It’s well known that African American males, especially millennials face job hardships at an alarming rate but there seems to be a field that will welcome Black males with open arms.
The mental health field.
I interviewed a Black millennial male therapist named Marecius that wakes up every weekday morning between 8:00-9:30 and heads to work. He doesn’t have a typical office because he works in different urban communities, counseling and helping African American children and families. He wears dad hats, Jordan’s, and popular clothing lines like Supreme and A Bathing Ape to work every day. He is a Mental Health Therapist and states, “there is a huge need for urban black males in the field”. According to, ThyBlackman.com the suicide rates are rising rapidly among black children.
It’s vital to have mental health professionals that are culturally competent and understand the strain on African American individuals today. Marecius says he is able to develop a good rapport with his clients because he understands them as far as terminology, current struggles, and race relations.
There is definitely a disparity of African Americans who actually seek help with mental health problems. The National Alliance of Mental Health states this is because of the idea that needing help from a professional is a sign of weakness, and African Americans having strong faith in religion and the belief that God will cure them.
Marecius believes that more individuals would seek help if there were more people in the field that look like them, especially for black boys. He states, “When Black people from different socioeconomic statuses see me they are not as guarded and they are more open with me about society issues and how they view the world and everything. When black boys see me they are shocked to see my style of dress, shocked that I am aware of the current music trends and that I can understand where they are coming from because I was once where they are. I get referrals to work with even moreblack boys from my clients, I have to turn some down because I don’t have enough room in my caseload”.
There are Black males in the field but some of them don’t have primary knowledge of working with black people who live below the poverty line. “My clients will answer the door quicker for me then they will for even a black man in a suit *laughs* you know that’s just how it is”. Although Marecius hold a license to practice therapy he states that an urban black male can get a job working in the mental health field without a license just because of the high demand for paraprofessionals, associate professionals, and qualified professionals. “I worked in the field before I ever had a degree” he states. It’s a good thing too, because, between police brutality, mass incarceration, and social media, African Americans are starting to become more aware of their mental health needs. With the job crisis that is going on for millennials, this is a good way to gain experience, build your resume and make money. And how many people can say they don’t have to compromise who they are to hold a job and help people. Not many.
Sources: ThyBlackMan
Sources: Nami.org
Brittney is a mother, writer, and budding entrepreneurs. She is passionate about spreading wellness and mental health awareness in the African-American community as it pertains to women and girls. She adores hot beverages and meaningful quotes. In her free time, you can catch her over at the TheLovelylessons.com where she gives helpful advice to Millennials in the current job crisis.
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