Don Sawyer on Black Mental Health: Navigating Racism and Resilience
It's not just having resources to have a better job, it's the Daily life and stress and anxiety. And it also determines the type of job that you can get. I mean there's so many different ways that it shows up, and I'm trying to think of these smaller ways, specifically with our student experiences.
Imagine growing up in Harlem and finding solace in martial arts amidst life's challenges. This is just a slice of Don Sawyer's story, the Vice President of Equity & Inclusion at Quinnipiac University, who joins host Kevin Meiselman on 'Behind the Mind'. In this episode, Sawyer opens up about the unique mental health struggles faced by black communities, especially on college campuses.
He dives into the psychological toll of racism and how it manifests in everyday life, touching on the additional stressors brought by COVID-19 and the ongoing social justice movements. Sawyer’s journey is one of resilience. From his childhood in Harlem to his current role at Quinnipiac, he shares how meditation and martial arts became his anchors.
He also talks about 'The Cut', a YouTube series he created to give black students a platform to discuss their daily struggles, including mental health issues. This episode isn't just for black students; Sawyer offers valuable advice for students of all races on maintaining emotional well-being. Kevin and Don's conversation is both candid and insightful, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and having open discussions about mental health and racism.
They highlight the need for multi-racial groups to act as co-conspirators in challenging systemic issues. If you're interested in understanding the intersection of race, mental health, and resilience, this episode is a must-listen.