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Black History Month, an annual February celebration, acknowledges the profound impact and contributions of Black people to the United States. Initiated by Carter G. Woodson in 1926 and set in February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, it has grown into a national acknowledgment of the struggles, achievements and resilience of Black people. This month provides a reflective lens through which we view central Pennsylvanian historical figures like Harriet McClintock Marshall and hallowed grounds in Harrisburg, like the Lincoln Cemetery.

Harriet McClintock Marshall: A Torchbearer of Freedom

In the heart of Harrisburg, a remarkable story of courage and dedication unfolded with the life of Harriet McClintock Marshall. Marshall, born in Harrisburg, in 1840, was a central figure in the local chapter of the Underground Railroad. Her home as well as the church founded by her mother, Wesley Union African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, served as a haven for those fleeing slavery. Harriet and her husband Elisha, who had escaped from slavery himself, were committed to helping escapees, providing not just shelter but also transportation and essential support.

Their efforts extended beyond the Underground Railroad. The Marshalls were instrumental in erecting a monument at Lincoln Cemetery to honor African American Civil War veterans. This act of remembrance highlights their dedication to their community’s immediate needs and the broader goal of keeping the local Black contributions to the nation’s history.

Lincoln Cemetery: More Than a Resting Place

Lincoln Cemetery, established outside of Harrisburg in 1877, symbolizes the Black legacy in the region. It’s a site where many Black people, including over 90 Black Civil War veterans, have been laid to rest. The cemetery has served as a silent witness to the evolving history of African Americans in Harrisburg, enduring periods of neglect and vandalism yet standing resilient as a testament to the community’s fortitude.

The Intersection of History and Restoration

The challenges faced by Lincoln Cemetery, from vandalism to natural decay, mirror the broader struggles of Black historical preservation. The establishment of Saving Our Ancestors’ Legacy (SOAL) in 2021 marked a pivotal turn in the cemetery’s story, embodying a community-driven effort to reclaim and honor this vital piece of Black heritage. This initiative is about restoration and reconnecting with the past while ensuring these stories continue to enlighten future generations.

The stories of Harriet McClintock Marshall and the Lincoln Cemetery are intertwined narratives of courage, perseverance and unwavering commitment to freedom and equality. As we observe Black History Month, their stories urge us to recognize the depth and breadth of African American contributions to our nation’s history. They remind us of the ongoing journey toward social justice and the importance of preserving such significant chapters of our collective past.

Celebrating Black History Month in Harrisburg

To celebrate Black History Month in Harrisburg, you can:

• Visit historic monuments and museums, such as the first African American Monument on PA State Capitol Grounds, “A Gathering at the Crossroads,” and The National Civil War Museum.
• Support Black businesses in Harrisburg, which include a variety of restaurants, bars, arts and crafts, contributing to the city’s vibrant culture.
• Attend cultural events, like the “Trailblazers: Notable African Americans in Pennsylvania History” exhibit at the Pennsylvania State Capitol, featuring inspiring stories of African American figures.
• Experience a theatrical journey exploring the legacy of Black musicians and Harrisburg’s hospitality network that provided them with safe lodging. For more information and tickets, visit the event page.

For more information and other ways to celebrate, you can visit the detailed guide on ExploreHBG.

Celebrating the Legacies of Bebe Moore Campbell, Herman George Canady, and Mamie Phipps Clark

In an era where mental health is increasingly seen as integral to overall well-being, it is essential to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of Black pioneers in this field. Bebe Moore Campbell, Herman George Canady and Mamie Phipps Clark represent resilience, innovation and advocacy. Their work has profoundly influenced the understanding and approach to mental health, especially within diverse communities. Recognizing their achievements is about giving credit and emphasizing cultural competence – understanding the diverse perspectives and experiences that enrich mental health.

Cultural competence in mental health means understanding, respecting and effectively responding to the needs and values of people from various cultural backgrounds. The legacies of Campbell, Canady and Clark highlight the importance of this understanding. Their work revealed the complex intersection of culture, race and societal factors in mental health. Celebrating their achievements underscores the need for cultural competence in mental health practices, ensuring care is accessible, empathetic and responsive to diverse populations.

Their contributions also remind us of the ongoing challenges and disparities in mental health care for minority communities. Honoring their legacies means committing to their mission: breaking down barriers and fostering an inclusive environment where mental well-being is accessible to all, regardless of racial or cultural background. This celebration is a call to action for culturally competent mental health care.

