As Black Lives Matter protests rage on and people of colour continue to feel uncomfortable with the police, the Canadian Mental Health Association anticipates that calls from people of colour will increase.
Brenda Begumisa is a Crisis Intervention Worker at CMHA Halton Region branch.
She gives us mental health statistics of people of colour in the province.
As news and social media continues to be a canvas bringing to light the issues of historic systemic and institutionalized racism in our country and beyond, Begumisa encourages activists who are feeling fatigued to take time for themselves if they feel overwhelmed.
However, she adds that they must also consider that people of colour don’t get to take a break.
She gives tips for those who are feeling overwhelmed.
If you are wanting to start a conversation about racism but don’t know where to start, Begumisa reminds people that we all learn at our own pace.
People of colour are faced with the expectation to teach white people about their culture, experiences, racism, and white privilege.
She encourages that the best way to start is to read. She recommends White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo and Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates.
