Celebrating Black History Month: Honoring Pioneers and Continuing Their Legacy
As we celebrate Black History Month, it’s important to honor the pioneers who have paved the way in mental health, behavioral health, community services, and social work. Their groundbreaking work has laid the foundation for the essential services we provide today, particularly for Black communities that often face significant barriers to care.
At Clarvida, we are committed to continuing their legacy by offering culturally sensitive and impactful services.
Mental Health and Behavioral Health Pioneers
- Bebe Moore Campbell was an author, journalist, and mental health advocate who founded the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Inglewood chapter, to create a safe space for Black people to discuss mental health concerns. Her efforts were instrumental in establishing National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of mental health in underserved communities1.
- E. Kitch Childs, Ph.D., a founding member of the Association for Women in Psychology, provided therapy to marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals and people living with HIV/AIDS. Her dedication to inclusive care continues to inspire our approach to mental health services2.
- Mamie Phipps Clark, Ph.D. and Kenneth Bancroft Clark, Ph.D. conducted the “Doll Study,” which provided evidence against school segregation in the Brown v. Board of Education case. Their work underscores the importance of addressing systemic racism in mental health care3.
- Solomon Carter Fuller, MD, the first Black psychiatrist in the US, made significant contributions to understanding Alzheimer’s disease. His research highlights the critical need for representation and diversity in mental health professions4.
- Francis Cecil Sumner, Ph.D., known as the “father of Black American psychologists,” established Howard University’s psychology department, advocating for the inclusion of Black perspectives in psychological research5.
- George Edmund Haynes, co-founder and first executive director of the National Urban League, was the first African American to graduate from the New York School of Philanthropy. His work in community services laid the groundwork for our mission to support underserved populations6.
- Dorothy Height, known as the “godmother of the Civil Rights Movement,” directed the integration of YWCA centers and established the Center for Racial Justice. Her work in social justice and advocacy is a cornerstone of our mission7.
These people paved the way for how we deliver mental health care today, and we are fortunate to have many within the Clarvida community who continue to improve upon their important work.
Pioneers Within Clarvida
- Riverra Jackson: Regional Talent Acquisition Manager for Clarvida, supporting operations for Eastern Virginia, North Carolina, West Virginia, and Tennessee. Showing up every day and doing the right thing is Riverra’s contribution to social justice. She was recently elected to the town council due to her desire to challenge complacency and historical thinking in her small town. She is committed to doing what is right in her community, at work, and in the world, and she serves as a voice for others. “I just felt like a voice was needed. And I don’t have an issue with being that voice.”
- Loree Knowles: Resource Parent Support Team Coordinator for the Middle, Upper Cumberland, and West regions in Tennessee. Loree is a powerhouse who was recently elected City Commissioner in Mount Pleasant, TN. She is Chairperson for the Community Advisory Board for Murray County; on the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Club of America, where she also chairs the Safety Committee; on the Parks and Recreation board; and Secretary for the local NAACP branch. “I consider myself a missionary. I like helping others, especially children and families, because that’s what I’ve done all my life.”
- Twanna House: People & Culture Partner for Arizona and Oregon. Twanna is a powerful mental health advocate, serving as director of programs for the Emerald Coast affiliate of NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) and an advocacy trainer for the state chapter of NAMI. She is also involved with the Florida Mental Health Advocacy Coalition and the Mental Health Task Force of Northwest Florida. “I’m able to take my expertise that I’ve had in human resources for the last 25 years and actually support employees that work in the area that I have a passion for, which is mental health.”
- Aniya McClendon: Case Manager, Indiana. Aniya witnessed extraordinary leaders in her family give back to their community. She discovered at a young age that she had a passion to positively impact people’s lives and advocate for those who don’t feel they have a voice or a sense of belonging. She has served as the Vice President of the National Association of Colored Women Club, Secretary of Pre Alumni Council, and Chaplain for the Gamma Gamma Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. “For me, service isn’t just something I have done; it has become a part of me as a woman.”
- Francine Dillard: Director, People Development. Francine’s mother was the economic development lead for the City of Chicago, and inspired Francine to continue the multigenerational mission of creating opportunities and uplifting neighborhoods. She is Vice Chair of a nonprofit and a leader in her community, and her work focuses on developing transformative programs in housing, youth education, economic development, and senior services. “My passion for community and economic development is deeply rooted in my family’s legacy.”
Addressing Barriers and Providing Culturally Sensitive Care
Despite the progress made by these pioneers, Black communities continue to face significant barriers to mental and behavioral health services. Black adults are 20% more likely to report serious psychological distress than white adults, yet only one in three Black adults with mental illness receives treatment8. Systemic racism, stigma, and a lack of culturally competent care contribute to these disparities.
Clarvida is committed to addressing these barriers by providing essential mental and behavioral health services tailored to the needs of Black communities. Our programs are designed to be inclusive and culturally sensitive, ensuring that every individual receives the care and support they need.
Our foster care services also prioritize cultural sensitivity, working to keep Black children in homes that respect and elevate their culture and community. Black children are nearly twice as likely to be placed in foster care as white children and often face longer stays and lower rates of reunification9. By providing culturally competent care, we strive to support the well-being and cultural identity of Black children in the foster care system.
Continuing the Legacy
As we honor the pioneers who have shaped the fields of mental health, behavioral health, community services, and social work, we are reminded of the importance of continuing their legacy. At Clarvida, we are dedicated to providing equitable and culturally sensitive care, breaking down barriers, and advocating for the well-being of Black communities.
This Black History Month, let us celebrate the achievements of these trailblazers and reaffirm our commitment to their vision of a more inclusive and just society.
1 Mental Health America
2 Mental Health America
3 Mental Health America
4 IDONTMIND
5 IDONTMIND
6 Simmons Online
7 USC Social Work
8 Social Justice Solutions
9 Child Welfare Information Gateway
