During rush hour at Penn Station, a man was on the ground, foaming at the mouth. People hurried past, but I stopped. To just walk by would have betrayed my beliefs about community and human decency.
My eight-year-old son witnessed the man’s distress, the crowd’s apathy, and my intervention. He saw me call 911 and stay by the man’s side until help arrived. This moment was more than an act of kindness; it was a lesson for the next generation about the power of community.
Growing up, Harlem was a place of joyful celebrations, where we looked out for one another and elders were respected. It’s this spirit that we need to rediscover to stand together and overcome the challenges we face. As we celebrate Black History Month, let’s remember that this is a proud opportunity to nurture and continue to build healthier communities together.
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Strength in unity
Raised in Harlem, I was immersed in a hub of African American culture, rich in music and art. Unfortunately, over time, this has been replaced by drugs and violence. When I began my career in social work, my mission was clear: to serve Harlem and extend my efforts to communities facing similar struggles. My definition of community evolved over time and now includes anyone underserved and grappling with systemic issues. Even though I am just one person, I know that every small act counts.
The drug epidemic has created a type of community bonded by shared struggles. As a peer specialist, I engage directly with individuals battling addiction, some of whom I’ve known since childhood. They recognize and trust me, which facilitates meaningful interactions where I can offer practical help — checking their insurance, suggesting rehabilitation options, pointing them to food pantries or places to shower. These interactions show that recovery and a return to a supportive community environment are possible.
Understand the micro, address the macro
Rebuilding communities demands an on-the-ground, hands-on approach. My career began by engaging directly with underserved populations. These firsthand experiences taught me the value of empathy and active participation.
At MetroPlusHealth, I lead a team of 13 certified peer support specialists who draw on their personal battles with mental health and substance abuse to aid our members. These specialists, having achieved and maintained sobriety, continue to engage in their recovery by attending AA meetings and practicing ongoing self-care. This authenticity creates a profound connection with our members, making our approach more effective than conventional methods. By sharing their journeys, our team members validate their understanding of the challenges our members face, enhancing the support they provide. As a community, we need to understand the specific, everyday challenges people face to develop effective overall strategies. By actively engaging and committing to understanding each person’s story, we can make significant changes and provide care that connects and heals.
Culturally competent care is necessary
A significant challenge in addressing mental and substance abuse issues is the prevailing stigma about seeking help. Many in the Black community still frown on the idea of speaking with a therapist. This, coupled with a lack of awareness about available resources, deters those in need from seeking help. To overcome this, culturally competent engagement is crucial. By establishing a presence in familiar community settings (churches, barbershops, block parties), we make proactive care more accessible and ensure individuals understand their options for help long before a crisis.
This Black History Month, let us draw from the strength and unity of our ancestors and remember that every act of kindness helps in rebuilding the strong community we once were. Let’s remind one another that we are needed and help others feel part of a community — a key aspect of what Black History Month truly stands for.
Sakina Jordan is the behavioral health peer specialist team lead at MetroPlusHealth. With 13 years of experience in mental health and substance abuse support, she is dedicated to empowering individuals and families in NYC.