Member-only story
The Elephant in the Room: Black Folks and Suicide
Suicide occurs in the Black community and it is time to talk about it and not continue to act like it does not exist
Blacks folks do not commit suicide.
White folks do that.
Black folks just need to pray harder.
These statements are insensitive, inaccurate, and all too familiar in the Black community. In fact, the subjects of suicide and mental illness for some are still taboo.
Declarations like this keep Black folks from even acknowledging that they may be struggling with thoughts of suicide, let alone seek help from mental health professionals.
Perhaps, you may recognize some of the names below:
- Glenn Johnson-2020 (Older Brother of Rapper DaBaby)
- Jas Waters-2020 (American Screenwriter and Journalist)
- Craig Raymond Turner-2018 (Eldest son of Tina Turner)
- Tyler Deon Honeycutt-2018 (EuroLeague)
- Frederick Jay Bowdy-2017 (Aspiring Actor)
- O.J. Murdock-2017 (NFL Player)
- MarShawn McCarrel-2016 (Black Lives Matter Leader)
- Kalief Browder-2015 (The Kalief Browder Story on Netflix)
- Karyn Washington-2014 (Founder, “Forbrowngirls.com”)
- Titi Branch-2014 (Co-Founder, Miss Jessie’s)
- Lee Thompson Young-2013 (Young Talented Actor)
- Capital Steez-2013 (Rising Underground Hip Hop Artist)
- Don Cornelius-2012 (American Television Show Host and Producer)
- Kenny McKinley-2010 (NFL Player)
- Shakir Stewart-2008 (Def Jam Exec VP)
- Phyllis Hyman-1995 (American Singer, Songwriter, and Actress)
- Donny Hathaway-1979 (American Singer)
Sadly, these are some Black folks who have committed suicide. They are part of a public health crisis.
According to the World Health Organization, close to 800,000 people die from suicide every year, and this is the third leading cause of death in 15–19-year olds. For every suicide, there are many more people who attempt suicide every year.
