#RallyUp2SaveLives
Mental Health
Magazine
BLACK WOMEN CONNECTING THRU
Warrior Zone XI:
MENTAL HEALTH
EVANGELIST TAMIKA
By: Tyi Flood
STRICKLAND
DR. NICOLE
CAMMACK
DR. DANA
CUNNINGHAM
BLACK Special Feature: CZARINA LYNELL Survivor, Author and Mental Health Advocate Winter/Spring 2021
$10.99
DR. DANIELLE
BUSBY
Mental
WELLNESS CORP
DR. JESSICA
HENRY
Features:
LAURYN NICHOLE YOUTH ZONE COVER FEATURE ALISHA WHITE Founder of Sexual Wellness Advocacy Group CLIFTON BRIGHT JR., LCPC Founder of Bright House Counseling and Coaching
WINTER/SPRING 2021
OUR FIGHT WOMEN MAKING HISTORY
RESILIENT WOMEN
NORMALIZING MENTAL HEALTH
SELF-CARE IS HOW
YOU TAKE YOUR
POWER BACK
RALLYUP & See What's INSIDE 06 Founder’s Letter 07 Meet the Contributers 09 Fashion Section Do you know You Rock??? 13 Poetry Corner D. A. Kelley Melena Saddler
CREDIT: IRIS MANNINGS PHOTOGRAPHY
16 YOUTH ZONE Youth Cover Feature: Lauryn Nichole Me as in, Me | Nina Hollingsworth Nature | Caleah Henneghan Skin | Caleah Henneghan Feast | Lailah S. Learning in a Pandemic | Deja Smith YOUTH ZONE FASHIONS 24 COVER FEATURES 25 27 29 31
Black Mental Wellness Corporation| The Mecca of Black Wellness Dr. Nicole Cammack Dr. Danielle Busby Dr. Jessica Henry Dr. Dana Cunningham
33 Faith & Mental Health Strength During Difficult Times | By: Andrae Hayden Fear & the Overcomer | By: TJ Woodard 36 Therapy Is Dope:
Mental Health, Entrepreneurs & By: Amanda Fludd, LCSW-R Work-Life Balance Finding A THERAPIST | KeErica Brown
24
42 LOVE & MENTAL HEALTH
Is Love Good for Your Mental Health?
By: TJ Woodard 43 BEAUTY
Self-Care versus Self-Maintenance
By: Nekesa J. Smith
45 Returning Back to Work and Navigating TOXIC WORK RELATIONSHIPS! By: Kendra Hathaway 46 Black Women Connecting Thru Mental Health By Tyi Flood 48 The Things We Do Not Say | By: Lex Morgan 49 MHCA Mental Health Change Agent CLIFTON BRIGHT JR. LCPC 51 MAKING A DIFFERENCE Alisha White 52 SPECIAL FEATURE Czarina Lynell
38 Dear Amanda
55 HEALTH & WELLNESS Are You Sabotaging Your Wellness Journey? By: Coach Beverly
39 PAIN in the Pews | By: Talona Y. Smith
57 The Green Pages
40 WARRIOR ZONE XI
Evangelist Tamika Strickland
MENTAL HEALTH MAGAZINE
SUBSCRIBE TO
Mental Wellness... 1 YEAR FOR $12. www.rallyupmagazine.com
Vol. 4 Num. 1 Winter/Spring 2021 Founder & Editorial Director Nikita Powell-Cottman Managing Editor: TJ Woodard Asst. Managing Editor: KeErica Parker-Brown Associate Editor: Paul Cottman Fashion Director: Kena'I Hollingworth Beauty Editor: Nekesa Smith Beauty Assistant: TJ Woodard Comic Illustrator: RJ Sterling Therapy is Dope Editor: Amanda Fludd, LCSW-R Contributer Writers: Jada Carrington Vanity Dawson Andrae Hayden Denise A. Kelley Marisa Jones Kendra Hathaway Melena Saddler
Lex Morgan Talona Smith Tynesha "Tyi" Flood Kena'i Hollingsworth Torre "Tor" White KeErica Parker-Brown TJ Woodard
Youth Contributing Writers: Lorelai Symmes Nina Hollingsworth Jada Sherffield Calaeh Henneghan Copyright © 2021 RallyUp Magazine No portions of the publication can be transmitted, reproduced, or distributed in any form without contacting Editorial Director Nikita Powell-Cottman. All articles have been reviewed and approved by Nikita Powell-Cottman and her editorial team.
