Clark Bailey Photography
Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noblewas a young girl who was excited about school, and learning.
Her experiences withrace-based traumaseverely impacted her.
Dr. Alfiee (her preferred professional name) turned that pain and frustration she felt into power.
Clark Bailey Photography
Her work is making a difference, giving a voice to young people with mental health struggles.
After fighting what she describes as an uphill battle in her career, the recognition is fulfilling.
Her experiences with race-basedtraumaseverely impacted her.
Dr. Alfiee (her preferred professional name) turned that pain and frustration she felt into power.
It is really part of a journey and its a wonderful part of the journey, Dr. Alfiee notes.
It is deeply meaningful for me.
Dr. Alfiee fights to put that message out on a global scale.
She also wanted to be someone who could help a child who had experiences similar to her own.
She dealt with intimidation andmicroaggressionsfrom teachers who did not value her as a high-achieving African American child.
I know now that its race-based trauma, but I didnt know that then.
Thankfully, she had parents that were supportive and helped her advocate for herself in school.
But the sting of that sadness and those experiences left a mark.
And that mark is part of what fueled her to take action.
It led to the birth of her company and her vision.
For her, however, its not about titles or fame.
Its about making a difference.
One of the ways she does that is through her nonprofit organization, The AAKOMA Project.
You treat other people with kindness, you show up for people in the right ways.
You are a person who endures and understands.
It represents love, unity, goodwill, and faithfulness, Dr. Alfiee explains.
She expanded its scope and officially incorporated it in 2019.
If they dont care about their mental health, they cant get to that best version of themselves.
Seeing people of different races, genders, and beliefs can help normalize mental health care in all communities.
Little research exists that specifically targets youth of color.
AAKOMA works to bridge that gap, as well as give resources to help those communities.
The website provides the report,The State of Mental Health for Youth of Color 2022.
There is a toolkit filled with statistics, facts, and ways to protect your mental health.
She hosts a powerful BIPOC mental health podcast, “Couched in Color.”
She has joinedCharlamagne tha Godto discuss mental health in the Black community on the “Today” show.
Dr. Alfiee has appeared on “Red Table Talk” to discuss womens mental health.
Shes been a featured speaker on “Good Morning America,” and “The Breakfast Club.”
She has also worked with the Mental Wealth Expo.
Future Outlook for Mental Health
Over 40% of youth of color have dealt with racial trauma.
Black youth are more likely to attempt suicide than youth in other racial groups.
About 50% of youth of color struggle with moderate to severe anxiety ordepression.Dr.
Alfiee does the research; she knows the numbers.
She also knows that people are paying more attention to mental health care.
That attention can bring help.
And with help, theres hope.
Dr. Alfiee’s Hope for the Future
I have this thing I always say.
The AAKOMA Project.State of Mental Health for Youth of Color 2022.
