Suicide rates among Black children and young adults between the ages of 10-24 have increased dramatically over the past few years.

Black History Month
Suicide rates among Black children and young adults between the ages of 10-24 have increased dramatically over the past few years.
My connection with youth is my biggest interest, and my foundation has been crucial in understanding how we can have influence in supporting and advocating for youth mental health in Portland and across the state of Oregon.
There is so much stigma against mental health and suicide in the Black and Creole cultures, but many of us are working to break that stigma. I’ve always been interested in mental health. My family moved to Southwest Louisiana over 300 years ago as one of the premier and largest Creole families.
January 21st, 2023, marked Lines for Life’s first annual Barbershop Conversation in partnership with Kingdom Kuts, a local barbershop in Portland, Oregon. It was packed with people from Portland’s Black and Brown communities to talk about the importance of community and receiving support for mental health.
We are trying to diversify the mental health workforce by aligning with community partners, Black-owned businesses, and Black-owned mental health facilities.
As Lines for Life celebrates Black History Month, it is important to learn the history behind this celebration of the culture and strength of Black Americans as well as their countless contributions to this country. This February, we highlight the accomplishments of Black Americans that have defined history as well as Lines for Life staff and...
Black History Month is a time to reflect and celebrate the history, culture, and strength of Black Americans as well as their countless contributions to this country. There are many “firsts” that Black people and communities are still achieving daily. We want to uplift and magnify the historic and notable accomplishments of influential Black...
Why do we commemorate so-called “Black” History Month? What does “Black” have to do with a people’s accomplishments? We don’t call the history of the United States “White” History, so I would like for you to ask yourself sincerely, why are the words “Black” or “African American” normalized when it comes to our people…? The last time I checked,...
Growing up in Oakland had its challenges, I knew that it wasn’t a place I wanted to live in forever. Like many Urban areas there was poverty, drug use, and gang violence that I witnessed throughout my life, and it was something that I didn’t want for myself. However, it wasn’t until after I left that I realized and appreciated the culture, the...
When asked what it means to support our community, Derric Thompson said, “Just being available. I’m sharing resources, staying involved, volunteering, and making myself an essential worker.” Derric co-founded a youth mentorship program, Leaders Become Legends, that supports young Black men as they secure employment, get into stable housing,...