Session 395: Finding & Sustaining Community with Yolo Akili
Digest
This podcast features Yolo Akili Robinson, founder of BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective), discussing the importance of building intentional community within the Black community. The conversation covers various aspects of community care, including overcoming the fear of vulnerability, navigating conflict constructively, and practicing discernment when choosing trustworthy relationships. Robinson highlights the significance of acknowledging systemic barriers to mental health, such as the prison industrial complex's impact, and encourages proactive strategies for building supportive networks. BEAM's work, including the Community Care Map and its focus on Healing Justice, is also discussed as a means to address these challenges and foster mental well-being within Black communities. Practical steps for individuals to build intentional communities, despite societal pressures, are explored, emphasizing the importance of shared values, intentional time investment, and recognizing the interconnectedness of individual and community well-being.
Outlines
Introduction to BEAM and Yolo Akili Robinson & Building Intentional Community
Introduction to Yolo Akili Robinson and BEAM, followed by a discussion on building community care within the Black community, focusing on vulnerability, conflict resolution, and discerning trustworthy relationships. The impact of systemic barriers to mental health is also addressed.
Addressing Systemic Barriers and Practical Steps for Community Building
This section delves into strategies for addressing systemic issues impacting Black mental health, such as the prison industrial complex. It also provides practical advice for individuals seeking to build intentional communities, emphasizing the importance of shared values, time management, and overcoming societal pressures towards individualism.
Keywords
BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective)
A collective focused on training, resourcing, and funding Black-led mental health initiatives, emphasizing healing justice and community care.
Community Care
Building supportive networks and systems within communities to address mental and emotional well-being.
Healing Justice
A framework centering marginalized communities' needs in addressing mental health and trauma, acknowledging systemic oppression.
Discernment in Relationships
Carefully evaluating and selecting trustworthy relationships based on values and healthy interaction.
Conflict Resolution in Community
Strategies for addressing disagreements within a community, emphasizing communication and accountability.
Black Mental Health
Addressing the unique mental health challenges and needs within the Black community.
Intentional Community
Consciously building supportive and interconnected communities based on shared values and mutual support.
Systemic Barriers to Mental Health
Acknowledging and addressing societal structures that negatively impact mental health within marginalized communities.
Q&A
What are some practical steps individuals can take to build intentional community?
Identify shared interests, join relevant groups, prioritize community building, and practice discernment in choosing relationships.
How can Black communities address the intersection of the prison industrial complex and the mental health system?
Acknowledge historical impacts, promote awareness of resources like the Black Healing Justice Underground Railroad, and create safe spaces for conversation.
How can individuals navigate the tension between individualism and community building?
Challenge internalized shame, practice community care, explore traditional practices, and prioritize community-building activities.
Show Notes
2025 is already proving to be a year where community will be more important than ever before. But many may still be wondering, how do I find those I can trust and how do I maintain these relationships?
Helping us to answer these questions is writer, activist, and founder of BEAM, the Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective, Yolo Akili. For over 20 years, Yolo has led and designed mental and emotional health workshops, experiences, support groups, and training. During our conversation, we unpack some of the ways that we can approach mental health practices and principles as community members to better show up for one another and curate the sort of support systems that we need for ourselves.
About the Podcast
The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed Psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves.
Resources & Announcements
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Where to Find Yolo
Stay Connected
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Our Production Team
Executive Producers: Dennison Bradford & Maya Cole Howard
Senior Producer: Ellice Ellis
Producer: Tyree Rush
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Table of contents
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