Protests erupted in Winnipeg as demonstrators demanded accountability following the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Black university student Afolabi Opaso by police on New Year’s Eve. Opaso, an undergraduate studying economics at the University of Manitoba, hailed from Nigeria.
According to police responding to a well-being call, Opaso was armed with two knives when he was shot, resulting in his death from the injuries sustained. However, a lawyer representing his family stated that Opaso was experiencing a mental health crisis and posed no threat to anyone. The investigation into the incident has been transferred to Alberta by Manitoba’s police watchdog.
This tragic incident underscores the grave risks Black men face from law enforcement. Studies have indicated a concerning rise in police-involved fatalities in Canada, with Black and Indigenous individuals disproportionately affected.
Furthermore, Opaso’s death sheds light on the mental health challenges confronting Black men, which often go unrecognized and unaddressed. There appears to be a lack of urgency in Canada to tackle the mental health issues specific to Black men, leading to distressing and sometimes fatal encounters with the police.
The Intersection of Mental Health and Anti-Blackness
While discussions about mental health are crucial, it’s essential to recognize that mental health issues are diverse and impact individuals differently, affecting their physical, emotional, and recovery aspects.
Black men navigating predominantly white spaces often face stereotypes portraying them as threatening. Scholars like Tommy Curry emphasize that these perceptions stem from entrenched narratives equating Black masculinity with criminality.
Frantz Fanon, in his seminal work “Black Skin, White Masks,” elucidated how Black men are perceived as symbols of savagery in colonial contexts. This perception persists today, contributing to systemic discrimination in employment, education, healthcare, and housing.
Failure to acknowledge the enduring impact of anti-Black racism perpetuates traumatic experiences and exacerbates mental health concerns among Black individuals.
Mental Health Challenges Among Black Men
Based on extensive engagement with Black communities across Canada, it’s evident that Black men often grapple with feelings of disposability and an inability to express vulnerability publicly. These sentiments, compounded by negative stereotypes of Black masculinity, hinder their self-esteem and mental well-being.
The pervasive experience of anti-Black racism and gender biases contributes to psychological issues like PTSD, depression, and anxiety, often leading to risky coping mechanisms such as substance abuse.
Constant exposure to over-policing exacerbates these challenges, instilling fear and depression in Black men and boys. They often fear being labeled as criminals during encounters with law enforcement, contributing to a cycle of suffering and mistrust.
Curry highlights the profound anxiety and sense of mortality that plague Black boys due to dangerous stereotypes surrounding Black masculinity. This suffering often goes unnoticed, perpetuating a cycle of unresolved mental health concerns and negative interactions with police.
Recognizing Black Men’s Struggles
There is a pressing need to acknowledge and address the unique mental health challenges faced by Black men. Stereotypes and social ostracization have led to a profound misunderstanding of their lived experiences, depriving them of culturally relevant support and medical assistance.
Promoting inclusive dialogues on mental health is imperative, focusing on tailored interventions for Black men’s mental well-being. This necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the historical and contemporary factors perpetuating gender stigmatization, social exclusion, and anti-Black racism.
By recognizing and confronting these obstacles, society can take meaningful steps toward supporting Black men’s mental health and fostering a more equitable and inclusive future.