Health

Mamas, Memories and Black Mental Health

Published

7 years ago

May 21, 2019

Mother’s Day and Memorial Day are celebrated in May, which can trigger many emotions: we must remember we don’t have to take them on without help. It is significant then, that this month is also Mental Health Awareness Month.

While western ideals deem emotions and feelings as irrational distractions that can be resolved with logic, there is no duality within an African way of knowing. In her formative book, “Yurugu: An African Critique of European Thought,” Dr. Marimba Ani, an associate member of the ABPsi, reminds us that the rational and emotional are together. The “thinking” parts are in accord with the “feeling” parts of ourselves. We are a spiritual people and our involvement with the universe builds our inner knowing.

As a child, when my emotional vibrations grew too strong, “Mama and DEMM”, the women and elders of the family, were quick to issue a prescription. In Black Psychology, Dr. Baba Wade Nobles has helped us to see that DEMM was not a mispronunciation of “them” but a deep recognition of our sacredness. DEMM stood for “Divine Energy Made Manifest.”

I remember Mama and DEMM would say, “Go outside and sit down somewhere!” They knew that being in harmony with Mama Nature (the outside) would re-stabilize my disharmonizing vibrations.

Connecting with Mama Earth by walking barefoot is known to have even more healing benefits. In “The Healing Wisdom of Africa,” spiritual practitioner Patrice Malidoma Some reminds us, “Every tree, plant, hill, mountain, rock, and each thing that was here before us emanates or vibrates at a subtle energy that has healing power. If something in us must change, spending time in nature provides a good beginning.”

Although I did not realize it at the time, Mama and DEMM’s intention was to ensure I came back feeling better than before I left. I echo these same sentiments to my seeds: children and have rekindled a relationship this year with the outdoors that is renewing and revitalizing.

I bought a few plants, no longer sleep near my phone, and expanded my “social network” to include the birds, bees, and others critters I used to shoo away. I even went camping for the first time! Lesson learned: the wisdom of our Mamas and the reason for Mother’s Day being everyday.

Nowadays, compulsively tied to our phones and social media, we suffer from FOMO, “Fear of Missing Out, which is correlated with anxiety and feelings of worthlessness on top of the usual health risks associated with urban living: stress, diabetes, inactivity.

According to the Office of Minority Health, African Americans are 20% more likely than the general population to experience mental health problems, such as Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Rates of suicide have also increased by 25% in the Black community, and are most troubling in our youth and young adults. While being in nature can provide respite, seeking out the help of a professional mental health practitioner may be necessary.

Western (white) psychology is just now coming to appreciate the ancient African understanding that one past president of the ABPsi, Dr. Mwata Kevin Washington, called Ntu, African Deep Thought that recognized the common spirit in humans, nature and the Divine.

However, Black psychology and DEMM Black psychologists have known for a long time that simply walking in nature or bathing in the sacred salty waters of Mama Yẹmọnja has been associated with preventing disorders (depression, etc.) by being in accord:alignment:harmony with the rhythms of nature and limiting the intake of negative thoughts spiraling through one’s mind.

Our “spiritness” is grounded in life-energy within, around and throughout us on multidimensional levels.

In a time overwhelmed with negativity and consumed by technological addiction, the need to unplug and venture into the universe.

*These monthly articles on Black Mental Health issues are written by members of the Bay Area Chapter of the Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi-Bay Area).

ABPsi-Bay Area is a healing resource and is committed to providing the Post Newspaper readership with monthly discussions about critical issues in Black Mental Health.

We can be contacted at (bayareaabpsi@gmail.com) and readers are welcome to join with us at our monthly chapter and board meeting, every third Saturday at the West Oakland Youth Center from 10am – 12pm.

Sayoko Duhe Watson, M.A.

Bay Area Chapter of the ABPsi, Member

Posts by Sayoko Duhe Watson, M.A.

Up Next

2019: A Significant Anniversary for African Americans

Don't Miss

Oakland Elementary School Students Attend Health Festival to Prevent Nicotine Addiction

Sayoko Duhe Watson, M.A.

Bay Area Chapter of the ABPsi, Member

Click to comment

Activism

Rep. Kamlager-Dove Introduces Bill to Protect Women in Custody After Reports Detailing Miscarriages and Neglect

The Pregnant Women in Custody Act would expand safeguards beyond the federal prison system to include women detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Office of Refugee Resettlement. The proposal follows reports of pregnant women being shackled, denied medical care and suffering miscarriages while in immigration detention.

Published

4 weeks ago

May 17, 2026

Oakland Post

iStock

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37) on May 7, reintroduced updated legislation aimed at strengthening protections and healthcare standards for pregnant and postpartum women held in federal custody, including in immigration detention facilities.

The Pregnant Women in Custody Act would expand safeguards beyond the federal prison system to include women detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Office of Refugee Resettlement. The proposal follows reports of pregnant women being shackled, denied medical care and suffering miscarriages while in immigration detention.

The legislation builds on a bipartisan version previously passed by the House during the 117th Congress. The updated bill includes new standards for healthcare access, mental health and substance use treatment, high-risk pregnancy care, family unity protections and increased federal oversight.

“Proper pregnancy care is a human right, regardless of your immigration or incarceration status,” Kamlager-Dove said in a statement. “It’s unacceptable that there are virtually no legal safeguards for pregnant women in federal custody.”

