Bebe Moore Campbell

Bebe Moore Campbell was a prominent American author, journalist, and mental health advocate, best known for her work in raising awareness about mental health issues, particularly in communities of color. She co-founded the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), in urban Los Angeles and was instrumental in establishing July as the month where we focus our attention on some of the challenges, obstacles, and barriers that these communities face in accessing mental health care and resources. Driven by her personal experience advocating for her daughter’s mental health needs, she tirelessly worked to reduce stigma and promote mental health education in underrepresented communities, particularly for people of color. The use of the latest terminology, “BIPOC” which represents those communities that identify as , Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (which is comprised of, Asian-American and Pacific Islanders, Latino/Latinx/Latine, Middle Eastern, and North African descent, became the preferred title for Mental Health America and the general public in July of 2020.

Components of BIPOC:

Black: Refers to individuals with ancestral origins in Africa, including the African Diaspora.

Indigenous: In a U.S. context, this refers to Native populations (including Tribal and Urban) as well as Alaskan Natives. The term also encompasses Indigenous peoples globally.

People of Color: This is an umbrella term that includes various racial and ethnic groups, such as Asian-American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI), Latinos/Latinx/Latine, Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) communities and those identifying as multiracial.

Important Considerations:

Origin and Purpose: The term BIPOC emerged to highlight the specific and historical oppression faced by Black and Indigenous communities, including the legacies of slavery and genocide, and to foster solidarity among communities of color.

Intersectionality: It’s crucial to understand that individuals within BIPOC communities hold diverse identities that can intersect and result in unique experiences of marginalization (e.g., a Black transgender woman).

Language and Preferences: Language evolves, and while BIPOC is widely used in certain contexts, it’s always best to be specific when referring to particular groups or individuals and to respect self-identification preferences.

Inclusivity vs. Specificity: While BIPOC aims to be inclusive, some communities may prefer more specific terms or feel that their experiences are not fully represented by the acronym. It is anticipated that this term will evolve over time.

Essentially, BIPOC is a term used to promote understanding of the shared challenges and unique experiences of these communities, and to advocate for racial justice and equity.

Bebe Moore Campbell’s Legacy

Though she passed before seeing the complete realization of her vision, Bebe Moore Campbell’s unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy left an indelible mark. It is important to honor her by recognizing the progress made and acknowledging the continued need to address the challenges faced by marginalized communities. Her work serves as a powerful reminder of the responsibility to create a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and access the mental health support they deserve.

Here’s to brighter days!