Dr. S. L. Young - slyoung.com
@slyoungva.bsky.social
Educator, mental health advocate, inspirational speaker, and songwriter who has "real talk" about life to get through it.
Just the potential that Senator Chris Murphy would ask a question about a potential that Black Americans could lose the right to vote is chilling. This clearly emphasis the dire challenges and risks of these times.
So you should really watch this. Just 2 minutes. But a window into the truly radical nature of the people Trump is nominating.
When pressed today, the nominee to be Ambassador to South Africa refuses to oppose reinstituting laws to prevent black people from voting in America.
When pressed today, the nominee to be Ambassador to South Africa refuses to oppose reinstituting laws to prevent black people from voting in America.
October 27, 2025 at 12:02 AM
Just the potential that Senator Chris Murphy would ask a question about a potential that Black Americans could lose the right to vote is chilling. This clearly emphasis the dire challenges and risks of these times.
@joyannreid.bsky.social @symonedsanders.bsky.social
My viewpoint with a personalized slant that reflects on the experiences of my mother who was born in this country (in the deep south nearly 100 years ago) without civil, equal, reproductive, or voting rights.
slyoungva.medium.com/5530a3a6c4c3
My viewpoint with a personalized slant that reflects on the experiences of my mother who was born in this country (in the deep south nearly 100 years ago) without civil, equal, reproductive, or voting rights.
slyoungva.medium.com/5530a3a6c4c3
America Is No Longer the Beacon on the Hill
Let me be clear! I love my country, the collective representation of our people, and the ideas in which I was raised to believe (e.g…
slyoungva.medium.com
October 26, 2025 at 2:03 PM
@joyannreid.bsky.social @symonedsanders.bsky.social
My viewpoint with a personalized slant that reflects on the experiences of my mother who was born in this country (in the deep south nearly 100 years ago) without civil, equal, reproductive, or voting rights.
slyoungva.medium.com/5530a3a6c4c3
My viewpoint with a personalized slant that reflects on the experiences of my mother who was born in this country (in the deep south nearly 100 years ago) without civil, equal, reproductive, or voting rights.
slyoungva.medium.com/5530a3a6c4c3
If you've never read one of my articles, then I encourage you to read this one.
The active aggressive assaults on our republic and democratic values are alarming.
This persistent attack on our republic and democratic values isn't a simulation test.
slyoungva.medium.com/5530a3a6c4c3
The active aggressive assaults on our republic and democratic values are alarming.
This persistent attack on our republic and democratic values isn't a simulation test.
slyoungva.medium.com/5530a3a6c4c3
America Is No Longer the Beacon on the Hill
Let me be clear! I love my country, the collective representation of our people, and the ideas in which I was raised to believe (e.g…
slyoungva.medium.com
October 24, 2025 at 7:16 PM
If you've never read one of my articles, then I encourage you to read this one.
The active aggressive assaults on our republic and democratic values are alarming.
This persistent attack on our republic and democratic values isn't a simulation test.
slyoungva.medium.com/5530a3a6c4c3
The active aggressive assaults on our republic and democratic values are alarming.
This persistent attack on our republic and democratic values isn't a simulation test.
slyoungva.medium.com/5530a3a6c4c3
Reflections to help struggling students, parents, and teachers from a former opportunity "at-risk" student.
Words can impact someone's development, direction, and dedication. Therefore, be mindful about labeling someone because it can have unintended outcomes.
slyoungva.medium.com/af3ca618def8
Words can impact someone's development, direction, and dedication. Therefore, be mindful about labeling someone because it can have unintended outcomes.
slyoungva.medium.com/af3ca618def8
More Than a Label
The day I was born my mom looked at me with pride to determine if I had safely arrived. In response to my mother’s request to determine if…
slyoungva.medium.com
October 23, 2025 at 11:44 AM
Reflections to help struggling students, parents, and teachers from a former opportunity "at-risk" student.
