Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas were finally informed of their freedom — two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. This day is a powerful reminder of the enduring fight for Black liberation, justice, and equity in this country.
At Lines for Life, our Equity Team honors Juneteenth not just in remembrance. Through action we recognize that freedom is more than a moment in history. It is the ongoing pursuit of equity, wellness, and opportunity for Black communities. That’s why our work is rooted in ensuring everyone has access to culturally responsive mental health tools and resources, substance use prevention, and community-centered support systems.
We are proud to provide culturally specific trainings like Be Sensitive, Be Brave for Portland’s Black community and its community organizations like the Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) Black, African American, African Immigrant & Refugee Group and the Urban League of Portland’s Community Action Board.
Be Sensitive, Be Brave
This interactive, three-hour workshop integrates culture and diversity into foundational training on suicide prevention and mental health. Designed for community members of all ages, this training specifically addresses how mental health and suicide prevention vary across diverse communities. The training is designed to break stigma, build cultural competence, and empower communities to respond to mental health challenges with compassion and awareness.
Additionally, in alignment with our commitment to healing-centered support for Black youth, we are also focused on the mental health of Black boys through H.E.A.T 4 Youth — a culturally responsive, trauma-informed curriculum offered in partnership with POIC.
H.E.A.T. for Youth
H.E.A.T. for Youth is a culturally responsive, healing-centered program designed to support Black boys ages 13 to 17. H.E.A.T., which stands for Habilitation, Empowerment, and Accountability Therapy, offers a strength-based model that honors lived experience, promotes personal growth, and builds community.
Grounded in the rich resilience of Black culture, H.E.A.T. creates a space where young people feel seen, valued, and supported. The curriculum challenges harmful narratives, reduces stigma, and helps participants build trust and connection—laying the foundation for meaningful transformation.
By affirming identity and addressing trauma through culturally grounded practices, H.E.A.T. helps young people move forward with confidence, hope, and the tools they need to thrive. We’ve also curated versions of this curriculum for Boise-Eliot Elementary and Harriet Tubman Middle School, ensuring younger students also have access to spaces that affirm their identity and uplift their mental wellness.
Uplifting Portland’s Black Community
This Juneteenth and every other day of the year, we recommit ourselves to uplifting the mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of Portland’s Black community. Liberation must include healing. We’re here to ensure our communities have the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive.
Learn more about our work to advance mental health in an equitable and inclusive way at https://www.linesforlife.org/equity/.
