Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective

beacons of healing in our communities and beyond.

Rest is not a reward. It is a necessity!

Black women deserve rest. Misogynoir says Black women are not worthy of it, can’t have it, and don’t deserve it. We reject that.

This Women’s History Month, we honor the countless ways Black women have shown up in the world. As caregivers, nurturers, and

Come be in community. Learn practical tools. Reconnect with yourself while caring for others.

You don’t have to pour from an empty cup.

— “Holding Others Without Losing Yourself” — a virtual workshop created to support caregivers in showing up for others without sacrificing their own well-being.

March 5th
12:30–2:30 PM PT | 3:30–5:30 PM ET
Virtual session

A purple and orange promotional flyer from BEAM, the Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective. Large text reads, “Holding Others Without Losing Yourself: A Workshop for Caregivers.” The event is listed as virtual and takes place on March 5 from 12:30–2:30 PM PT and 3:30–5:30 PM ET. Below the text is a photo of a younger Black caregiver standing behind and smiling warmly at an older Black adult seated in a chair, both appearing relaxed and joyful in a cozy room filled with bookshelves and soft furniture. At the bottom of the flyer is a web address: www.beam.community/events.

Caregivers, who is taking care of YOU?!

Caregiving is powerful. And so are you.

As we move throughout the year developing communities of care and building maps to guide us through our own caregiving experience, we invite you to join us next week for our upcoming Heart Space Healing Circle

Parents of any background can apply for up to $250.

Apply today. Funds are limited.

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This Black History Month, BEAM is redistributing $10,000 through our Parent Support Fund to support Black and marginalized parents and caregivers. Direct cash support helps families breathe—covering bills, easing stress, and creating space to care for themselves and their loved ones.

A blue-toned flyer with layered geometric shapes announces BEAM’s Parent Support Fund for Black History Month. Large text at the top reads, “BEAM is giving $10,000.” Smaller text explains the funds are for Black and marginalized parents and caregivers living with mental health conditions or supporting children with mental health conditions. A large photo shows a smiling Black family sitting together outdoors: two adults and four children, close and relaxed, conveying warmth and connection. Below the photo, text reads, “Apply for up to $250 of monetary support.” Additional text notes that funds are limited and directs viewers to beam.community/grants to learn more and apply. The BEAM logo and the words “The Parent Support Fund BHM ’26” appear at the bottom.

A blue informational flyer titled “Why We Provide the Parent Support Fund.” On the left side, large text states that 48% of parents report their stress is completely overwhelming, compared to 26% among other adults. Below, text explains that the Parent Support Fund offers direct financial assistance to Black and marginalized parents to help ease mental and financial burdens. A source citation from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services appears at the bottom. On the right side is a photo of a Black parent seated outdoors with three children, smiling and interacting closely. The BEAM logo and the words “The Parent Support Fund BHM ’26” appear at the bottom of the flyer.

It’s back. And the timing matters.

As Black families face rising costs, political instability, and shrinking systems of care, parents are carrying the weight first—often in silence. Mental health doesn’t exist without material support, and right now, relief is critical.

4. Stay connected to people who let you be honest, not strong
5. Honor your grief with intention, ritual, and care

Choosing joy right now isn’t avoidance—it’s survival.

Honoring grief is not weakness—it’s truth.

You deserve both. Tag or share with someone who needs to reminded!

Both can exist—especially in times like these.

Here are 5 gentle ways to center joy while honoring what’s been lost:

1. Let joy and grief coexist—without guilt or apology
2. Return to what feels familiar, grounding, and nourishing
3. Notice micro-joys that remind your body you’re still here

GRIEF DOESN'T CANCEL OUT JOY AND JOY DOESN'T ERASE GRIEF. BOTH CAN EXIST AT THE SAME TIME

5 ways to gently center joy while honoring what you’ve lost: 1. Let joy and grief coexist without guilt 2. Return to what feels familiar and nourishing 3. Notice micro-joys in everyday moments 4. Stay connected to people who let you be real 5. Honor your grief with intention and care

1. **Let joy and grief coexist without guilt** You might find yourself laughing at a joke and then suddenly feeling a wave of sadness. As two things can be true at once, practice by allowing the laugh without immediately scolding yourself for it.

