WHEREAS, Nationwide, Black individuals are underrepresented in mental health professions, with only 2% of practicing psychiatrists, 4% of psychologists, and 22% of social workers, in 2017, identifying as Black; and
WHEREAS, The Black Brain Campaign was founded in 2016 with the aim to destigmatize and raise awareness about mental health in the Black community through advocacy, community education, and providing a holistic approach to therapy treatment; and
WHEREAS, Leading this effort as Executive Director and Cofounder of the Black Brain Campaign is Farida E. Boyer,
M.S., L.M.F.T., A.S., a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and an approved supervisor who has dedicated her career to expanding access to culturally competent mental health care; and
WHEREAS, The Black Brain Campaign offers free culturally competent therapy, case management, and mental health services - including individual, couples, family, and group therapy - to residents of Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, The Black Brain Campaign’s Licensure Education Assistance Program (LEAP) is a 12-month training program for social work graduates, offering weekly licensure exam preparation, individual supervision, and the opportunity to gain clinical hours toward licensure. Through LEAP the Black Brain Campaign covers the cost of training, study materials, supervision, and exam fees; and
WHEREAS, this legislative body is thankful for the work of the Black Brain Campaign and their efforts to raise awareness about mental health in the Black community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby honors the Black Brain Campaign for a decade of dedicated work to destigmatize mental health in the Black community by providing mental health services and culturally competent training for clinicians.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Farida E. Boyer as evidence of the sincere appreciation and gratitude of this legislative body.
End