A Time to Talk - By T Hunter

Mental health has often been overlooked and overwhelming to talk about. But thankfully with this current world that we live in, it’s starting to become more of a serious topic among family members, friends, colleagues and associates. February 6th is National Talk Day giving space to have clear conversations around Mental Health, while releasing the sitgma behind it.

Having a clear understanding of the importance of well-being is paramount. Without having the space or time to think, it can affect your mood and capacity to balance. Mental health and self-awareness is key to have in the workplace. In order to be a productive individual in a professional atmosphere you want to be able to clear your thoughts and separate anything that doesn’t assist with focusing on the task at hand. Wait until a lunch break or when you’re clocking out to take a moment of meditation or silence before resuming with your day. 

Reading, writing, praying, and listening to music often helps me when I want to disconnect from the world. It’s okay to hit the reset button every once in a while. It’s okay to decompress, put on your blinders and tune out the noise from your outside activities. 

2020 truly was an era of revelation for open dialouge around mental wellness, even more so speaking within the black community. I remember having a brief conversation with a colleague of mine, about Breonna Taylor’s case. This was the first time in history that a grand jury released an audio recording of their deliberations. In addition to the police officer in Louisville who’s responsible for shooting and killing the innocent medical worker was released on bail. This is mind blowing, frustrating and disheartening. I wasn’t mentally prepared to work after that.

Along with numerous deaths due to COVID-19 cases, as well as Kobe Bryant, Chadwick Boseman, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and many more. Last year and up until now has been immensely stressful.

I haven’t been able to cope with all of the lives that we’ve lost. I haven’t been able to grieve peacefully. Though none of these names that I listed were blood relatives, I still felt the weight of them of them being gone. Each individual had a purpose in life and they all mattered. They each affected me in a different way, whether we shared similar views in politics, religious practices, and or just family values. I recommend that you confide in someone that you trust, especially when you don’t have the funds to see a therapist to discuss mental health issues. We’re all experiencing difficulties it’s best not to go through it alone. 

Last but not least, I wanted to share a memorable moment from my past. This year Jan 26, 2021 was the anniversary since NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna Bryant and seven others died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas. I was fortunate enough to meet late Kobe Bryant at the grand opening of House of Hoops (268 W. 125st) back in 2007. The store was a collaboration between Nike and Footlocker. It was very new to the community for a basketball-only store to be in the heart of Harlem. Not only did my brother look up to Kobe as a public figure, dad, husband and professional athlete... but someone that was relatable, honest, and a team player. May he Rest In Peace and his legacy continues to inspire.

Here are some pictures as a tribute to Kobe and his daughter GiGi.

At F.I.T exhibition for “Black History Month”.