By V.S. Santoni
Alvin Woods, creator of HBCU White House celebrating Historically Black Colleges and Universities and underrepresented communities, brings season three to streaming in Fall 2023.
Alvin Woods, born to teen parents in Louisiana, struggled as a child and teenager with abandonment, depression and suicidal thoughts. According to Woods, “he now advocates for an open dialogue about suicide prevention and mental health awareness for Black boys and Black men across America.”
According to Woods “A study found that Black children between the ages of five and 12 are about twice as likely to die by suicide as white children of the same age. Despite making up 15 percent of the population, Black youth make up 37 percent of youth suicides and the highest demographic is young Black males.” The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention notes that there are roughly 132 suicides a day, and suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States.
As someone that has both struggled with mental health and has come out the other side, Woods notes that young Black men face the following problems with suicide prevention: “Urban youth cannot relate to the few resources that are available to them and the stigma surrounding mental health must be eliminated.” He further notes “Overall mental wellness should be introduced to children at early ages and ongoing developmental steps should be championed just like sports and other activities.” He would like to see a depolarization of mental health issues, and for both political parties to work together to eliminate health disparities amongst minority adolescents. In closing he wants readers to know “The consistent thought of suicide is a disease and can become so intertwined into a person’s physical health. If you notice any signs of mental unwellness in a loved one – handle the situation with an urgent tenderness to affirm that you support and care.”
Woods has since gone on to overcome his past struggles and has turned a light toward representation for HBCUs. His popular streaming show HBCU White House features positive community stories meant to uplift and inspire. If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health or suicidal ideation know that there is hope. “By calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255) you’ll be connected to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area, anytime 24/7. For more information or to chat live with a crisis counselor, please visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/”