Words can impact someone's development, direction, and dedication. Therefore, be mindful about labeling someone because it can have unintended outcomes.
slyoungva.medium.com/af3ca618def8
Words can impact someone's development, direction, and dedication. Therefore, be mindful about labeling someone because it can have unintended outcomes.
slyoungva.medium.com/af3ca618def8
It's two weeks until election day, and your vote matters!!!
Remember that all elections are important, including the local and non-presidential elections.
Go Vote!!!
Note: This is a good video for civic classes.
#voting #elections #yourvotematters #politics
youtu.be/9aPp6HSz8Ho
Remember that all elections are important, including the local and non-presidential elections.
Go Vote!!!
Note: This is a good video for civic classes.
#voting #elections #yourvotematters #politics
youtu.be/9aPp6HSz8Ho
Song "Voting Privilege" - Lyrics by Dr. S. L. Young
YouTube video by Dr. S. L. Young
youtu.be
October 21, 2025 at 3:46 PM
It's two weeks until election day, and your vote matters!!!
Remember that all elections are important, including the local and non-presidential elections.
Go Vote!!!
Note: This is a good video for civic classes.
#voting #elections #yourvotematters #politics
youtu.be/9aPp6HSz8Ho
Remember that all elections are important, including the local and non-presidential elections.
Go Vote!!!
Note: This is a good video for civic classes.
#voting #elections #yourvotematters #politics
youtu.be/9aPp6HSz8Ho
It's always great to participate in activities to support and uplift those temporarily in custody at the Arlington County VA Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Quiroz is dedicated to treating people with kindness and dignity.
www.facebook.com/share/p/1Juy...
www.facebook.com/share/p/1Juy...
October 6, 2025 at 12:29 AM
It's always great to participate in activities to support and uplift those temporarily in custody at the Arlington County VA Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Quiroz is dedicated to treating people with kindness and dignity.
www.facebook.com/share/p/1Juy...
www.facebook.com/share/p/1Juy...
Good Morning! Blessed to wake-up to the beauty of this new day. Please take moments to enjoy and behold the wonderful gift of life. Have a great day!!!
#sunrise #serenity #enjoythesilence #nature #naturephotography
#sunrise #serenity #enjoythesilence #nature #naturephotography
September 24, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Good Morning! Blessed to wake-up to the beauty of this new day. Please take moments to enjoy and behold the wonderful gift of life. Have a great day!!!
#sunrise #serenity #enjoythesilence #nature #naturephotography
#sunrise #serenity #enjoythesilence #nature #naturephotography
Day 7 of 7 Suicide Prevention week:
This song (that I wrote and sung) will hopefully provide inspiration for someone struggling to hold on until tomorrow because positive changes could be only one day away.
youtu.be/0UaRtzQzc9A
This song (that I wrote and sung) will hopefully provide inspiration for someone struggling to hold on until tomorrow because positive changes could be only one day away.
youtu.be/0UaRtzQzc9A
Holding on for Tomorrow (featuring the debut single of Dr. S. L. Young) - Lyrics by Dr. S. L. Young
YouTube video by Dr. S. L. Young
youtu.be
September 14, 2025 at 3:58 AM
Day 7 of 7 Suicide Prevention week:
This song (that I wrote and sung) will hopefully provide inspiration for someone struggling to hold on until tomorrow because positive changes could be only one day away.
youtu.be/0UaRtzQzc9A
This song (that I wrote and sung) will hopefully provide inspiration for someone struggling to hold on until tomorrow because positive changes could be only one day away.
youtu.be/0UaRtzQzc9A
Day 6 of 7 of Suicide Prevention Week:
Life doesn't stop because we had a bad moment, day, or an extended rough patch. We should actively address challenges in a timely manner. My song "Get Up" is an anthem for someone ready to move forward to improve their lives.
youtu.be/0ivS0jbeY7s?...
Life doesn't stop because we had a bad moment, day, or an extended rough patch. We should actively address challenges in a timely manner. My song "Get Up" is an anthem for someone ready to move forward to improve their lives.
youtu.be/0ivS0jbeY7s?...
