Rhonda Smith (she/her) the Executive Director of the California Black Health Network and Yolanda Whittington LCSW (She/Her), is a member of the California Black Health Network’s Behavioral Health Peer Network and they are Unapologetically Black Unicorns. Rhonda and Yolanda discuss the fight for better health outcomes and equity for Black Californians. They discuss an upcoming virtual conference focused on black mental health, share their own health journeys and how they inspired them to serve their communities and build meaningful support systems across the state, the power of collaboration and creating spaces where Black health and wellness remain the priority.

To find out more about the CBHN Virtual Mental and Behavioral Health Conference on May 13, 2026 visit: https://yourcbhn.org/hidden-crises/

The Black Healthcare Bill of Rights: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hqWSHxfKxG4oRtyaE8E_38USUA-KfdC_/view

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Contact the show: UBU@UnapologeticallyBlackUnicorns.info

Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

In this episode of Unapologetically Black Unicorns, Keris tackles a tough and complex subject that requires her to be vulnerable in sharing her thoughts, experiences, research and observations over the years about mental health panels. Keris unpacks the history and harm behind labels like “Serious and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI)” and “Serious Mental Illness (SMI),” challenging how language can shape fear, stigma and public policy. Keris explores how these terms influence the way people with mental health diagnoses are treated and how they often reinforce barriers instead of supporting recovery. Keris advocates for more compassionate language, community-based care and a full continuum of support that honors people’s humanity and potential.

Note: NIMBY = Not In My Back Yard

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Contact the show: UBU@UnapologeticallyBlackUnicorns.info

Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Dr. John Torous (He/his), MD is a Psychiatrist, Director: digitalpsych.org at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, an expert in “mobile mental health technologies” and an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Dr. Torous shares the concept behind MindApp.org and the connection between technology and mental health. They talk his tech background, how to navigate the privacy settings through your apps, the oversight of the digital mental health space and he the need for digital literacy.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Contact the show: UBU@UnapologeticallyBlackUnicorns.info

Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.