September 2023

A black and white photo of the words mental health matters

Mental Health Awareness: How To Help Yourself & Others

September is recognized as National Suicide Prevention Month, which strives to bring more awareness and resources to those struggling with mental health. Individuals within the Black community are often most affected by mental illness, whether that be depression, anxiety, PTSD, or harmful thoughts. The prevalence mental illness can have on minorities because of social, environmental,

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S-N-S Hobbies store sign.

S-N-S Hobbies: Inspiration, Foundation, and Nostalgia 

Kojo Cross, owner of S-N-S Hobbies, does not just run a Black-owned toy store in Washington, D.C. He brings meaning to the words “inspiration, foundation and nostalgia.” Cross has utilized his childhood inspiration–watching his father’s entrepreneurship come to fruition–learning early on that what he liked mattered, and that he could pair that with something that

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Man in mask at political protest.

Shedrick Pelt: Documenting the Quintessence of Washington D.C.

Shedrick Pelt–40-year-old, photographer, publisher, graphic designer, and activist–uses his lens to capture historical moments showcasing Black pride, community support, and activism. Whether it be capturing local protests for affordable rent, celebratory events in the District, or attending fundraising events with climate activists to capture organized disruption, Pelt is there. Accountability and Commitment to Community  Pelt

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Smiling boy with backpack outside school.

Organizations Blossoming the Youth of D.C. and Baltimore

SMYAL: Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders For nearly 40 years, LGBTQ+ individuals living in Washington, D.C. and needing an environment reminiscent of having familial support depend on SMYAL–Supporting and Mentoring Youth Leaders and Advocates–an organization supplying children and young adults leadership development opportunities, after-school programs, and counseling services.  Hancie Stokes, the organization’s communications

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