Song "Get Up" - Lyrics by Dr. S. L. Young
YouTube video by Dr. S. L. Young
youtu.be
September 13, 2025 at 3:59 AM
Day 6 of 7 of Suicide Prevention Week:
Life doesn't stop because we had a bad moment, day, or an extended rough patch. We should actively address challenges in a timely manner. My song "Get Up" is an anthem for someone ready to move forward to improve their lives.
youtu.be/0ivS0jbeY7s?...
Life doesn't stop because we had a bad moment, day, or an extended rough patch. We should actively address challenges in a timely manner. My song "Get Up" is an anthem for someone ready to move forward to improve their lives.
youtu.be/0ivS0jbeY7s?...
Drum roll, please...
On a whim, I did another comedy set. My appearance is a powerful reminder that dark days may come, but happiness and joy can return if someone intentionally does the work to heal. Remember that your vulnerability can help someone else to heal, too.
youtu.be/Rfn5ZZ1JGvc
On a whim, I did another comedy set. My appearance is a powerful reminder that dark days may come, but happiness and joy can return if someone intentionally does the work to heal. Remember that your vulnerability can help someone else to heal, too.
youtu.be/Rfn5ZZ1JGvc
Sly's Second Comedy Appearance (Crystal City Sports Bar on 9/10/25)
YouTube video by Dr. S. L. Young
youtu.be
September 12, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Drum roll, please...
On a whim, I did another comedy set. My appearance is a powerful reminder that dark days may come, but happiness and joy can return if someone intentionally does the work to heal. Remember that your vulnerability can help someone else to heal, too.
youtu.be/Rfn5ZZ1JGvc
On a whim, I did another comedy set. My appearance is a powerful reminder that dark days may come, but happiness and joy can return if someone intentionally does the work to heal. Remember that your vulnerability can help someone else to heal, too.
youtu.be/Rfn5ZZ1JGvc
Day 5 of 7 of Suicide Prevention Week:
I wrote this song to encourage someone battling depression and wants to end their life to "Choose to Stay" another day. Now, 11 years later, I share my story to encourage someone else to fight for one more day, too.
youtu.be/OAmHhZwiV_Y?...
I wrote this song to encourage someone battling depression and wants to end their life to "Choose to Stay" another day. Now, 11 years later, I share my story to encourage someone else to fight for one more day, too.
youtu.be/OAmHhZwiV_Y?...
Song "Choose To Stay" - Lyrics by Dr. S. L. Young
YouTube video by Dr. S. L. Young
youtu.be
September 12, 2025 at 2:40 AM
Day 5 of 7 of Suicide Prevention Week:
I wrote this song to encourage someone battling depression and wants to end their life to "Choose to Stay" another day. Now, 11 years later, I share my story to encourage someone else to fight for one more day, too.
youtu.be/OAmHhZwiV_Y?...
I wrote this song to encourage someone battling depression and wants to end their life to "Choose to Stay" another day. Now, 11 years later, I share my story to encourage someone else to fight for one more day, too.
youtu.be/OAmHhZwiV_Y?...
Day 4 of 7 of Suicide Prevention Week:
Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. Watch this extremely heartfelt video of the moment that I demonstrated extreme gratitude for my brother (Johnnie) saving my life.
Thanks bro for saving my life!
youtu.be/6y2kEcjES4Q?...
Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. Watch this extremely heartfelt video of the moment that I demonstrated extreme gratitude for my brother (Johnnie) saving my life.
Thanks bro for saving my life!
youtu.be/6y2kEcjES4Q?...
Dr. S. L. Young Thanks His Brother (Johnnie) for Saving His Life
YouTube video by Dr. S. L. Young
youtu.be
September 10, 2025 at 9:55 PM
Day 4 of 7 of Suicide Prevention Week:
Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. Watch this extremely heartfelt video of the moment that I demonstrated extreme gratitude for my brother (Johnnie) saving my life.
Thanks bro for saving my life!
youtu.be/6y2kEcjES4Q?...
Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. Watch this extremely heartfelt video of the moment that I demonstrated extreme gratitude for my brother (Johnnie) saving my life.
