College is stressful for all students, especially for the Black student population. Black students face many challenges that affect their education and mental health. Because of this, the United Negro College Fund’s (UNCF) Institute for Capacity Building (ICB) and The Steve Fund have teamed up to provide students with an HBCU mental health webinar.
On Jan. 31, 2024, registered students participated in the interactive webinar, “New Year, New Me: Taking Care of the ‘Me’ in Mental Health.” According to Black Enterprise, the webinar encouraged students to set goals, be more positive, and focus on self-care.
The Steve Fund and ICB care about Black students.
The Steve Fund aims to “promote the mental health and emotional well-being of young people of color.” The organization is considered “the leading organization in supporting the mental health of young minorities in the U.S.,” per their website. The team partners with several organizations, institutions, and groups to spread awareness and provide assistance.
The ICB was founded by the UNCF in 2006. The organization aims to support historically Black colleges/universities (HBCUs) and predominately Black institutions (PBIs). Since their inception, they have provided support to 42 institutions of higher learning.
The partnership between The Steve Fund and ICB is monumental. Besides navigating the world as a Black person, Black students have much to juggle. According to a study published by Lumina and Gallup, Black students are more likely to be working a full-time job or be a family caregiver than any other racial group. Not to mention, the cost of attending college is soaring.
These and the everyday stressors that all college students face are weighing on the mental health of Black students. Although mental health is discussed more openly these days, it still carries a stigma in the Black community. That said, The Steve Fund empowers students to seek help and break the stigma in four ways: ask for help, speak up, don’t isolate, and remember that language matters.
Poor mental health can affect your physical health.
Everyone can expect to experience stress at some point. Finances, family, relationships, and careers will always be a source of concern. However, dealing with stress as a teenager or young adult can be dangerous. Experiencing high-stress levels as a young person can have effects that transition long into adulthood.
The American Heart Association found that stress in young adulthood can put you at risk for type 2 diabetes, obesity, cholesterol issues, hypertension, and ultimately — heart disease.
The HBCU mental health webinar, “New Year, New Me: Taking Care of the ‘Me’ in Mental Health,” encouraged attendees to create a vision board that helps them perceive a brighter future. The event also provided resources to students who may need assistance.
Navigating stress as a college student is no easy feat. However, interactive webinars that address the importance of managing stress are essential for the well-being of college students. As a result, healthy students can perform at their best.
Should more institutions address mental health? Let us know in the comments below.
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