Bebe Moore Campbell: A Voice for the Unheard

Bebe Moore Campbell, a literary trailblazer, used her talents to address racism, mental health and culture and community resilience. Her books, including “The 72-Hour Hold” and “Sometimes My Mommy Gets Angry,” delve into the psychological impacts of societal issues. Her influence extended beyond literature. As a NAMI Urban Los Angeles co-founder, Campbell became a national figure, revolutionizing mental health care in underserved communities. She tackled the silence bred by stigma, championing the mental health needs of Black people and advocating for spaces where their stories could be shared without judgment.

Learn more about Bebe Moore Campbell.

Herman George Canady: Challenging Bias, Shaping Psychology

Herman George Canady, born in 1901, was a clinical and social psychologist who addressed racial biases in psychological assessments. His master’s thesis, “The Effects of Rapport on the IQ: A Study in Racial Psychology,” offered insights into how the race of test proctors could influence IQ testing outcomes. Canady’s career included significant roles, from chairing the psychology department at West Virginia Collegiate Institute to founding the West Virginia Psychological Association and the Charleston Guidance Clinic. His contributions paved the way for future generations of Black psychologists.

Learn more about Herman George Canady.

Mamie Phipps Clark: A Pillar of Developmental Psychology

Mamie Phipps Clark, a Howard University graduate, conducted revolutionary work on the impact of segregation and racism on Black children’s self-esteem alongside her husband, Kenneth Bancroft Clark. Their “Dolls Test” was essential to their testimony during the Brown v. Board of Education case. Clark’s dissertation, “The Development of Consciousness of Self and the Emergence of Racial Identification in Negro Preschool Children,” is now a classic in developmental psychology. Despite barriers as a Black female psychologist, Clark co-founded the Northside Center for Child Development in Harlem, providing services to minority children and researching racial biases in education.

Learn more about Mamie Phipps Clark.

Through their dedication and groundbreaking work, these pioneers shaped the mental health field and addressed critical social issues. Their stories continue to inspire current mental health practices, emphasizing the importance of diversity, cultural competence, and equitable access to mental health care. As we celebrate their legacies, we are reminded of the need to address racial disparities in mental health care and uphold the inclusivity and cultural sensitivity values these trailblazers championed. Their lives and work remind us that the journey toward a more equitable and understanding society is ongoing, built on the foundations they laid.

The Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute (PPI), in the spirit of Penn State’s storied “We Are” legacy, exemplifies unity and inclusivity in mental health care.

The “We Are” chant, a beacon of solidarity, finds its roots in a historic stand against segregation by the 1940s Penn State football teams. This same spirit of unity guides PPI’s mission to provide equitable mental health services, ensuring that the fight against racial disparities in health care continues. You can learn more about the roots of this chant in the article “Why we say ‘We Are.’”

PPI’s commitment to mental health equity mirrors the courage shown by the Nittany Lions, who, facing segregation, chose unity and inclusivity by refusing to play without their Black teammates. Today, PPI embodies this legacy by ensuring that mental health care is accessible to all, paying homage to the pioneering efforts of individuals like Wally Triplett, Dennie Hoggard and their teammates. Their actions in the late 1940s changed the course of sports history and underscored the importance of standing together against injustice.

As we reflect on Black History Month, PPI’s dedication to breaking down barriers in mental health care is a testament to the enduring power of the “We Are” spirit. This commitment is not just about remembering the past; it’s about pushing forward, making mental health care more inclusive and honoring the unity that defines us. Just as the “We Are” sculpture on the University Park campus invites visitors to see themselves in the reflection of unity and inclusivity, PPI strives to reflect these values in every aspect of care, ensuring a future where mental health equity is a reality for everyone.

Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute (PPI) is proud to advocate for accessible, inclusive mental health care for all. With the information below, we aim to highlight mental health resources for Black people in central Pennsylvania.

The Association of Black Psychologists Family Care, Community Care and Self Care Tool Kit

abpsi.org
This tool kit is for the Black community, developed by and for people of African ancestry to comfort and inspire in these difficult times. It provides resources to help take care of yourself and each other, strengthening the shared sense of community for the journey ahead.

The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation

borislhensonfoundation.org
The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation’s mission is to create a new tradition of care for Black communities, clearing pathways that allow people of color to see what their lives look like on the other side of suffering.

Black Men Heal

blackmenheal.org
Black Men Heal is a nonprofit that provides free mental health treatment individual and group therapy to Men of Color. Their offering to the community is a safe space that provides the opportunity to heal from intergenerational trauma and systemic racism. We pair the men with therapists of color who can attend to their unique cultural experiences.

Black Mental Health Alliance

blackmentalhealth.com
The mission statement of the Black Mental Health Alliance is to develop, promote, and sponsor trusted and culturally relevant educational forums, trainings and referral services that support the health and well-being of Black people and their communities.

