Considering that Black people honor areas of resiliency that are often a result of unhealed trauma and existing in survival mode, the mental health focus for this organization will be identifying trauma, ways it is perpetuated through toxic positivity in the Black community, and how to be trauma-informed in implementing community programs for Black people and allies of this population. Self-esteem has been researched in connection to the quality of our human relationships and the sexual decisions that we make. Without a trauma-informed approach to Black existence, members of this community are led to make decisions through the epigenetic wounds and enslavement residue, possibly unaware of disproportionate sexual harm or prevention measures, and equally unaware of how unresolved generational wounds, family dynamics, and religious guilt spearhead thresholds of mental and emotional pain.

 

Understanding that Black people are unfairly impacted by household and romantic relationship trauma, as well as all STIs and STDs, people with these lived experiences within The Divine Nine will be honored for the possible mental health interventions needed to produce better individuals and better community partnerships. S.h.e.e.r., LLC emphasizes the connection of self-esteem to relationships and sexual decisions and will serve as a direct community partner for mental health advocacy for D9LM.