Inclusive Reading Club to focus on mental illness and racism, sexism
The next Inclusive Reading Club (IRC) — a rich monthly tradition of readings and discussions into subjects like slavery, police brutality, Native American heritage, LGBTQA+ issues and so much more — will be meeting again on Thursday, Oct. 14, at 4 p.m. in a hybrid format with both in-person and online options. The topic for this month will include a look into mental health issues surrounding racism and sexism.
Any member of Salve Regina’s community is welcome to attend. In person, the meeting will be held on the second floor of McKillop Library. If anyone is unable to join the IRC in person, they can register for the Zoom link.
The IRC will be reading excerpts from “Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We’re Not Hurting,” written by Terrie M. Williams, and “Black Women’s Mental Health: Balancing Strength and Vulnerability,” edited by Stephanie Y. Evans, Kanika Bell and Nsenga K. Burton.
One woman in four is likely to suffer from depression at some time during her life, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Yet the associated mental health stigmas, lack of insurance and distrust of the health care system make it more difficult for Black women to seek help. The data shows that only one out of three African Americans who need mental health care will receive it.
Many Black women are facing the stressors of racism and sexism in a culture that values strong and independent women, and the price is costly to their mental health. It is important to read their stories and lessons for the next generation.
The files for the three reading for this month’s IRC are located here. Participants can also make comments on the IRC’s online bulletin board if they are unable to attend the event or if they are uncomfortable with speaking in a group setting.
A hybrid event, members can either attend the IRC in person or online via Zoom. In person, the meeting will be held on the second floor of McKillop Library on Thursday, Oct. 14, at 4 p.m. If anyone is unable to join the IRC in person, they can register for the Zoom link.
The IRC is managed collaboratively by the Office of Multicultural Programs and Retention and McKillop Library. Please reach out to either Gretchen Sotomayer, special programs and instruction librarian, (gretchen.sotomayor@salve.edu) or Albert (rose.albert@salve.edu) for more information.
Featured photo by Getty Images/fizkes
