Message from Isaiah Sneed

 
 

By Isaiah Sneed, Senior, Junipero Serra High School

I am an African American young man who had lessons about the importance of having pride in my heritage, culture, history, and community.  This was instilled at an early age. As a high school senior, I work hard and fully commit to every project I take part in whether it be school work, group projects, or a final exam, etc. I applied this same mentality when I was presented with the opportunity to be a youth facilitator for the Bay Area Community Health Advisory Council (BACHAC) - African American Community Assessment. My passion for social justice is why I wanted to become a part of BACHAC’s mission and community assessment.

In my role, I assisted in collecting and analyzing data relating to mental health and substance use specifically about San Mateo County’s Black population. As a young person, I wanted to contribute and make sure the youth's perspective was heard. I was able to recruit and listen to other Black youth, classmates, and students from other high schools.  I was able to encourage them to take the survey. In addition to this, I had three Listening Sessions/focus groups for high school students who openly shared their experiences with substance use from a youth view. The whole process was truly educational and enlightening. Leading these Listening Sessions was such an eye-opening and incredible experience because we just shared our feelings and stories collectively. It gave us as young people a platform to be heard. The wide-ranging responses by Black Youth still stick with me as some people dealt with being offered drugs at parties to other people opening up about how substance use has impacted them and the people within their circle. Those moments of vulnerability were enlightening personally as I brought my thoughts to the discussion, while attentively listening. As someone who has indirectly seen through family members the damage substance use can cause, I needed to learn to recognize my own experiences within this topic. We created a safe space during these meetings that allowed people to share openly and connect culturally.

Following our organization’s data, we collected confidential information/responses on this important topic. It validated BACHAC’s proposal for the implementation of resources to aid those within our community who are experiencing mental health and substance use issues. These proposals of seven recommendations are Black-focused and Black-centered. This is crucial as they are guided by three core principles focused on enhancing a sense of cultural identity, promoting Black heritage and reinforcing our understanding and self-pride in our culture. These priorities are corroborated by professional studies by the National Library of Medicine. 

“Identity formation is widely recognized as a normative developmental process through which a young person understands his or her place in the social world. Youth who have achieved a positive sense of identity are more likely to behave prosocially and less likely to engage in risky behaviors.”

(Loyd and Williams)

This analysis corroborates with the data collected when I was working with BACHAC. It also makes sense from my perspective. As a young Black man, I feel like there are so many divergent narratives about Black men, Black women, and Black people as a whole that cast us in one specific light, that at times, can have negative connotations. It makes us seem as if we are a monolithic community instead of a diverse group of people. We are vibrant and intelligent people and those different aspects are what make us even more special. These programs not only impact youth but are family and community-focused which can also aid grown individuals, reinforcing their self-identity as well as providing access to those who need these types of resources. Seeing ourselves in a welcoming light, in a way that is not deprecatory, but elevating and encouraging is educational and inspiring.  This can positively influence people’s decisions and perspectives.

Beyond other races and ethnicities, when we as Black people, especially the younger demographic are exposed to this positive reinforcement, we can see this more vibrant and intelligent side of us that inherently is associated with other groups of people. These programs would counteract some of the concerning data we collected and the concerns are legitimate. An article by the Substance Use and Mental Health Services Administration(SAMHSA) found “Twenty-one percent of Black and African Americans reported having a mental illness, compared to 23.9% of non-Hispanic Whites. However, just 39% of Black and African Americans received mental health services compared to non-Hispanic Whites (52%)”(SAMHSA). There is a serious issue, not only is it important to address the root cause of these substance and mental health issues, but also to provide accessibility to these vital resources. I am glad to have been a part of the African American Planning and Design Committee because it educated me more on this topic and through this process, my own perspective and passions have been enhanced for the better.

To apply to be part of the newly created Black Youth Advisory Board (Black YAB) (12-17 years old) or be a Young Adult Mentor (18-24 years old), please complete our Youth Application.

Isaiah Sneed is a Senior at Junipero Serra High School and a member of the African American Planning and Design Committee with BACHAC. He plans to attend college in the fall. In addition, Isaiah loves to learn and educate himself while also furthering his passion to utilize that knowledge to assist others.

Sources

Jennifer Donahue