Walking around campus and seeing all the different spaces available for TU students made me think about clubs or activities that can get me more involved in our campus community. However, I stopped to think that there may be a community that correlates with my goals as a psychology major who wants to eventually make a change in people’s mental health journeys. After a little digging, I found a club curated for black students that focused on the outreach and destigmatization of mental health problems in the black community called Bettering Black Minds or BBM. I began following their events on social media and became inspired by the work they were doing for TU students. I knew when the time was right I would be involved in highlighting the importance of this club. I went to the BBM Instagram page to see who would be a good fit to represent this club, and what better person than the President herself, Kamryn Brown.
She is a senior at Towson University as well as a fellow psych student. She described BBM as a place of tranquility and safety for black students and all students of color. She stated that “Black mental health isn’t a monolith, it’s nuanced, and everyone experiences it in different ways.” Meaning it is not just a large, uniform issue it is complex and has subtle shades of meaning or expression. Bringing the knowledge of how things like anxiety and depression can affect everyone in different ways to the forefront of our minds is essential for students to understand. Being able to express oneself and be open with some vulnerable emotions can be looked down upon or belittled. There have been many setbacks for black people who may feel stuck or lost within their minds or emotions. Having no direction can be scary when there is no tangible goal. BBM creates a platform for students of all ethnicities to come together and speak on real issues that threaten the mental health of this generation. They are inclined to speak on issues that concern anxiety, depression, dating, and self-love. They host fundraisers, book donation drives, and panels speaking on real issues.
In the past month, they have hosted two panels titled, “A Day in A Black Man’s Mind” and “A Day in A Black Woman’s Mind” held in Linthicum 111, where they expand on the struggles that come with being a part of such a diverse community, as well as highlight the achievements of African American men and women. Students are encouraged to come with questions or just a listening ear to truly understand and empathize with the stories of students who are among us every day. President Brown referred to the organization as “… a space for everyone to come and express themselves. I don’t want anyone to feel like they can’t show up because they don’t identify as a Black student”. BBM is a place of shared interests and experiences for everyone from all walks of life. If you’re a TU student who wants to be a part of the conversations or have any questions on how to join check out the BBM Instagram for event updates or simply send a message to the BBM email.
Kamryn Brown
President of BBM
Senior
E: kbrown139@students.towson.edu
BBM: Towson.bbm@gmail.com
IG: @bbm.tu
Twitter: @bbm_edu