Thanks bro for saving my life!
youtu.be/6y2kEcjES4Q?...
Day 3 of 7 (sorry, a little late) of Suicide Prevention Week:
To memorialize the first year after nearly ending my life, I went on a local television station to detail my battle with depression that nearly led to my death-by-suicide.
youtu.be/t1kk9gJdS_g?...
To memorialize the first year after nearly ending my life, I went on a local television station to detail my battle with depression that nearly led to my death-by-suicide.
youtu.be/t1kk9gJdS_g?...
S L Young's Interview About His Depression and Near-Suicide with Allison Seymour
YouTube video by Dr. S. L. Young
youtu.be
September 10, 2025 at 5:16 AM
Day 3 of 7 (sorry, a little late) of Suicide Prevention Week:
To memorialize the first year after nearly ending my life, I went on a local television station to detail my battle with depression that nearly led to my death-by-suicide.
youtu.be/t1kk9gJdS_g?...
To memorialize the first year after nearly ending my life, I went on a local television station to detail my battle with depression that nearly led to my death-by-suicide.
youtu.be/t1kk9gJdS_g?...
Day 2 of 7 of Suicide Prevention Week:
In learning about depression from my writings to help myself heal, I developed a mnemonic for the word.
(D)ecide
(E)ducate
(P)ersistance
(R)evaluate
(E)ncouragement
(S)eek
(S)upport
(I)nitiate
(O)penness
(N)ever give-up
www.huffpost.com/entry/depres...
In learning about depression from my writings to help myself heal, I developed a mnemonic for the word.
(D)ecide
(E)ducate
(P)ersistance
(R)evaluate
(E)ncouragement
(S)eek
(S)upport
(I)nitiate
(O)penness
(N)ever give-up
www.huffpost.com/entry/depres...
Depression as a Mnemonic
Nobody has to struggle alone, as there's always someone who is willing to provide assistance. The challenge -- many times -- is to be willing to identify assistance and give someone an opportunity to...
www.huffpost.com
September 9, 2025 at 3:56 AM
Day 2 of 7 of Suicide Prevention Week:
In learning about depression from my writings to help myself heal, I developed a mnemonic for the word.
(D)ecide
(E)ducate
(P)ersistance
(R)evaluate
(E)ncouragement
(S)eek
(S)upport
(I)nitiate
(O)penness
(N)ever give-up
www.huffpost.com/entry/depres...
In learning about depression from my writings to help myself heal, I developed a mnemonic for the word.
(D)ecide
(E)ducate
(P)ersistance
(R)evaluate
(E)ncouragement
(S)eek
(S)upport
(I)nitiate
(O)penness
(N)ever give-up
www.huffpost.com/entry/depres...
Well, on a whim, I decided to do another comedy set. This wasn't on my radar, but I just felt like doing it. Sometimes, you just got to say... WTF!!!
The show starts at 8:30 p.m. this Wednesday, 9/10 at the Crystal City Sports Pub (Arlington, VA).
Please come, support, and show some love!!!
The show starts at 8:30 p.m. this Wednesday, 9/10 at the Crystal City Sports Pub (Arlington, VA).
Please come, support, and show some love!!!
September 8, 2025 at 9:08 PM
Well, on a whim, I decided to do another comedy set. This wasn't on my radar, but I just felt like doing it. Sometimes, you just got to say... WTF!!!
The show starts at 8:30 p.m. this Wednesday, 9/10 at the Crystal City Sports Pub (Arlington, VA).
Please come, support, and show some love!!!
The show starts at 8:30 p.m. this Wednesday, 9/10 at the Crystal City Sports Pub (Arlington, VA).
Please come, support, and show some love!!!
Day 1 of 7 of Suicide Prevention Week:
On the first year after my near-suicide in March 2015, I wrote this article on the HuffPost. It's a message (from the future) that I might have communicated to myself if I knew that I would nearly end my life the next day.
www.huffpost.com/entry/letter...