Black Women’s Health Alliance of Philadelphia

pbwha.org
The mission of the Black Women’s Health Alliance of Philadelphia is to improve health care outcomes and reduce health disparities for Black and other minority women and their families through advocacy, education, research and support services.

Steve Fund

stevefund.org
The Steve Fund works with colleges and universities, nonprofits, researchers, mental health experts, families and young people to promote programs and strategies that build understanding and assistance for the mental and emotional health of the nation’s young people of color.

Therapy for Black Girls Podcast

therapyforblackgirls.com
The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly chat about all things mental health, personal development and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves.

If you’d like to learn more about the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute’s approach to the Black community’s mental health, please do not hesitate to contact us by phone at 866-746-2496.

We’re committed to providing an inclusive, welcoming space where everyone can access the care and support they need.

As we commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month, we must acknowledge the progress and challenges in Hispanic and Latinx mental health. Today, almost 20% of the U.S. population identifies as Hispanic or Latinx (2020 U.S. Census), yet this community faces unique barriers to mental health services and care. Below, we’ll delve into the advancements and continuing obstacles that require our attention.

Reflecting on Progress

Improved Awareness
Over the years, an increasing focus on mental health has slowly decreased the stigma associated with seeking help for mental illness in the Hispanic and Latinx community. Efforts by health care organizations, advocacy groups and culturally competent providers have made strides in raising awareness about the importance of mental health.

Growing Availability of Culturally Competent Care
Awareness of cultural sensitivities and understanding of the linguistic needs of the community have led to the growing availability of culturally competent care. Providers are now more aware that terms like “Me duele el corazón” are expressions of emotional distress rather than symptoms of a cardiac issue. This has led to more effective diagnoses and treatment plans that respect the patient’s cultural background.

Community Support
Strong familial ties, often summed up in the term “familismo,” have long been a bedrock of emotional support within the Hispanic and Latinx community. These family bonds often act as informal emotional support networks, enhancing mental well-being.

Acknowledging Ongoing Challenges

Lack of Insurance and High Poverty Rates
The poverty rate for Hispanic and Latinx Americans is nearly two times higher than that for non-Hispanic Whites, and nearly 18% lack health insurance (“Poverty Rate by Race/Ethnicity,” KFF, September 2023). These financial barriers severely limit access to mental health services.

Language Barriers
Language remains a significant challenge. Hispanic and Latinx Americans often face difficulties communicating their mental health needs effectively, particularly when health care providers are not fluent in Spanish or other dialects common to this community.

Stigma and Cultural Barriers
Despite improvements, stigma still plagues the community. Phrases like “la ropa sucia se lava en casa” (“don’t air your dirty laundry in public”) perpetuate this stigma, deterring many from seeking help. Discrimination and experiences of racism also add layers of stress and emotional turmoil, exacerbating mental health issues.

Systemic Obstacles
From a systemic perspective, there is a severe shortage of health care providers from diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds, leading to cultural misunderstandings that can result in misdiagnoses. In addition, immigrants without documentation may avoid seeking help due to the fear of deportation, further marginalizing these vulnerable individuals.

The Path Forward

Enhancing Cultural Competency
Health care providers must be trained in cultural competency, focusing on how Hispanic and Latinx Americans experience and express mental health conditions.

Community Engagement and Education
Promoting mental health literacy and decreasing stigma within the community is crucial. This can be accomplished through educational programs, community workshops and media campaigns tailored to the cultural sensitivities of the Hispanic and Latinx community.

Policy Changes
Systemic issues require systemic solutions. Policy changes can facilitate better access to quality health care for this population, especially those financially disadvantaged or undocumented.

Ensuring Linguistic and Cultural Accessibility
Mental health services should be available in multiple languages, and interpreters should be readily available. Moreover, health care providers should proactively inquire about the patient and family’s preferred language.

As we celebrate the rich history and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx Americans during this month, let us not forget our collective responsibility towards improving mental health for this community. With a concerted effort from all sectors—health care, policy and community—we can build on the progress made and continue to break down the barriers to mental health care.

PPI is committed to offering culturally competent, accessible care for everyone. During this Hispanic Heritage Month, let’s come together to celebrate progress and strive for a future where quality mental health care is accessible to all.

Visit the below resources to learn more about mental health and the Hispanic and Latinx communities:

• American Psychiatric Association
• National Alliance on Mental Illness
• PPI’s Hispanic Psychiatric Programs

Learn more about PPI’s Services

Understanding and communicating mental health needs in one’s native language can make all the difference. At PPI, we are dedicated to serving the Spanish-speaking community, ensuring they have access to quality care tailored to their unique needs. Our bilingual team provides outpatient services, including psychiatric evaluations, medication management and therapy for children (aged five and up), adolescents and adults. We emphasize family involvement, delivering comprehensive treatment with cultural sensitivity. Here, language is no barrier to mental well-being.