The bill would also limit the use of restraints and restrictive housing for pregnant women, improve data collection on maternal health in custody and require additional staff training and enforcement measures.

Supporters of the measure said the legislation is intended to address long-standing concerns about maternal healthcare and safety in detention settings, particularly for Black women and low-income women who are disproportionately impacted by incarceration and health disparities.

“Pregnant women in custody should never be subjected to dangerous and inhumane treatment that threatens their health, dignity, or the well-being of their babies,” said Patrice Willoughby, chief of policy and legislative affairs for the NAACP and a longtime public policy and government affairs strategist, in a statement.

A 2021 report estimated there are about 58,000 admissions of pregnant women into U.S. jails and prisons each year. Kamlager’s statement also cited a recent investigation by NBC News and Bloomberg Law that identified allegations of severe mistreatment or medical neglect involving at least 54 pregnant women or families in county jails between 2017 and 2024.

Federal policy under the Department of Homeland Security restricts the detention of pregnant, postpartum and nursing immigrants except in extreme cases. However, the agency reported that ICE deported 363 pregnant, postpartum or nursing women between January 2025 and February 2026, including 16 recorded miscarriages during that period.

The bill is cosponsored by several House Democrats and backed by organizations including the NAACP and the Vera Institute of Justice.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Bay Area

How Is AI Affecting California? The State Wants You to Share Your Story

The program marks the first time the state has opened the platform to all Californians. State officials said the effort is designed to give residents a direct role in discussions about how AI should be regulated and used as the technology rapidly expands across industries.

Published

4 weeks ago

May 17, 2026

Oakland Post

iStock

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced May 7 that California is expanding its Engaged California digital democracy initiative statewide, inviting residents to help shape future state policies on artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on jobs and the economy.

“We’ve got to be clear-eyed about this moment: AI is moving fast, bringing enormous opportunity, but also real risks,” Newsom said in a statement. “Californians deserve a seat at the table as we shape what’s to come.”

The initiative will roll out in two phases. Beginning immediately, Californians can sign up online to share how AI is affecting their work and communities and provide ideas for possible government action. Later this summer, a smaller group reflecting the state’s workforce demographics will participate in live discussions focused on developing policy recommendations.

State officials said the goal is to identify areas of agreement among Californians and provide policymakers with public feedback as the state develops future AI regulations and workforce strategies.

Engaged California is modeled after digital democracy programs used in Taiwan and is intended to encourage structured public discussion rather than social media-style debate. Officials described the effort as a form of “deliberative democracy” aimed at helping residents engage directly in state decision-making.

“The more Californians are engaged in the democratic process, the better able we’ll be to confront the challenges we face together,” said Nick Maduros, California Secretary of Government Operations, in a statement.

The statewide launch builds on two earlier pilot programs. One pilot gathered public input following the Los Angeles firestorms to help guide recovery efforts, while another collected ideas from state employees about improving government operations.

California has positioned itself as a national leader in AI policy and development. Since 2023, the Newsom administration has introduced initiatives focused on responsible AI use in government, cybersecurity protections, workforce training and regulations targeting risks such as deepfakes and AI-generated robocalls.

The state has also partnered with companies in Silicon Valley — including NVIDIA, Google, Adobe, IBM and Microsoft — to expand AI education and workforce training programs across California schools and universities.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Activism

California Launches Free Diaper Program for Newborns Statewide

The initiative, called Golden State Start, will provide 400 free diapers to every newborn delivered at participating California hospitals beginning this summer. The state is partnering with Baby2Baby, a California-based nonprofit that distributes essential items to children in need nationwide.

Published

4 weeks ago

May 17, 2026

Oakland Post

iStock.

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Friday that California will launch a first-in-the-nation program providing free diapers to families with newborns, part of a broader effort to lower costs for parents and improve infant health outcomes.

The initiative, called Golden State Start, will provide 400 free diapers to every newborn delivered at participating California hospitals beginning this summer. The state is partnering with Baby2Baby, a California-based nonprofit that distributes essential items to children in need nationwide.

State officials said hospitals participating in the program will give families the diapers when they are discharged after birth, helping parents leave with an immediate supply of newborn essentials.

“Every baby born in California deserves a healthy start in life,” Newsom said in a statement. He said the program is part of California’s broader affordability efforts, which also include free school meals, universal preschool for four-year-olds and expanded after-school programs.

The announcement comes ahead of Mother’s Day and is tied to the administration’s broader CalRx initiative, which aims to reduce costs for essential products and medications. State officials said California is also exploring ways to lower diaper prices by challenging high costs from major brands.

The first year of the program will prioritize hospitals serving large numbers of Medi-Cal patients, with plans to expand to additional hospitals and birthing centers over time. Officials said the effort is intended to reduce financial pressure on low-income families and improve infant and maternal health by ensuring parents have access to clean diapers.

“California families deserve to feel supported during one of life’s more exciting, yet vulnerable transitions,” First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom said in a statement. She said the program would allow parents to focus on caring for their newborns instead of worrying about basic supplies.

According to Baby2Baby, one in two families in the United States struggles to afford diapers. The organization has distributed more than half a billion items to children over the past 15 years through partnerships with shelters, hospitals, foster care programs and schools.

State officials said Baby2Baby will oversee diaper purchasing, warehousing and distribution through its existing hospital and community partnerships across California.