SPOKEN WORDS
She Was Destined To Keep It By: Melena Saddler
The vessel shattered. She desperately wanted to put the pieces together but didn’t know how. There’s no tape or glue in this world that can put her back the way she was. As she looked at the many pieces scattered on the floor, she recognized pieces of her that once were. Her only plan at this time was to clean up the mess and start over. She handled the broken fragments with care ensuring not to cut herself. Although the pieces were jagged, they were still beautiful pieces that came together to define who she is. Or should I say who she was. She was never the same again after that day. It took her some time to make sense of the loss. To grieve the pieces of her that were not seen as damaged goods. She didn’t recognize herself anymore when she looked in the mirror however she was determined to make sense of everything that took place. She was determined to connect with this new vessel. Just as the old vessel did before it broke, it had a purpose. Just because it’s broken doesn’t mean it’s any less valuable. It was still valuable to her even though she had to learn to appreciate this new vessel. She reminisced on the past pieces and decided to carry over some of the same beautiful attributes. She took time over days, weeks, months and years to rebuild. Pulling pieces from the past and the present together to create a work of art that she was proud of. She may not have found tape or glue to patch up the old pieces but that didn’t mean those parts of her weren’t worth saving. Giving the pieces new meaning gave her new meaning also. She cultivated what she wanted for the future. Her new meaning was her truth, and she was destined to keep it. ~ Melena Saddler, NCC, LMHC, LPC, BC-TMH~
RALLYUPMAGAZINE.COM | 14 | Winter/Spring 2021
Take Suicidal thoughts seriously and Get Help!
I did and I feel Much Better! Photography : Tinisha Curl
We Fight Foundation, Inc. : www.wefightfoundation.org
Skin
POETRY CORNER
By: Caleah Henneghan
Golden, brown- tan, peach Light, dark- black, white Skin comes in a variety of colors and Color is a beauty, so why is negativity shown towards it? There shouldn’t be discrimination between skin color. Our skin dœsn’t tell our story, although it may show it. Our story comes from inside us. Our skin just gives the world something to look at. Don’t get me wrong, your skin can tell and show great stories. The scars- birthmarks- bruises, they make up who we are. But being who we are shouldn’t be a bad thing. So, neither should color. To say that skin is bad, is not true. Skin is Love, Skin is Life So, don’t be ashamed if you’re really dark, really pale, or somewhere in between. Skin is Skin. And no one can change that.
LIP GLOSSES, LIP SCRUBS & BODY SCRUBS
"Building the Beauty from within" www.kenedi-beauty.com : @kenedi_beauty
Natural Products made with Love by hand CEO "Teenprenuer " Nina Hollingsworth ***Proceeds goes towards building business & college funds.
NAME THE LOOK
YOU'RE NOT ALONE! Overseer: Lex Morgan
This is a place for young people to connect with one another using authenticity and courage. In a world where its easy to feel like you must figure things out alone and no one understands, we’re here to remind you that you matter, and You Are Not Alone! #BeScaredDoItAnyway
WE WELCOME
All Races and Ethnicities All Religions All Countries of Origin All Gender Indentities All Sexual Orientations All Abilities and Disabilities All spoken languages All Ages Everyone.
WE STAND HERE WITH YOU YOU ARE SAFE HERE
RALLYUPMAGAZINE.COM | 21 | Winter/Spring 2021
Mental Health Warrior Zone XI Vanity Dawson Bipolar Disorder & Depression
Lorelai Symmes Anorexia, depression, anxiety, PTSD
Jada Carrington Anxiety & Depression
Kayla Sampson Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar
Tai Campbell Depression & Anxiety
Cymone Jones Suicide Survivor, Bipolar Disorder & Depression
Lawrence Durden Depression
Neta Vaught Suicide Survivor, Depression, Anixety, PTSD
Tamika Woodard Anxiety & Depression
Tyshia Douglas Depression
Craig Cooper Depression & Suicidal Ideation
Tyeisha Brewer-Fields schizoaffective disorder, depressive type
Jessica “Kelly Jé” Kelly Bipolar Type 1 & 2 Severe Depression, Psychosis, and Schizophrenia
Dasia Wood Suicide Survivor, Anxiety, Bipolar, PTSD & Depression
Tanzania Fair Depression & Suicidal Ideation
Elyse Lancaster Suicide Survivor
Nikita Powell-Cottman Anxiety & Seasonal Depression
Kenai Hollingsworth Suicide Survivor, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, PTSD, depression
Evangelist Tamika Strickland Depression
Fighting Back Against the Battlefields of Our Mind Real People, Real Stories...Overcomers! www.rallyupmagazine.com
Evangelist Tamika Strickland
Do you know how it feels to be abused at an early age and how it will totally render you powerless over the things to come into your life?