Visit our website to learn more.

Machismo, a term with roots deep in Hispanic culture, encapsulates traditional notions of masculinity, emphasizing attributes such as strength, honor and dominance. The Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute (PPI) recognizes the rich tapestry of cultural traditions but acknowledges that, sometimes, the undue stress of certain societal expectations can manifest in mental health challenges. Through our ongoing commitment to education, PPI seeks to highlight the multifaceted implications of machismo and suggest pathways to foster mental well-being within the Hispanic community.

Research spanning the last two decades (American Journal of Men’s Health. 2023 Mar-Apr) has consistently indicated that individuals identifying with male genders are less likely to engage with health services, especially mental health, when compared to their female-identifying counterparts. This is exacerbated by societal expectations anchored in traditional masculine values. Such expectations often make individuals reluctant to seek assistance, fearing that doing so might be perceived as a sign of weakness or a challenge to their masculine identity. Direct experiences, such as facing criticism or name-calling when expressing their struggles, deter these individuals from seeking the help they need.

Notably, traditional masculinity doesn’t just deter seeking help; it can also influence how men cope with mental health challenges. There is a marked trend toward high-risk behaviors like substance abuse, seen as an outcome of reduced ability to recognize declining mental health, social withdrawal during challenging times, and a preference for tangible coping mechanisms over emotional vulnerability.

What is Machismo?

Machismo, deeply woven into the fabric of Latinx culture, is best described as a profound sense of masculine pride. It transcends mere terminology and has become so integral to Hispanic traditions that its presence is often expected and even celebrated. Despite its ubiquity, studies on Latinx groups frequently overlook machismo’s multifaceted implications. In its essence, within Latin American societies, machismo characterizes a pattern where those presenting as male may display an authoritative demeanor towards those they perceive as lesser, expecting unequivocal deference. While the term is frequently associated with negative attributes—such as aggression, robust physical demeanor, emotional detachment and womanizing—it’s crucial to recognize the positive dimensions within traditional Latinx settings. The ideal “varón” is not just the stereotypical “macho” man but is also envisioned as someone compassionate, responsible, resolute, morally strong, and the pillar of the extended family (American Journal of Health Studies Vol. 13, issue 1, (1997)). It’s this duality of machismo—combining commendable traits with the more critiqued ones—that underscores its complexity in the Latinx culture.

The Intersection of Machismo and Mental Health

Research has illuminated the correlations between machismo and mental health. A 2021 study from California State University focusing on the Latinx adults indicates a strong linkage between higher machismo levels and elevated levels of stress and depression. Reinforcing this, prior research has found individuals with deep-seated beliefs in gender norms, like machismo, exhibit increased symptoms of anger, anxiety and depression.

Machismo Beyond Mental Well-being

Machismo’s influence isn’t limited to emotional health. Data suggests a significant negative association between machismo and education levels. Simplistically, as education levels rise, machismo adherence appears to decline. A direct positive correlation was also observed between education and income, emphasizing education’s role in socio-economic advancement.

Paving a Way Forward

Educational Focus
Given the correlation data, bolstering educational initiatives for the Hispanic community can play a pivotal role in addressing the challenges posed by machismo.

Enhanced Cultural Training
PPI advocates for enhanced cultural competency for professionals, especially those serving the Latinx community. A nuanced understanding of cultural norms can pave the way for more effective therapeutic strategies.

Reframing Masculinity
Reframing promotes a change in perspective towards traditional masculine values, leveraging positive aspects of these values for better mental health outcomes. For instance, traits like competitiveness can be channeled toward perseverance and active health management.

Strengthen Community Engagement
Mental health, unfortunately, bears a stigma in many cultures, including the Latinx community. By fostering community outreach programs, dialogues can be initiated that normalize mental health discussions.

Encouraging Openness
Addressing the stigma associated with seeking mental health services, especially within a community influenced by machismo, is paramount. Tailored programs encouraging the Latinx community to embrace mental health services can make significant inroads.

The Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute is dedicated to understanding the delicate balance between cultural traditions and mental health. Through education and outreach, we aspire to support the Hispanic community in navigating the complexities of tradition while championing mental well-being for all.

Learn more about PPI’s Services

Understanding and communicating mental health needs in one’s native language can make all the difference. At PPI, we are dedicated to serving the Spanish-speaking community, ensuring they have access to quality care tailored to their unique needs. Our bilingual team provides outpatient services, including psychiatric evaluations, medication management and therapy for children (aged five and up), adolescents and adults. We emphasize family involvement, delivering comprehensive treatment with cultural sensitivity. Here, language is no barrier to mental well-being.

Visit our website to learn more.