The People’s Voice
Minding Your Mental Health
Mental Health Awareness Month
Vol 2: 2025
Introducing the Squad
Oakland Forward Staff
Autumn Butler - Executive Director
Tameka Ramsey - Interim Managing Director
Kermit Williams - Training Director
Ebony Wilkins - Digital Organizer & Communications
Janea Carson – Organizer
David Stimage - Organizing Manager
Kanita Williams - Operations Manager
Matt Yancy – Organizer
Sicoya Howard – Organizer
Director’s Corner
Autumn Butler - Executive Director
autumn@mioaklandforward.org
Black Women and Mental Health Awareness
Black women, often at the intersection of race and gender, face unique challenges when it comes to mental health. These challenges are compounded by societal expectations, stereotypes, and the ongoing effects of systemic oppression. The disparities in mental health care and outcomes for Black women are alarming, with historical trauma, economic inequality, and racism creating compounded stress. Mental Health Awareness Month provides an opportunity to reflect on these specific barriers and the importance of addressing the mental health needs of Black women. It’s essential to recognize not only the personal impacts, but also the systemic factors that contribute to their mental health struggles.
The intersection of race and gender creates a complex landscape for Black women’s mental health, one that requires more than just individual care—it requires systemic change. Addressing mental health disparities for Black women requires dismantling the systems of racism and sexism that contribute to their struggles. It also calls for a holistic approach to healing, one that includes culturally competent care, community support, and policy reforms that ensure equitable access to mental health resources. By acknowledging the intersection of oppression, Oakland Forward can better support the mental well-being of Black women and work toward an environment where they can thrive without the burdens imposed by systemic injustice.
Five ways we can fight to ensure that everyone, especially those most impacted, have access to quality mental healthcare:
1. Culturally Competent Care: Access to mental health services that understand and respect Black women's cultural experiences, histories, and unique challenges is essential for effective healing and support.
2. Community Support: Building strong, supportive communities and networks where Black women can share their experiences, seek advice, and find solidarity plays a vital role in mental well-being.
3. Self-Care and Boundaries: Encouraging Black women to prioritize self-care, set healthy boundaries, and engage in activities that nurture their mind, body, and spirit is crucial for maintaining mental health.
4. Addressing Systemic Oppression: Addressing the root causes of mental health disparities, including racism, gender discrimination, and economic inequality, is fundamental for creating a healthier environment for Black women.
5. Normalizing Mental Health Conversations: Breaking the stigma around mental health in Black communities and fostering open dialogues about mental health can empower Black women to seek the support they need without fear of judgment.
Announcements
Oakland Forward is continuing to grow and move forward. We are excited that our Executive Director, Autumn Butler, has accepted a position as Deputy Executive Director of Michigan United, a statewide social and economic justice nonprofit organization committed to a movement for a multiracial democracy.
We are proud that Tameka Ramsey, co-founder of Pontiac Policy Council and Oakland Forward, is returning home to become Executive Director of Oakland Forward as we continue to level up and expand our outreach throughout Oakland County.
Autumn and Tameka will work closely through this transition to ensure that Oakland Forward is not only sustainable, but invigorated to continue the fight to improve the quality of life of communities of color through grassroots policy advocacy and community organizing.
Organizer’s Take
David Stimage - Organizing Manager
david@mioaklandforward.org
Supporting your child's mental health starts at home. As caregivers, there are everyday steps we can take to create a nurturing environment where children feel safe, supported, and equipped to handle life’s challenges. Here are five practical ways to promote mental well-being for your child:
1. Establish Consistent Routines:
Help your child develop a stable daily routine that includes time for homework, extracurricular activities, relaxation, and family interactions. Routines can provide a sense of security and predictability, which are essential for mental well-being.
2. Encourage Open Communication:
Create an environment where your child feels safe expressing their feelings and concerns. Regularly check in and ask open-ended questions about their day and feelings.
3. Promote Healthy Habits:
Ensure your child gets adequate sleep, regular exercise, and a balanced diet, as these factors significantly contribute to mental health.
4. Foster Problem-Solving Skills:
Teach your child how to manage stress by discussing potential solutions to problems they might face, whether academic or social.
5. Be Involved in School Life:
Attend parent-teacher meetings and participate in school activities to stay informed about your child's environment and identify any issues early on.
We Did That
April - May 2025
· Oakland Forward at Black Voters Matter Capitol Day because We Won't Back Down and It's About Us.
Black Voters Matters lobby day
Michigan United lobby day
· Oakland Forward joined Michigan United for a powerful Lobby Day at the Capitol — it's time to FIGHT back! Big shout out to our staff and super leaders, Sonya Malone and Thomas Lawrence, for showing up and showing out!
Oakland Forward joins Michigan Education Justice Coalition for their Lobby Day in Lansing. Partner organizations throughout the state advocated for an increase in public school funding.
Michigan Education Justice Coalition lobby day
Community Conversation on Housing
· Community members and panelists gather for a powerful discussion on housing justice, sharing concerns, solutions, and a vision for a more equitable Pontiac.
· Parents, educators, caregivers, and community leaders came together to explore real solutions for Pontiac’s schools—uplifting the voices of those most impacted and working toward a stronger, more equitable future for our students.
Community Conversation on Education
Collaboration with the Michigan Education Justice Coalition (MEJC
· The Oakland Forward Action Fund, in collaboration with the Michigan Education Justice Coalition (MEJC), held a press conference at the office of Congressional Representative Haley Stevens. We stand with MEJC as they deliver a letter of support and encouragement to Rep. Stevens, urging her to continue fighting for equitable funding for all children and to oppose cuts to the Department of Education.
Family Group Chat
Click the underlined dates to learn more.
May 14, 2025 – Education Action Team & NLA #5 Kick-off & Orientation (5:00 PM – 7:30 PM)
May 26, 2025 - Stomp Out Violence with Identify Your Dream
May 31, 2025 – Community Summit & Oakland Forward Bi-Annual Membership Meeting (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
David’s appointment to MI Black Student Project Taskforce
Congratulations, David!!! We are proud to announce that David will represent Oakland Forward and Black dads on the first ever Black Student Achievement task force. This is a 2.5 year assignment.
This task force is the result of the hard work we did to get $4.5 million dollars for Black student achievement in the state budget. School districts, community based organizations and communities throughout the state will be able to access these funds to pilot innovative programs, projects, tools that will increase Black student achievement and eliminate the pre-school to prison pipeline. Let’s keep building on our relationships so when this funding opportunity drops Pontiac and our other Black cities will be ready.