MHA affiliates are committed to addressing the trauma and lived experience of marginalized communities

"The inexcusable and violent death of George Floyd as he begged for help has evoked both our rage and frustration. The person who caused the death by choking – a Minneapolis police officer – and three others were fired from their jobs. But the officer was neither arrested nor charged as days passed by. Like other similar incidents in the past, this has brought out into the open the stress and trauma faced on a daily basis by so many people of color who live in our country. We see this as unrest. But we should see it as utter distress. Too many people have had enough. They are taking to the streets because this is the only way for them to be heard. People of color and all those whose lives have been marginalized by those in power experience life differently from those whose lives have not been devalued. They experience overt racism and bigotry far too often. They shoulder a mental health burden that is deeper than what others face. When you must live in fear for your life just for being accused of passing a bogus $20 bill, you cannot be mentally healthy at the same time."

• Mental Health America National Website