Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective
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beamorg.bsky.social
Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective
@beamorg.bsky.social
61 followers 6 following 190 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
🖤⚡ Big news! NFL cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. has selected BEAM as his featured cause for this year’s My Cause My Cleats campaign.

We’re honored that he’s using his platform to uplift mental health, emotional wellness, and community care.
The image is a split promotional graphic for the Los Angeles Rams featuring a football player in motion on the top half and a pair of customized cleats on the bottom half. At the top, a player wearing a white Los Angeles Rams uniform with blue and yellow accents and the number 1 on the jersey is captured mid-stride while running on a football field. He wears a blue-and-yellow helmet with a clear visor and white gloves. In the upper left corner, the Rams logo appears alongside the text “LA Rams” and “Emmanuel Forbes Jr.” The bottom half of the image shows a close-up of black football cleats with gold paint-splatter detailing. One shoe prominently features the word “BEAM” in gold lettering along the side. To the left of the cleats is bold blue text reading, “MY CAUSE MY CLEATS,” followed by the LA Rams logo and the Novartis logo, indicating a partnership campaign. The background of the lower section is clean and white, drawing attention to the shoes and text.
December 4, 2025 at 5:51 PM
beamorg.bsky.social
This Giving Tuesday, we’re choosing us.

Because across philanthropy, Black mental health and healing justice are being deprioritized—even as our communities face attacks, displacement, and rising mental health distress.

But at BEAM, we refuse to abandon our people.
Give to Black Healing! #mentalhealth
YouTube video by BEAM
youtube.com
December 2, 2025 at 5:50 PM
beamorg.bsky.social
Our Rooted in Healing merch is 20% OFF this weekend!

This series of apparel is very special to us, and was designed with you in mind.

Wear your affirmation. Honor your healing. Support the movement and our healing work!

Don’t miss your chance to grab your favorites while they’re on sale!
A group of seven Black models stand and sit on rocky terrain surrounded by greenery, wearing apparel from BEAM’s “Rooted in Healing” collection. The group poses confidently in earthy-toned T-shirts featuring healing-focused messages and artwork. Over the image, large text reads: “BLACK FRIDAY Sale – 20% OFF – Rooted in HEALING Collection.” At the bottom is the BEAM logo with the words “Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective.” A grid of nine T-shirts from BEAM’s “Rooted in Healing Collection” is displayed on a clean white background. The top row features cream-colored shirts with illustrated designs and text promoting healing. The middle row shows black T-shirts with minimalist text designs. The bottom row includes additional cream T-shirts with affirmations like “Healing is my birthright.” Above the shirts is the collection title, “Rooted in Healing Collection,” and below them is text that reads: “Available now at BEAM.community.com.” The BEAM logo appears at the bottom. Over the image, large text reads: “BLACK FRIDAY Sale – 20% OFF – Rooted in HEALING Collection.” At the bottom is the BEAM logo with the words “Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective.”
November 28, 2025 at 6:09 PM
beamorg.bsky.social
Today, we choose to honor Indigenous people — their resilience, their stewardship of this land, and the generations who have survived unimaginable harm.

Rather than celebrate the false narrative of “Thanksgiving,” we hold space for truth, for healing, and for a commitment to healing justice.
GIVE THANKS FOR INDIGENOUS PEOPLE NOT FOR COLONIZERS BEAM LOGO IN WHITE. BLACK EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL HEALTH COLLECTIVE.
November 27, 2025 at 7:30 PM
beamorg.bsky.social
As we move through the holiday season, especially gatherings centered around food, let’s practice care with our words.

Negative comments about Black people’s bodies — what we eat, how we look, how we “should” show up — don’t support our healing. They reinforce shame.
NEGATIVE COMMENTS ABOUT OUR BODIES DON'T HELP US HEAL BEAM logo at the bottom center. Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective
November 26, 2025 at 8:01 PM
beamorg.bsky.social
Whether it’s “that one auntie”, a distant uncle, an estranged sibling, or Cousin Faith 👀 — we know how it can get when everyone isn’t on the same page in the book of healing, and that’s okay!
**5 Tips for Surviving Family Drama During the Holidays** **5 Tips for Surviving Family Drama During the Holidays** 1. **Establish Boundaries**: Don't be afraid to set boundaries with family or friends. It's okay to say no and prioritize your well-being. **5 Tips for Surviving Family Drama During the Holidays** 2. **Keep Healthy Routines:** It’s easy to lose our regular routine during the holidays. Maintaining exercise, sleep, and eating routines can help manage stress and emotions. Make self-care a priority. **5 Tips for Surviving Family Drama During the Holidays** 3. **Give Back:** Volunteer in your community. Acts of kindness and giving back can lift your spirits and foster connection.
November 24, 2025 at 7:34 PM
beamorg.bsky.social
Shifts in seasons, weather, and climates can cause many of our folks to retreat into undesirable feelings and emotions. BEAM’s programs are more than events — they’re spaces to connect, reflect, and gather with community.
November 22, 2025 at 8:44 PM
beamorg.bsky.social
Yesterday was a day FULL of healing! We started off the day with community members for another restorative flotation rest therapy session at @quantumclinicusa and partnered with Barber Gurus in Leimert Park for their Village Circle.
November 21, 2025 at 8:40 PM
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
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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