A
llow me to introduce you to my past. Begin to take notice of your child, looking for signs of anger, depression and withdrawal. Ask questions and listen to them. It may save your child from a life journey filled with feelings of rejection, abandonment and “no” self-esteem. When I was abused by my father, I lost all reality of who I was, losing my sense of direction within and without. I was so angry and didn’t know why. No one ever asked me “Why”. I hated the fact that my father was gone, but because of the touch I looked for the feeling of lust anywhere I could find it. I lived in a depressed state of mind not knowing how this feeling would get fed. I didn’t trust men and my imagination began to take me to places where I thought I could trust women and that chase began. When you have a broken identity, you will look for love outwardly and when the hole inside you is not satisfied, you will create within you a wall that only God can bring down. My life continued to spiral down becoming filled with darkness and deep depression. I became that male that was angry, abusive; perversion became my way of life. I hid my pain by drinking and smoking so that the euphoric feeling would never go away. Frequenting gay clubs, looking for someone to love me. When I couldn’t get a fix to replace the pain, I would go home and cry. When I was left to my own devices, I often had thoughts of suicide, but God didn’t allow me to go that far. God had a desire to use me for His purposes. He cleaned me up in 2000 and I am graced with 20 years clean. I was saved and received Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Meditating on the Word I read Romans 1 regarding God’s wrath for unrighteousness. Jesus set me free from the chains of homosexuality. The surgery of the spirit began on the inside as I still dressed as a man, things were beginning to change. My depression was lifted, and I could breathe without fear. I now hunger to do God’s Will, talking about the good news of Jesus Christ; how He heals and delivers. My healing began to show on the outside and I was walking in His purpose for my life. Birthing out my first book in 2019 with His grace and mercy, Identity Deception/From Wounds to Worship-The Raw Life Story of Evangelist Tamika Strickland. I understand the Wounds of my past and that it wasn’t even about me, it was for my testimony to lead others to Christ Jesus. The Worship is about having the gratitude and wisdom to know where my true strength lives and continuing to mentor others that have a desire to get and remain clean whether through church or recovery. To help the abused, abandoned, and lesbian that is truly struggling with their identity and looking for the agape love of God. Tamika Strickland Ministries has been birthed recently so I can be used by God in many capacities of healing and deliverance through the word of
God. I am a Warrior for Christ Jesus! I am an overcomer from abuse, abandonment, rejection and depression. I give God all praise, honor, and glory. I love God with all my heart. I pray that the favor of God blesses your life. Amen
Blessings, Tamika Strickland aka Anointed Scribe
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. ~Psalms 139:14 : anointedscribe68 : Tamika Strickland : Tamika Strickland : Tamika Strickland : evangeliststrickland@gmail.com : TamikaStricklandMinistries.org My book is available on Amazon.com and E-book
RALLYUPMAGAZINE.COM | 41 | Winter/Spring 2021
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THE GREEN RESOURCES PAGES BLACK GIRL, LOST KEYS
Everyday Being
PATRICE N DOUGLAS, LMFT, CAMS-I
A forum for other people with ADHD to have a point of reference to find answers and discuss the disorder. rene@blackgirllostkeys.com @Black Girl, Lost Keys www.blackgirllostkeys.com
Online community providing information for those looking for a place to find healing. www.myeverydaybeing.com mjones@myeverydaybeing.com 202-957-7499 Founder, Marisa Jone
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. www.empirecounseling.net
COLORADO
CALIFORNIA
INSPIRING YOUTHS
DR. NEKESHIA HAMMOND
Psychologist and ADHD Specialist Hammond Psychology & Associates, Supports parents of children dealing with ADHD. DrNekeshiaHammond.com Dr.NHammond@gmail.com
FLORIDA
FLORIDA
DESIGNED FOR ROYALTY
A nonprofit providing mentorship for at risk male and females youth and young adults to nurture their mental health in hope to reduce the risky behaviors, self-harm, selfmedicating or sadly suicide. www.wefightfoundation.org
MARYLAND
BASHEA WILLIAMS, MSW, LCSW-C, LICSW
ALEXIS ALTON
(Queen/King/Princess Series) A mentorship program for women and men between the ages of 7-25. For more information: info@tamikawoodard.com www.tamikawoodard.com
MARYLAND
WE FIGHT FOUNDATION
A foundation built to give youth a voice through their various platforms, bullying workshops, youth panel discussions, as well as introducing mental health through workshops. www.inspireyouths.com info@inspireyouths.com Founder, Devon Lewis Buchanan, MSW
Been working with children, adults and families for more than 15 years improving behaviors, relationships, educating, and providing therapeutic support and families. www.alexisalton.com alexis@alexisalton.com
MARYLAND
MARYLAND
Licensed Family Therapist Helping individuals, couples, and families navigate and understand their purpose in life while providing relatable life experiences to address their circumstances. www.heartsinmindcounseling.com
RALLYUPMAGAZINE.COM | 57 | Winter/Spring 2021
GREEN PAGES TAKE MY HAND
KENDRA HATHAWAY, MA, FLE, LMFT
CALEB'S KIDS An impactful suicide prevention and mental health awareness non-profit. Founder & Exec. Director: Keisha Jackson. www.calebskids.org info@calebskids.org
Help clients heal from trauma and empower them to tap into their infinite God-given potential. www.vanitydawson.com Info@vanitydawson.com Founder: Vanity Dawson
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Notably with African American women and young adults who are looking to improve their lives.
