<p>First thing is first.&nbsp; Many people have made it their mission to work, every single day of their lives, to improve the lives of those people considered minorities -- such as African Americans.&nbsp; However, despite the dedicated work of these people, marginalization still happens, and it has led to the creation, and celebration, of Black History Month.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>The importance of Black History month</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There are so many reasons why Black History month is important.&nbsp; For our purposes, we&rsquo;re going to keep it focused on how it refers to today&rsquo;s African American youth and adults.&nbsp; A lot of it has to do with mental health and even safety.&nbsp; Black History month...</p> <ul> <li><strong>Raises awareness for proper diagnoses:</strong> Many African American people live in low socioeconomic situations.&nbsp; This, in combination with factors such as education and access to professionals, means that African Americans are less likely to seek treatment for a mental health issue than the rest of the population.&nbsp; This means that diagnoses are missed and many suffer from mental health crises as a direct result.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>Helps reduce suicide risks in African American teens: </strong>While Black teens are less likely to die of suicide when teens, compared to other populations, Black teens are much more likely to attempt suicide than those in other populations.&nbsp; This is often due to living in poverty and abusive situations, or feeling as though they have no clear path to a profitable future.&nbsp; Understanding this data can help reduce these risks in youth and teens in the future.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>Teaches everyone about the role of spirituality and health:</strong> African American populations have a strong connection to spirituality throughout their lives.&nbsp; By understanding the connection between the Black population and spirituality, society can better understand how these practices need to be worked into mental health services to help make mental health treatments more accessible and more successful for Black youth and teens who are seeking solace and comfort from the church.</li> </ul> <p><strong>How it connects to mental health</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The more that we understand the needs, preferences, history, and role of African American people, the more that we, as a society, can progress our service and offerings.&nbsp; When we take the time to understand how everyone&rsquo;s need factor in, it promotes things like quality.&nbsp; Since our history is so often an &ldquo;us&rdquo; versus &ldquo;them&rdquo; society, it is reassuring to see that steps are being made to help eradicate marginalization from the ground-up.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; By making Black History month, and a true understanding of the Black population, a priority, it helps society as a whole understand the marginalization for what it is.&nbsp; It also helps African American communities that their needs are as important as those in other populations, which is often overlooked.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; While we have a long way to go, the research is promising already that, by continuing to prioritize Black History month and understanding the importance of equality, we can help boost the mental health of African American youth as well as adults.&nbsp; This promotes a more peaceful and healthy future for everyone, bringing us closer and closer to true equality.</p>