAM’s upcoming campaign.
August 28, 2025 at 5:24 PM
beamorg.bsky.social
When we say Black, we mean EVERYBODY Black. 

Blackness is not one story, one language, or one flag. It spans across continents, cultures, and histories — including the voices, brilliance, and resilience of Black immigrants in the United States.
"When we say BLACK, we mean EVERYBODY BLACK." The word "EVERYBODY" is highlighted in orange. Below the text is the BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective) logo. At the bottom, there is a diverse group of illustrated Black individuals wearing clothing featuring various national flags, including Brazil, Barbados, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Argentina, Cuba, South Africa, Haiti, Ethiopia, and more — representing the global and intersectional nature of Black identity.
August 27, 2025 at 5:05 PM
beamorg.bsky.social
Parenting is powerful, but it can also be overwhelming, especially while managing mental health. Black and marginalized parents and caregivers — we see you, and we’re here to support you.

BEAM is giving out $10,000 in direct financial support through The Parent Support Fund!
BEAM Is Giving $10,000 A promotional graphic with a bold blue and orange theme and the same image of a Black mother and daughter smiling while looking at a tablet. The text reads: "BEAM is giving $10,000 to Black and marginalized parents and caregivers who are living with mental health conditions or supporting children living with mental health conditions. Apply for up to $250 of monetary support." At the bottom, it reads: "The Parent Support Fund Back to School ’25." Additional text in the corner says: "Limited Funds Available. Learn More & Apply: beam.community/grants." The BEAM logo appears at the top. "Why We Provide the Parent Support Fund” A promotional graphic with bold text and an image of a smiling Black mother and daughter looking at a tablet. The text reads: "Why We Provide The Parent Support Fund. 48% of parents say that most days their stress is completely overwhelming compared to 26% among other adults. TPSF offers direct financial assistance to Black and marginalized parents, helping to ease some of the mental and financial burdens they face." At the bottom, the logo reads: "The Parent Support Fund Back to School ’25." In the corner is the BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective) logo.
August 25, 2025 at 6:34 PM
beamorg.bsky.social
Did somebody say Flashback Friday???
POV: You brought your full self to Black Healing Remixed and captured it on film.
Remember back in the day before camera phones? When you had to snap your film camera hoping you got the shot to cherish the memory? That’s how this year’s BHR felt—so full, so alive
August 22, 2025 at 7:14 PM
beamorg.bsky.social
This Juneteenth, BEAM made big contributions to our folks by supporting families across the nation — and we’re just getting started! In our continued effort to uplift and empower Black families, here’s a quick look at the change we’ve made so far:
Graphic for BEAM’s Parent Support Fund Recap from Juneteenth 2025. At the top, a smiling Black father looks lovingly at two children. The center of the image displays impact stats on a black background with peach and white text: "$9.8K distributed directly to families during Holiday ’25," "22 states funding reached families," and "50 families cash stipends were redistributed across the country." Below is an illustrated raised fist with painted nails, alongside the text: “The Parent Support Fund Recap, Juneteenth ’25.” BEAM’s logo is at the bottom right, reading “Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective.” The Parent Support Fund JUNETEENTH '25 RECAP Funding reached families in 22 States Graphic for BEAM’s Parent Support Fund Recap from Juneteenth 2025. The top half features a joyful multigenerational Black family smiling and spending time together outdoors. Below is a quote on a black background that reads: "It helped me feel less stressed with having a bit more money to cover costs with household needs." — Parent Support Fund Recipient. At the bottom is an illustrated brown fist with a painted nail and the text “The Parent Support Fund Recap, Juneteenth ’25.” BEAM’s logo appears in the lower-right corner. Graphic for BEAM’s Parent Support Fund Recap from Juneteenth 2025. The top shows a joyful Black family holding sparklers and smiling brightly during what appears to be a celebration. Below, on a black background, a quote reads: "The support gave me space to focus on my emotional well-being without constant financial worry." — Parent Support Fund Recipient. At the bottom, there’s an illustrated raised fist with painted nails and the text: “The Parent Support Fund Recap, Juneteenth ’25.” BEAM’s logo is in the lower-right corner.
August 20, 2025 at 6:12 PM
beamorg.bsky.social
Tomorrow’s the day! 💜

BEAM is bringing the Heart Space Healing Circle to Pasadena for the very first time, and we couldn’t be more excited. We want you to join us on Tuesday, August 19th for this very special moment.

Come as you are. 🫶🏾

#Pasadena #Altadena #BlackHealing
Flyer for BEAM’s "Heart Space: A Pasadena Healing Circle" event. The top of the flyer reads: “You are invited to: Heart Space: A Pasadena Healing Circle.” The event is described as a healing circle for Black folks to decompress, connect, and receive support from Black therapists, facilitators, coaches, and healers. It emphasizes emotional growth, safety, and community care. The date is Tuesday, August 19, 2025. At the bottom, it says, “Join Us & Learn More: www.beam.community/events.” The flyer features a blue-to-purple gradient background, vibrant yellow and white text, and photos of Black individuals in thoughtful and joyful expressions.
August 18, 2025 at 6:17 PM