2. **Return to what feels familiar and nourishing** This could look like re-watching a show you’ve watched more than a few times or cooking a meal you grew up with, letting the comfort of the familiar hold you when everything else feels uncertain.

We are living through a lot right now—collectively and personally.

In a time shaped by uncertainty, violence, and grief, it’s okay to feel worn down *and* still reach for moments that help you breathe.

Joy doesn’t betray our grief.

Grief doesn’t cancel our joy.

What kinds of outdoor activities does your family enjoy, or what are you curious about trying together?

What helps your family feel connected or special together -- like faith, prayer, traditions, or something else you do as a family? What would you like to do more of?

Care is intentional, and community makes it possible! Screenshot with your folks and start the conversation!

REIMAGINE HOW FAMILIES HEAL

Name Your Family: Who are you thinking about for this family care map? Reminder: We get to define and chose who our family is.

How does you family currently talk about feelings, or how would you like to check in with one another about emotions?

What helps your family rest or unwind right now, or what do you think could help you relax more?

One of our goals is to reimagine how families heal. That looks like making time in the day to reflect on how we show up for the people we love, and who we consider family during these times.

Today we are sharing these reflective questions that we extracted from our new Family Care Map tool.

Heart Space Virtual: Building a Family Care Map A virtual healing circle. A monthly, online support group and emotional skills building space for Black folks looking to learn and connect.

Feb. 11
3–4:30 PM PT | 6–7:30 PM ET

Free and Donation based tickets available!

Come reflect, share, and build a care map that honors the people who show up for you—and the ways you show up for them.

RSVP: www.eventbrite.com/e/heart-spac...

Heart Space Virtual: Building a Family Care Map A virtual healing circle. A monthly, online support group and emotional skills building space for Black folks looking to learn and connect.

Tomorrow we have our first Heart Space of the year! Sign up to join BEAM for “Building a Family Care Map for Hard Times,” a  virtual healing circle focused on naming our support systems, strengthening care within community, and preparing for moments when we need each other most.

A photo shows three Black adults seated at a table during a facilitated group activity, appearing focused and engaged. Art supplies such as colored pencils, markers, paper, and notebooks are spread across the table, suggesting a reflective or creative healing exercise. The BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective) logo appears at the top. Overlaid text reads: “Building a Family Care Map for Hard Times,” followed by “Heart Space Virtual Healing Circle.” Event details list February 11, from 3:00–4:30 PM PT and 6:00–7:30 PM ET, with the word “Virtual” highlighted. A website link at the bottom reads: www.beam.community/events.

In hard times, it matters to know who we can lean on. Whether that is family we’re born into, family we choose, or both— it is important to be able to identify who is there for support.

4. Sometimes you may not know what you feel. That is okay. You can also focus on a sensation in your body. Ask yourself “What is that sensation trying to tell me that I need?”
5. Use daily with yourself, family and friends to do a self check-in!

How To Use The Wheel:

1. Look at the feelings listed in the circle.
2. Select one or more feelings or colors that represent how you feel.
3. Once you name the feeling or color, ask yourself “What is this feeling trying to tell me that I need?”

5. Puedes usar esta herramienta a diario para tí, con tus familiares y amistades para hacer una revisión emocional.

The Feelings Wheel is a tool that you can use to check in with your feelings. Using it regularly helps to alleviate anxiety and grow self-awareness.

4. A veces puede ser que no tengas claro lo que sientes… eso está bien. Intenta enfocarte en una sensación en algún lugar de tu cuerpo, al hacerlo, pregúntate: "¿Qué me está tratando de decir esta sensación sobre lo que necesito?"

Cómo Usar la Rueda:

1. Observa las emociones que se mencionan dentro del círculo.
2. Selecciona una o más emociones o colores que representen cómo te sientes.
3. Una vez que identifiques la emoción o el color, pregúntate: "¿Qué me está tratando de decir esta emoción sobre lo que necesito?"

Read below for instructions on how to use this wellness tool!

