25: Understanding The Effects Of Racism On Black Boys & Men

Join Change Catalyst Founder & CEO Melinda Briana Epler with Dr. Kevin Simon on the critically important topic of "Understanding The Effects Of Racism On Black Boys & Men."

Dr. Kevin Simon shares his journey to becoming a force for good and his work during COVID-19 in helping Black and Brown kids and their families understand intergenerational trauma and historical trauma - and how the effects can manifest through depression and addiction. 

Melinda and Kevin dive deep into:

What an ally can do to support Black and Brown communities in the USWhat intergenerational trauma and historical trauma and their impact on mental and physical health How important is to communicate with teenagers in a time of COVID-19 and social justice protests How Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) like trauma are the roots of addiction and depression in teenage years 

"If you're an ally, particularly to Black and Brown boys, particularly to persons of color, you should be trying to promote institutions and environments, policies that would be protective of that community." 

“Whether we're talking about mental health outcomes, depression, anxiety, suicidality, trauma or substance use, adverse childhood experiences are (ACEs) as are classically labeled. The more aces, you have, the worse your physical outcomes. So, hypertension, diabetes, like you're talking about the worst mental health outcomes. So it is hugely important to try as best as we can to create an environment that can be responsive to what happened in my past, yet at the same time, shift. So that my future will look a little bit different." 

Learn more about Dr Kevin Simon at  https://www.kevinsimonmd.com/

Additional resources: 

Leading with Empathy & Allyship Episode 2 on Mental Health Leading with Empathy & Allyship Episodes 8 & 14 on Intergenerational Trauma “2020 Presidential Election a Source of Significant Stress for More Americans than 2016 Presidential Race” by Sophie Bethune at American Psychological Association: https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2020/10/election-stress “On election day, Bay Area parents and teachers help kids deal with stress of presidential race” by Tatiana Sanchez at San Francisco Chronicle https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/On-Election-Day-parents-and-teachers-help-kids-15695719.php 

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Producer: Juliette Roy 

Project Manager: Sally Moywaywa 

Finance & Operations: Renzo Santos 

Diversity & Inclusion Specialist: Antonia Ford 

Created by: Melinda Briana Epler 

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