Positivetransformationpllc@gmail.com.
MICHIGAN
MARYLAND
C.A.C.T.U.S. CENTER
NEW JERSEY
MICHIGAN
AMANDA FLUDD, LCSW-R
Treating issues such as anger management, oppositional defiant disorder, anxiety, depression, sexual deviance through individual and family counseling. www.cactuscenternj.com cactuscenternj@gmail.com
Peace and Prosperity Professional Coaching Jason Phillips, MSW Licensed Therapist and Life Coach. www.pnpcoach.com info@pncoach.com
NORTH CAROLINA
Evidence-based information and resources about mental health and behavioral health topics from a Black perspective. www.blackmentalwellness.com info@BlackMentalWellness.com
WASHINGTON, D.C.
RALLYUPMAGAZINE.COM | 58 | Winter/Spring 2021
NEW YORK
RWENSHAUN MILLER, MA, LPCA, NCC
NORTH CAROLINA
BLACK MENTAL WELLNESS CORP.
TOTALITY OF A WOMAN
Afro Caribbean Clinical Social Worker Trauma Treatment, DBT, Mindfulness Practice Kensho Psychotherapy Services, LLC. 41a W Merrick Rd #2, Valley Stream, NY 11580
NEW YORK
Licensed Therapist Dedicated to making mental health treatment more accessible; especially for males of color. www.rwenshaun.com info@rwenshaun.com
(586) 551-2757
Organization that takes a 360-degree approach focusing on the wellness of women, me and children. www.TotalityofaWoman.com Info@TotalityofaWomen.com TotalityofaWomen@gmail.com Founder, Stephanie Carnegie
HIP HOP SOCIAL WORKER, LLC
OREGON
Foundation designed to motivate others by encouraging them to know they have what it takes to succeed, set goals, continue to be an advocate for mental health and help bring positive changes to the field of social work. www.hiphopsocialworker.com hiphopsocialworker@gmail.com Founder, Christopher Scott
We Fight Together!
RallyUp Mental Health Magazine is a product of We Fight Foundation Inc. is a nonprofit providing mentorship for at risk youths and young adults (12-24 yrs) to nurture their mental health in hope to reduce the risky behaviors, self-harm, self-medicating or sadly suicide. Proceeds will assist families of underserved communities with therapy sessions, mental health workshops, resources and soon housing. JOIN OUR FIGHT TO #RALLYUP2SAVELIVES
Our hope is someone reads our magazine and decide to Not Give Up! If you choose to donate, become a sponsor and/or an ambassador for our magazine, inquire at: For business inquiries, media or to contribute email us at:
info@rallyupmagazine.com
Follow us on
: @rallyupmagazine | : rallyupmagazine : www.rallyupmagazine.com : www.wefightfoundation.org : rallyupmagazine@gmail.com
We Fight Foundation
: 301-852-6454 : @wefightfoundation | : wefightfoundation For an interview email us at: rallyupmagazine@gmail.com Disclaimer: Some articles may be triggering and/or contain content that may challenge your mental health. If you or someone you know has a mental health emergency please call 911 or go to your local emergency room.
YOU
ARE
ENOUGH. 2 CORINTHIANS 12:9
#faithandmentalhealth www.wefightfoundation.org