On the first year after my near-suicide in March 2015, I wrote this article on the HuffPost. It's a message (from the future) that I might have communicated to myself if I knew that I would nearly end my life the next day.
www.huffpost.com/entry/letter...
Letter To Myself The Day Before My Near-Suicide: Written A Year Later
With reservations, you'll listen to your brother's messages before you reluctantly decide to return his calls. In the next few minutes, your brother will remind you that your current state is just a ...
www.huffpost.com
September 7, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Day 1 of 7 of Suicide Prevention Week:
On the first year after my near-suicide in March 2015, I wrote this article on the HuffPost. It's a message (from the future) that I might have communicated to myself if I knew that I would nearly end my life the next day.
www.huffpost.com/entry/letter...
On the first year after my near-suicide in March 2015, I wrote this article on the HuffPost. It's a message (from the future) that I might have communicated to myself if I knew that I would nearly end my life the next day.
www.huffpost.com/entry/letter...
The hardest part of a new journey is the first step. Therefore, be ready to TEE OFF by using your (T)ime, (E)nergy, and (E)ffort (O)n (F)ulfilling (F)antasies. Otherwise known as dream chasing.
slyoungva.medium.com/getting-past...
slyoungva.medium.com/getting-past...
Getting Past I or You Can’t
There are times that you might think something isn’t possible because you don’t believe it, or others have told you that it’s not possible…
slyoungva.medium.com
August 1, 2025 at 6:08 PM
The hardest part of a new journey is the first step. Therefore, be ready to TEE OFF by using your (T)ime, (E)nergy, and (E)ffort (O)n (F)ulfilling (F)antasies. Otherwise known as dream chasing.
slyoungva.medium.com/getting-past...
slyoungva.medium.com/getting-past...
Ten years ago today, I spoke to my second mother (Mary Hanson) for the first time. By choosing to be vulnerable, I met an incredible person who I've developed a lifesaving bond.
You don't need to struggle alone! There's always someone somewhere willing to help.
slyoungva.medium.com/an-unexpecte...
You don't need to struggle alone! There's always someone somewhere willing to help.
slyoungva.medium.com/an-unexpecte...
An Unexpected Email from a Grieving Mother Changed, Saved, and Transformed My Life
In March 2014, the darkness surrounded me like a metrological tsunami. The pain was so bad that I just wanted it to end. I didn’t want to…
slyoungva.medium.com
July 11, 2025 at 2:07 AM
Ten years ago today, I spoke to my second mother (Mary Hanson) for the first time. By choosing to be vulnerable, I met an incredible person who I've developed a lifesaving bond.
You don't need to struggle alone! There's always someone somewhere willing to help.
slyoungva.medium.com/an-unexpecte...
You don't need to struggle alone! There's always someone somewhere willing to help.
slyoungva.medium.com/an-unexpecte...
This video is from my recitation of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech at the 2025 Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Prince George's County (MD) Prayer Breakfast.
It was an honor to recite the words of this historic man who fought for his beliefs.
youtu.be/Z2AhseY7FsM
It was an honor to recite the words of this historic man who fought for his beliefs.
youtu.be/Z2AhseY7FsM
Dr. S. L. Young Recites Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" Speech
YouTube video by Dr. S. L. Young
youtu.be
May 23, 2025 at 12:30 PM
This video is from my recitation of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech at the 2025 Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Prince George's County (MD) Prayer Breakfast.
It was an honor to recite the words of this historic man who fought for his beliefs.
youtu.be/Z2AhseY7FsM
It was an honor to recite the words of this historic man who fought for his beliefs.
youtu.be/Z2AhseY7FsM
Someone needs to hear this today!!!
I was directed to drop-out in the 10th grade after failing 6 of 7 classes & missing 1/3 of the year. In 2014, I nearly ended my life.
This is me now, in 2025, celebrating my college students' graduation in my doctoral robe, which I earned with a 4.0 GPA in 2023.
I was directed to drop-out in the 10th grade after failing 6 of 7 classes & missing 1/3 of the year. In 2014, I nearly ended my life.
