Melanated Discussions

This month's episode was in collaboration with The Black Mental Health Coalition and Black Students in Psychology and Neuroscience. On this episode, we embark on an journey into the world of Black students at The Ohio State University. Hosted by Nia, this episode aims to shed light on the often unspoken challenges and triumphs faced by Black students when it comes to their mental health. Join us as we hear from students who candidly share their experiences of juggling academics, social pressures, and the unique expectations that come with being a Black student. We also discuss the importance of breaking the stigma around mental health in the Black community. In this episode, we explore the model minority myth, the pressure to succeed, and the hurdles that deter Black students from seeking the support they deserve. We also discuss potential solutions, such as creating safe spaces and fostering cultural competence among mental health professionals. As we kick off this important conversation, we encourage you to listen, learn, and engage with us in dismantling the barriers that hinder Black student mental health at Ohio State. Your voice matters, and together, we can make a difference. Remember, if you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, reach out to Ohio State's Counseling and Consultation Service or other available resources. Join us next time on Melanated Discussions, where we continue to amplify the voices and stories of Black students at Ohio State.

Join us in our first episode of the second season of Melanated Discussions where we take a deep dive into the origin of this podcast and talk on what is to come next. Also this episode serves as the informal introduction to a fraction of what BOSU looks like. A list of the community locations & Student organizations below: Community Centers: Rickenbacker Woods Foundation & Learning Center Linden Community Center Milo Grogan Community Center Food & Bevarage: Upper Cup Coffee Marvin's Restaurant What The Waffle Hoyo's Kitchen The Arts: Ohio Black Dance Maroon Arts Group King Arts Complex The Royal Oak Initiative Businesses & Orgs Black Health Explain Ohio Women's Alliance Zora's House 86 and Norman Cole's Plants Aventi Enterprises Student Organizations: African Youth League Black Student Association Black Students in Psychology and Neuroscience Black Mental Health Coalition Black Queer Coalition Undergraduate Black Caucus NAACP National Society of Black Engineers Minority Collegiate Outreach and Support Team Minority Students Learning Sign Black Dance Association Undergraduate Society of Black Leaders * ⁠Louis Stokes Alliance Minority Program⁠ Just to name a few. Please feel free to reach out with a much more comprehensive list. We would like to thank our producer Antoine, Kendra Asiedu, Shauna Burkes and Chi Mutiso for holding this discussion.

Hear from our special guests Dr. Elaine Richardson, Dr. Tanisha Jenkins, and Representative Latyna Humphrey talk about their experiences as a Black Woman in academia and the political sphere. Our guests engage in genuine conversation providing advice for Black undergraduate students navigating life.

Hear the first hand account of how the Undergraduate Black Caucus within the Undergraduate Student Government was created, the progress we've made since our founding, and the hopes our original leaders have for the future. Follow us on Instagram @osublackcaucus to keep up with our current events and projects!

Are you thinking of traveling? Looking to planning that spring break trip or to spend a semester abroad? Listen to our first episode to hear about Louise Yahiaoui (Global Education and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist at OSU) and Jesse Djabatey's personal experiences traveling the world as well as their advice. If you are an OSU student seeking additional information, visit oia.osu.edu