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Black Child Suicide: America’s Urgent Crisis

Urban One’s NewsOne.com, a digital content property owned by iONE Digital, has launched a new multimedia series titled An American Crisis: Black Child Suicide. This seven-part series aims to delve into the reasons why Black children face a higher risk of suicide compared to their peers. The initiative also seeks to provide resources to support those in need, with a primary goal of raising awareness about the underreported and under-addressed crises experienced by Black children due to persistent racism and its collateral consequences.

Introduction and Exclusive Interviews:

The introductory article, written by NewsOne Senior Editor asha bandele, was accompanied by an exclusive one-on-one interview with Susan L. Taylor, Editor-in-Chief Emerita of ESSENCE and founder and CEO of the National CARES Mentoring Movement.

“Consciously and otherwise, this nation casts Black children as predators when the truth is that they are the victims, the targets, of socially imposed and entrenched harms that tell them their lives don’t matter. This series is all about disrupting that lie and finding as many ways as possible to demonstrate our love for our babies,” said asha bandele.

Series Overview:

Over the course of March, An American Crisis: Black Child Suicide will address the tragedy’s impact on specific demographics, including boys, girls, loss survivors, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. The series aims to shed light on the urgent crisis and provide actionable steps to help end Black child suicide.

Key Contributors:

asha bandele, an award-winning journalist and bestselling author, leads the special series. Contributors include Dionne Monsanto, who tragically lost her daughter to suicide, and Susan L. Taylor, the founder and CEO of the National CARES Mentoring Movement. The National CARES Mentoring Movement works nationally to secure Black children by recruiting, training, and deploying mentors, psychologists, and other wellness professionals.

Alarming Statistics:

The series draws attention to alarming statistics, including a 36 percent increase in deaths by suicide among young Black people aged 10 to 24 between 2018 and 2021 (source: Christina Caron, New York Times, 11/18/21). The real-world accounts of suicidal ideation by Black teenagers will be featured, along with insights from psychologists, including Dr. Obari Cartman, President of the Chicago Association of Black Psychologists.

Commitment to Reporting:

iONE Digital’s Vice President, Content, Kirsten West Savali, emphasized the commitment to reporting on uncomfortable yet crucial issues. The initiative aligns with the mission of ensuring that Black children feel seen, heard, loved, and supported in a world that poses challenges to their well-being.

The series stands as a critical platform to address the escalating crisis of Black children dying by suicide, providing a comprehensive exploration of the issue and advocating for necessary interventions and support systems.

Conclusion and Call to Action:

In conclusion, An American Crisis: Black Child Suicide by NewsOne.com is a vital initiative that shines a light on the urgent and underreported crisis affecting Black children. The series, led by asha bandele, seeks to disrupt harmful narratives and address the societal challenges that place Black children at a higher risk of suicide. The personal stories, expert insights, and commitment from contributors like Dionne Monsanto and Susan L. Taylor emphasize the gravity of the issue.

The alarming statistic of a 36 percent increase in suicides among young Black people between 2018 and 2021 underscores the critical need for immediate attention and action. Real-world accounts of suicidal ideation by Black teenagers, along with the expertise of psychologists like Dr. Obari Cartman, provide a sobering look into the challenges faced by this demographic.

It is crucial that this series serves not only as an eye-opener but as a catalyst for tangible change. To address the crisis of Black child suicide, individuals, communities, and institutions must:

1. Raise Awareness: Share the series and its findings through various platforms to ensure that the broader community understands the severity of the issue.
2. Supportive Networks: Create and strengthen supportive networks within communities, schools, and families to ensure that Black children feel seen, heard, and supported in their struggles.
3. Education and Training: Implement comprehensive training programs for educators, mental health professionals, and community leaders to recognize signs of distress and provide effective support.
4. Policy Advocacy: Advocate for policies that address systemic racism and provide resources to tackle mental health challenges among Black children.
5. Community Engagement: Engage in open conversations about mental health within communities to reduce stigma and encourage seeking help when needed.
6. Resources and Counseling: Ensure accessibility to mental health resources and counseling services for Black children, addressing both immediate and long-term needs.

By taking these actions collectively, we can contribute to a positive shift in the narrative surrounding Black child suicide. It is a collective responsibility to ensure that every child, regardless of their background, feels valued, supported, and equipped to navigate life’s challenges. The series serves as a catalyst for change, urging individuals and communities to come together and actively work towards ending the crisis of Black child suicide.