This is me now, in 2025, celebrating my college students' graduation in my doctoral robe, which I earned with a 4.0 GPA in 2023.
May 19, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Someone needs to hear this today!!!
I was directed to drop-out in the 10th grade after failing 6 of 7 classes & missing 1/3 of the year. In 2014, I nearly ended my life.
This is me now, in 2025, celebrating my college students' graduation in my doctoral robe, which I earned with a 4.0 GPA in 2023.
I was directed to drop-out in the 10th grade after failing 6 of 7 classes & missing 1/3 of the year. In 2014, I nearly ended my life.
This is me now, in 2025, celebrating my college students' graduation in my doctoral robe, which I earned with a 4.0 GPA in 2023.
There's no need to go through challenges alone, as there's always someone who is ready and willing to assist.
#lifequotes #lifelessons #life #quotestoliveby
#quotes
#lifequotes #lifelessons #life #quotestoliveby
#quotes
March 31, 2025 at 2:23 PM
There's no need to go through challenges alone, as there's always someone who is ready and willing to assist.
#lifequotes #lifelessons #life #quotestoliveby
#quotes
#lifequotes #lifelessons #life #quotestoliveby
#quotes
If you just need a moment of joy, then watch these amazing dancers.
www.instagram.com/reel/DEQfLi-...
www.instagram.com/reel/DEQfLi-...
March 30, 2025 at 1:37 PM
If you just need a moment of joy, then watch these amazing dancers.
www.instagram.com/reel/DEQfLi-...
www.instagram.com/reel/DEQfLi-...
1 year ago, I wrote this song to document that I didn't want to die. I just desparately wanted the pain to go away.
Today, I hope that someone who is affected by depression and/or wants to end their life will read this post and choose to fight for one more day too.
youtu.be/0UaRtzQzc9A
Today, I hope that someone who is affected by depression and/or wants to end their life will read this post and choose to fight for one more day too.
youtu.be/0UaRtzQzc9A
Holding on for Tomorrow (featuring the debut single of Dr. S. L. Young) - Lyrics by Dr. S. L. Young
YouTube video by Dr. S. L. Young
youtu.be
March 18, 2025 at 10:09 PM
1 year ago, I wrote this song to document that I didn't want to die. I just desparately wanted the pain to go away.
Today, I hope that someone who is affected by depression and/or wants to end their life will read this post and choose to fight for one more day too.
youtu.be/0UaRtzQzc9A
Today, I hope that someone who is affected by depression and/or wants to end their life will read this post and choose to fight for one more day too.
youtu.be/0UaRtzQzc9A
Two years ago today, my second tenth grade principal (after I failed this grade the first time), Dr. Gwen Felder, told me that I became Dr. Young. This was nearly 40 years after fate placed her in my life. This amazing educator saw me before I realized who I could become. Thank you, Dr. Felder!!!
March 16, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Two years ago today, my second tenth grade principal (after I failed this grade the first time), Dr. Gwen Felder, told me that I became Dr. Young. This was nearly 40 years after fate placed her in my life. This amazing educator saw me before I realized who I could become. Thank you, Dr. Felder!!!
On this day, 10 years ago, I did one of the hardest things to reclaim my life. I went on Fox 5 DC to mark the first year of my survival (though the actual date is 3/18) and discuss my article "Letter to Myself the Day Before My Near-Suicide: Written a Year Later."
youtu.be/t1kk9gJdS_g?...
youtu.be/t1kk9gJdS_g?...
S L Young's Interview About His Depression and Near-Suicide with Allison Seymour
YouTube video by Dr. S. L. Young
youtu.be
March 11, 2025 at 1:46 PM
On this day, 10 years ago, I did one of the hardest things to reclaim my life. I went on Fox 5 DC to mark the first year of my survival (though the actual date is 3/18) and discuss my article "Letter to Myself the Day Before My Near-Suicide: Written a Year Later."
youtu.be/t1kk9gJdS_g?...
youtu.be/t1kk9gJdS_g?...