T-Kea Blackman turned personal pain into a mission to help Black people access mental health support. After losing her 13-year-old cousin, she began looking deeper into suicide among Black communities.
That search helped inspire Black People Die By Suicide Too (BPDBST). The Maryland-based nonprofit creates spaces where Black people can discuss mental health without shame or judgment.
Blackman co-founded the organization with Jordan Scott. The two met while receiving psychiatric care and later built their friendship around a shared desire to support others.
Today, BPDBST offers peer support, mental health workshops, retreats and suicide prevention education. Its work has also reached Black people outside the United States.
T-Kea Blackman Turned Personal Pain Into Black Mental Health Advocacy
Blackman’s connection to mental health advocacy comes from her own experiences. She began struggling with suicidal thoughts during middle school.
However, she said she often felt unable to speak openly about what she was experiencing. She feared being judged by people around her.
That struggle continued through high school, college and graduate school. Her experience later shaped the kind of support she wanted Black communities to have.
After losing her young cousin, Blackman began examining public health data. She said she noticed concerning trends involving suicide among Black people.
The experience pushed her and Scott to create a place where people could speak honestly. They wanted people to feel safe discussing difficult emotions without fear.
Black People Die By Suicide Too Creates Safe Spaces for Black Communities
BPDBST focuses on reducing the shame surrounding mental health conversations. One of its main programs is the Black Healing Circle.
The peer support group gives Black participants a place to talk about their mental health experiences. It also provides an alternative starting point for people who may not feel ready for therapy.
Blackman uses the groups to encourage professional mental health care. Participants may receive referrals to therapists or other appropriate community services.
The organization also provides mental health literacy and suicide prevention workshops. One program, called “Not A White Thing: Black People Die By Suicide Too,” addresses issues affecting Black communities.
Black Mental Health Support Reaches Beyond the United States
The organization’s reach has grown beyond Maryland. Black people from Canada, the United Kingdom and Brazil have participated in its support groups.
That international response has reinforced Blackman’s belief that these conversations are needed globally. Mental health challenges can affect Black communities regardless of where people live.
BPDBST also works with organizations serving young people. Its goal is to help children and teenagers develop language around mental health early.
The nonprofit has partnered with Prince George’s County Public Schools and the sheriff’s office. One workshop used pop culture to teach middle school students about self-care and mental health.
Students learned how to recognize signs of mental health challenges. They also learned about available resources and the importance of speaking with trusted adults.
BPDBST Uses Support Groups, Workshops and Healing Retreats
The nonprofit offers several programs designed to make mental health support more accessible. Its Light After Loss retreat provides an in-person space for healing and connection.
Another program, Cozy Conversations, gives participants a different kind of support group experience. Instead of only sitting in a traditional circle, participants take part in activities.
The approach was created for people who prefer face-to-face interaction. According to Blackman, the program has received a strong response.
BPDBST is also working with the University of Maryland. The partnership aims to explore the benefits of these community conversations through research.
Blackman Wants Mental Health Conversations to Start Earlier
Youth mental health is another part of the organization’s broader community work. BPDBST does not currently have a dedicated youth program.
Instead, it partners with organizations that already serve children and teenagers. This approach allows the nonprofit to reach young people through established community networks.
Blackman believes early education can give young people better tools. Those tools can help them understand their emotions and know when to seek support.
The goal is also to make mental health discussions feel normal. Having these conversations early can help reduce the silence surrounding mental health.
Black Communities Can Support the Organization’s Mission
BPDBST is still a relatively young nonprofit. Blackman said the organization is seeking additional grants and funding to keep its programs running.
Community members can support the organization in several ways. These include volunteering, joining its board and supporting its Black mental health awards.
People can also provide financial support through recurring or one-time donations. Blackman emphasized that even small contributions can help sustain the organization’s work.
Most importantly, BPDBST is creating opportunities for Black people to talk. Through education, peer support and community partnerships, Blackman hopes more people will know they are not alone.
Her work shows how personal experiences can inspire wider community action. For Blackman, creating space for honest conversations is an important part of building healthier Black communities.
