This Black History Month, we are recognizing Black professionals whose work has helped advance mental and emotional health through greater understanding, access, and compassionate care.
Mental health plays a vital role in overall well-being. While stigma and barriers to care have historically impacted Black communities, the work of dedicated leaders continues to foster healing, awareness, and progress. Take a moment to read about some of the leaders who have helped promote mental and emotional health in American healthcare.
Dr. Joy DeGruy
A researcher and educator, Dr. Joy DeGruy introduced the concept of Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome (P.T.S.S.), helping to explain the lasting emotional effects of historical trauma. Her work emphasizes resilience, understanding, and healing across generations.
Learn more about her here: https://www.joydegruy.com/about
Bebe Moore Campbell
An author and mental health advocate, Bebe Moore Campbell is the co-founder of NAMI Urban Los Angeles and helped reduce stigma around mental illness in communities of color. National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, which happens each July, was created in honor of her and her work and brings awareness to the mental health struggles underrepresented groups face.
Learn more about her here: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bebe-Moore-Campbell
Dr. Alvin F. Poussaint
Dr. Alvin F. Poussaint was a Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. He spent more than 50 years working to advance equity in medicine and mental healthcare. In 2019, he received the American Psychiatric Association Distinguished Service Award for his lasting impact on the field. Throughout his career, he helped expand diversity in healthcare by recruiting and mentoring nearly 1,400 students of color and championing culturally responsive care.
Learn more about him here: https://hms.harvard.edu/news/making-history-0
Dr. Judith Joseph, MD, MBA
Dr. Judith Joseph is a board-certified psychiatrist and clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at Columbia University. Her work focuses on burnout, trauma, and women’s mental health, including the emotional challenges many experiences during menopause. She is also the bestselling author of High Functioning, where she sheds light on how people—especially women—can struggle silently while appearing outwardly successful. Through her clinical work and public education, Dr. Joseph continues to break stigma and promote compassionate, culturally responsive mental healthcare.
Learn more about her here: https://www.a4m.com/judith-joseph.html