La Rueda de las Emociones es una herramienta que pue de des usar para conectarte con tus sentimientos. Usarla regularmente puede ayudar a aliviar la ansiedad y a desarrollar la autoconciencia.

Did Bad Bunny make you want to learn Spanish? A great way to start is through your FEELINGS! Start everyday learning a feeling word and understanding it’s meaning. For all my Afro-Latinos, here is a great tool to use to connect with your feelings in real time and cultivate wellness.

engage in deep self reflexive practice and strengthen collective care infrastructure.

Apply by March 7, 2026

📍 United States & Caribbean

🔗 Learn more at the link in bio.

designed to train participants to support the emotional and mental needs of communities and individuals impacted by HIV/AIDS.

This cohort is for people with lived experience and community leaders ready to reduce stigma, hold healing space,

### **Alt Text** A group of Black adults stand in a circle outdoors during a community healing gathering. Text reads: “Healing Circles Facilitator Training: HIV Care Cohort,” with a red HIV awareness ribbon and BEAM logo. Application deadline: March 7, 2026. ### **Image Description** An outdoor photograph shows a diverse group of Black adults standing in a large circle on grass, suggesting a community healing or discussion space. At the top is the BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective) logo and a red HIV awareness ribbon flowing across the image. Large text reads “Healing Circles Facilitator Training: HIV Care Cohort.” Below, text explains that this is a 3-month BEAM certification program training community members to facilitate Heart Space healing circles for communities impacted by HIV/AIDS, grounded in Afro-Indigenous practices. A banner at the bottom states the application deadline: March 7, 2026.

Alt Text Graphic listing who the certification is for and what participants will gain, including BEAM certification, HIV stigma reduction tools, and a $1,000 honorarium with travel covered. Image Description A blue-toned graphic with the BEAM logo and red HIV awareness ribbon presents eligibility and benefits for the training. Under the heading “This certification is for,” bullet points list experienced facilitators, healers, and careworkers; people with lived experience or experience supporting people living with HIV; community members grounded in healing justice and systems analysis; and those who have previously participated in BEAM programming. A second section titled “You’ll gain” lists training in emotionally intelligent leadership and healing justice, tools for HIV stigma reduction and community care, BEAM certification in the Heart Space method, and a $1,000 honorarium with covered travel for required in-person training.

### **Alt Text** Graphic with BEAM logo and red HIV ribbon listing training details: June–August 2026, U.S. East Coast & Caribbean, apply by March 7, 2026, notifications by April 17, 2026. ### **Image Description** A blue and purple gradient graphic features the BEAM logo at the top and a red HIV awareness ribbon on the right. Text outlines key details for the Healing Circles Facilitator Training: training dates are June through August 2026; the region includes the U.S. East Coast and the Caribbean; applications are due by March 7, 2026 at 11:59 PM PST; notifications will be sent by April 17, 2026. A button at the bottom reads “Apply via link in bio.” The phrase “When systems withdraw care, we deepen it together” appears at the bottom.

When systems withdraw care, we deepen it together.✊🏾

This National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, BEAM is excited to announce we are now accepting applications for the Healing Circles Facilitator Training: HIV Care Cohort—a 3-month certification program rooted in Afro-Indigenous healing practices,

BEAM’s mission is forever rooted in healing, liberation, and access to care for Black and marginalized communities. Liberation centered healing means showing up for each other. Especially now.

A black background graphic with large, bold, cream-colored capital letters. The text announces a “Nationwide Shutdown” scheduled for Friday, January 30, 2026. Below, smaller stacked lines read “No work,” “No school,” and “No shopping.” At the bottom, the phrase “Ice out everywhere!!!” appears, emphasizing a call for a complete halt to normal activity. The design is stark and urgent, resembling a protest or boycott announcement.

At BEAM we stand in solidarity with communities across the country by participating in today’s National Shutdown in response to the ongoing harm caused by ICE and its unethical, illegal anti-immigrant policies.

BEAM’s mission is forever rooted in healing, liberation, and access to care for Black and marginalized communities. Liberation centered healing means showing up for each other. Especially now.

BEAM’s mission is forever rooted in healing, liberation, and access to care for Black and marginalized communities. Liberation centered healing means showing up for each other. Especially now.