At Black People Die By Suicide Too (BPDBST), we are proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our executive director/co-founder, T-Kea Blackman, MPS, CPRS, RPS. A fierce advocate and change-maker in Black mental health and suicide prevention, T-Kea has been accepted into the PhD program at the University of Maryland, College Park, where she will focus her research on Black suicide prevention. She will be pursuing a Doctorate in Communication Science and Social Cognition with a focus on suicidology and certification in epidemiology. This milestone aligns perfectly with her unwavering commitment to advocacy and creating systemic change.This milestone aligns perfectly with her unwavering commitment to advocacy and creating systemic change.
“I am in awe of my journey. Pursuing a PhD will allow me to continue to make an impact. My goal is to influence policy and secure additional funding for Black suicide prevention, peer support, and mental health equity,” says T-Kea.
This next chapter in her academic journey reflects her dedication to ensuring Black communities receive the culturally responsive support they need. Through her research, she aims to bridge critical gaps in mental health resources and policy, making suicide prevention efforts more accessible and effective for Black individuals.
Trailblazing with the Taking Care of Us Campaign
Beyond her academic pursuits, T-Kea has been recognized as a Trailblazer for the Taking Care of Us campaign, where she serves as a committee member. This initiative is spearheaded by the Maryland Office of Suicide Prevention in collaboration with the Maryland Department of Health’s Behavioral Health Administration, the Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities, and the Black Mental Health Alliance, is a crucial step in addressing mental health disparities and suicide prevention in Black communities.
Honored with The Carroll Conquest Outstanding Leadership Award
T-Kea’s contributions to peer support and advocacy have also been recognized with The Carroll Conquest Outstanding Leadership Award. This prestigious honor commemorates the legacy of Carroll Conquest, a dedicated peer advocate whose impact continues to inspire. His commitment to peer support and mental health advocacy in Maryland and beyond has paved the way for many, and T-Kea’s work proudly carries that legacy forward.
Continuing the Mission
This recognition fuels our passion to keep breaking barriers, amplifying Black voices in suicide prevention, and ensuring our community has access to the culturally relevant mental health resources we deserve. T-Kea’s leadership and dedication serve as an inspiration to us all, and we look forward to witnessing the continued impact she will make through her research, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to change.
Please join us in celebrating these incredible achievements of our co-founder and future doctor who continues to work tirelessly to create a world where Black lives are valued, supported, and saved.
