Black Survivors Discussing Mental Health

July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, which intends to bring attention to the unique struggles faced by minority groups. The black community has unique experiences compared to people from other racial and ethnic groups when it comes to healthcare, including mental healthcare. Sexual violence impacts black people in ways that are specific to their community.

How do these two experiences interact with one another? And what insights do black survivors have to say to those at the beginning of their healing journey? Hear from a panel of survivors about what their experiences have been speaking to others and seeking support.

Meet The Panelists

Havilah Malone

Havilah Malone is an Executive Producer, Actress, and 3x Best Selling Author on a mission to be a catalyst for positive change in over 2 Billion people’s lives. The Inspirational Thought Leader & former Ms. Louisiana Universal has been featured on FOX, NBC, ABC, CBS, Huffington Post and more.

Havilah graduated from college at the age of nineteen with two degrees, and went on to manage a $160 Million dollar business for tech giant Hewlett Packard by age 21, while also serving as their On-Air Host on QVC, HSN, Shop at Home TV and America’s Store. Havilah has been featured in numerous films, national TV commercials, and known for her roles in HBO’S Barry, Insecure, NCIS: New Orleans, and (4) Super Bowl Commercials. She is currently in production on a Spoken Word Album.

This multi-talented manifester shares her pillars of success with audiences around the world to help female Creatives and Entrepreneurs multiply their impact and #BeProofOfWhatsPossible. Havilah also serves as a 2024 Activate Delegate at Arts for LA. Ms. Malone is a recipient of the NOW (Network of Outstanding Women) 2023 “Artist of Year” Award (for Acting and Producing), the Women’s Prosperity Network “She Rocks Award”, and Volunteer Service Award Gold Medal from the President of the United States. Havilah holds several professional accreditations including Master Certified Practitioner of NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), Silva Method, and Certified Instructor for the Napoleon Hill Foundation.

Havilah’s #1 Best Selling Books include: “Rewriting A New History: A Spiritual Path to Audacious Authenticity and Healing“, co-author of the Think & Grow Rich children’s classic, “The Amazing Adventures of Oliver Young Napoleon Hill” in collaboration with the Napoleon Hill Foundation, and “How to Become a Publicity Magnet: In Any Market via TV, Radio & Print”. Whether through writing transformational books, speaking on stages, acting on screen, or the development and funding of television and film projects, Havilah’s nurturing spirit, inspirational voice and magnetizing personality inspire people to #BeProofOfWhatsPossible.

Shannon Bobo

“With a foundation in casting, where I’ve served as an associate and honed my skills, I’ve discovered the profound ability to help individuals portray the best versions of themselves. My mission on this planet is to empower everyone to find their voice, and all my endeavors align with supporting this cause.

My background spans film, TV, radio, live performances, live video streaming, casting, and producing. Currently, I thrive both behind the scenes as a casting director and in front of the camera as an actor, host, and stand-up comic. As the founder of Shannon Bobo Casting, established in 2019, I oversee the casting process for various projects, ranging from on-camera commercials to Disney’s LaunchPad Series on Disney+ and full-length feature films.

A proud member of SAG-AFTRA, I actively contribute to the LA SAG-AFTRA Sexual Harassment Committee. My lifelong ambassadorship for PAVE (Promoting Awareness Victim Empowerment) reflects my commitment to supporting survivors of sexual trauma. In addition to my professional pursuits, I’m crafting a book titled A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Forgiveness advocating for peace through forgiveness, self-love, and healing.”

— Shannon Bobo’s Official Bio

Jayce Baron

Jayce Baron is an Afro-Latinx globally recognized Award-Winning Screenwriter and Author, Executive Producer, Director, Political Figure, and Advocate for the Black and Brown LGBTQ+ community. Founder of jBaron Creative House, he has an organic desire to bring a conscious conversation to the community through endless mediums. He has merged his entertainment career and natural civil duty to humanity for over a decade from contributing at NBC to an independent podcast he hosted and produced garnering over half a million streams and listened to in over 50 countries worldwide.

In early 2022, Jayce Executively Produced and Directed the riveting documentary, BEYOND ED BUCK, alongside Emmy Award Winning FX Pose star, Hailie Sahar, which premiered on AMC’s streaming platform ALLBLK. Beyond Ed Buck went on to be recognized in several national and international film festivals and screenings, taking home several awards. He has been featured and worked with entities such as Forbes, The City of LA, Billboard Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter, FOX, GLAAD, Human Rights Campaign, Gilead, and many more. Over the years, Jayce has received public recognition from several predominant political figures from cities, counties, and states across the US for his contribution to society. In 2016, Jayce was invited to The Capital to continue to bring awareness to sexual assault and was part of passing bill SB816 revoking the statute of limitation on rape charges in the state of California. He was named one of the 16 Heroes alongside Joe Biden, Ashley Judd, and others in 2016.

He currently works in tandem as an Advisory Board Member with Yale University’s Psychology Department studying cases of male sexual assault survivors. His advocacy trickled into media as he Executively Produced, THE LIFTED, an action drama film tackling the realities of sexual assault occurrences in rideshare services. The film won the John Singleton Embrace Award presented by the City of Los Angeles.

In February 2024, Jayce Baron was unanimously voted into his Neighborhood Council through the City of Los Angeles. He currently Co-Chairs the Diversity, Equality, & Inclusion Committee and is a standing member of the Government Relations Committee. He was also appointed to Los Angeles District Attorney’s Latine Advisory Board.

Lakeydra Houston

Lakeydra Houston is a 20-year US Air Force veteran and founder of KEY Fit (Knowledge, Empowerment, and You-nity), focusing on wellness, veteran support, and suicide prevention. Dedicated to bridging trauma and healing, she empowers survivors of sexual assault and veterans through comprehensive guidance and advocacy. Awarded the 2024 Presidential Gold Volunteer Award and the Air Force Legion of Merit, Lakeydra has shared her story on CBS, Dateline NBC, and more, raising awareness and inspiring change.

She holds degrees in Criminal Justice, Human Resources, and Leadership, and is pursuing a Master’s in Social Work with a focus on military and trauma. Lakeydra’s initiatives, including K.E.Y Fit LLC and Voices We Stand, leverage her personal journey to support survivors. Certified as an ASSIST, victim advocate, and resiliency trainer, she has over a decade of experience in domestic violence, youth empowerment, and mental health support. Active in community outreach, Lakeydra collaborates with organizations like the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault and The Pink Berets. Her mission is to impact the military community and advocate for justice for survivors and victims.

Support Is Available

Ujima

Ujima The National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community, addresses the pervasive issues of sexual assault, and domestic and community violence within the Black Community. We champion the empowerment and resilience of Black women and girls.

Website

Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective

Our mission is to remove the barriers that Black people experience getting access to or staying connected with emotional health care and healing through education, training, advocacy, and the creative arts.

Website

Black Mental Health Alliance

The Black Mental Health Alliance focuses on improving mental health services for Black individuals, families, and communities by providing resources, education, and support to address mental health disparities. They work to enhance access to culturally competent care and empower Black communities to take control of their mental well-being.

Website