Ja'shell Smith
Self - Commitment Coach
Are Black Women Ignored?
Black girls and women have the highest risk for suicide in the U.S.
According to Colombia University, Boston University, Time & US News Health, Black females aged 15-65 years, have the highest risk for suicide in the United States. Rates for those aged 15-24 have more than doubled in the last 20 years. These numbers are only increasing and no one seems to have a concrete answer to why. Some studies suggest that Black women have a mistrust of institutions or the government which causes them to not seek help. The experience of racism, racial bias and/or violence is another theory. While financial limits are also noted as a barrier. However, all research come down to one conclusion: There is not enough information on why Black women struggle. My personal experiences have given me a different outlook. No matter how often Black women ask for help or share feelings of pain, help usually comes too late or not at all.
Take this recent story from The Associated Press. A 10-year-old girl from Foxboro Elementary School in North Salt Lake, UT, ended her life after being bullied for her autism and race. She and her parents asked for help that would never come. The district then hired Dr. Joscelin Thomas, a Black woman, to investigate racial complaints. In a twist of events, she too was faced with racism and a hostile work environment. Following her complaints, she was told there would be an investigation. Instead the assistant superintendent placed Thomas on administrative leave and a few months later, her 1-year contract was not renewed. She was not given a reason why and there was no conclusion to the investigation.
Another story currently trending is that of former vice president of student affairs at Lincoln University of Missouri, Antoinette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey. On Monday, January 8th, 2024 she died by suicide after being recently fired from the HBCU in Jefferson City. In an email, Candia-Bailey referenced her mental health struggles and accused president, John B. Moseley, a White man, of “intentionally” harassing and bullying her and described scenarios in which she was set up to fail as an administrator. She states, “You had no intention of retaining me as the (vice president of student affairs). It went downhill after the FMLA and ADA documents were submitted due to my severe depression and anxiety. I requested to be removed under your leadership and from (the president’s advisory council) as this was causing significant attacks. This is all documented in emails sent.”
Earlier this month, Claudine Gay, the first Black female president of Harvard resigned after a group, led by conservative activists, called her a “diversity hire” following her testimony at a congressional hearing regarding antisemitism on U S campuses. The backlash she faced after her words were twisted was more than enough reason for her to walk away from the position. Although Gay did not end her life, the point is she could have gotten to that point. What will it take for Black women to be cared for and given the grace we allow others?
How to be an Ally:
When Black women in your family, friend group or work environment express discomfort in treatment or work load, find a way to lift them up, offer assistance or just listen! I can not tell you how many times Black women are told, "If it's too much, maybe you should quit." It takes away from the problem and puts us at blame instead. We are tired of being unloved, unnoticed and unprotected.
Resources:
If you are struggling and in need of help, here are some resources designed for minorities, youth and women or people with disabilities and mental health issues:
Journey with Ja'shell
