Funding to Provide Critical Resources — Peer Support Groups and Mental Health Training to Black Community Members Impacted by Suicide
Baltimore, MD (January 16, 2025) — Black People Die By Suicide Too (BPDBST), a grassroots peer-led organization dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health awareness within the Black community, has been awarded its first grant of $10,000 from the Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM). BEAM is a national institution focused on the healing, wellness, and liberation of Black and marginalized communities, and supports BPDBST’s mission through this vital funding.
The grant will support the expansion of BPDBST’s community-based, peer-led support programming. This funding will enable the organization to offer Mental Health First Aid training to members of the Black community impacted by suicide. BPDBST will also increase the frequency of its peer support groups from monthly to bi-weekly, specifically for Black individuals who struggle with suicidal thoughts, with options for both in-person and virtual meetings. Additionally, support groups will be available for those grieving the loss of loved ones to suicide. These programs are designed to foster healing, provide peer support, and address the unique challenges faced by those affected by suicide within the Black community.
“I wish similar resources had been available for me and my family during my darkest days,” shared T-Kea Blackman, MPS, CPRS, RPS, executive director and co-founder of BPDBST. “It’s encouraging that Black people are increasingly discussing mental health but suicide is often left out of the conversation. That’s what we aim to change.” Blackman continued, “Community healing is essential, as clinicians alone cannot meet the demand—it truly takes a village. As a suicide attempt survivor, I am committed to being the light when others lack hope. We are deeply grateful to BEAM for believing in us, being our first funder, and supporting our mission.”
“Through BEAM’s support, BPDBST aims to break the silence surrounding suicide in the Black community, offering spaces for connection, healing, and education,” stated Yolo Akili Robinson, founder and executive director of BEAM. “As the broader conditions of this country continue to excuse racism, transphobia, and unethical behavior, it’s important we support efforts that protect and support our folks by making spaces for us to discuss our struggles without stigma. BEAM is proud to support BPDBST as a part of a constellation of organizations protecting our people’s wellness.”
For more information about Black People Die By Suicide Too and its programs, please visit https://blackpeoplediebysuicidetoo.org/.
About Black People Die By Suicide Too (BPDBST):
Founded in 2023, BPDBST is a peer-led non-profit organization that focuses on suicide prevention and mental health awareness in the Black community. Through education, advocacy, and peer support, BPDBST addresses the unique challenges Black individuals face related to mental health and suicide, working to create safe and supportive spaces for healing and connection.
About Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM):
BEAM is a national training, movement-building, and grant-making institution dedicated to the healing, wellness, and liberation of Black and marginalized communities. Through grants, training, and advocacy, BEAM supports transformative approaches to mental health that are grounded in culture, care, and community.
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