The Power of Joy in Black Mental Health
Too often, the narratives surrounding Black communities are centered on trauma—historical oppression, systemic injustice, and the harsh realities of anti-Black racism. While these stories are important, they do not define Black existence. For Tatum Wilson, the Executive Director of Children’s Mental Health Ontario (CMHO), joy is not just an emotion but a form of resistance. 

“In storytelling, in protest, in leadership—when we center joy, we remind ourselves and others that our experiences are not solely defined by pain. Joy can uplift, sustain, and propel us forward. It is a vital tool for mental well-being.” 

For Black children and youth, access to mental health support that recognizes joy as a healing force is essential. A system that only acknowledges struggle risks perpetuating the very trauma it seeks to address. Tatum’s leadership is committed to shifting this narrative, ensuring that joy, optimism, and empowerment are integral to mental health care. 

A Personal Journey of Advocacy
Tatum’s journey into mental health advocacy is deeply personal. While he has not personally encountered racism in his professional journey, the lived experiences of his family have shaped his approach to leadership. 

“My aunt and uncle were diagnosed with schizophrenia in their youth. Their experience of mental illness was inseparable from their identity as Black individuals—poverty, discrimination, and systemic failures all played a role in shaping their struggles. Their stories fuel my commitment to equity in mental health access and outcomes.” 

Understanding that mental health is not just about treatment but also about dismantling systemic barriers is what drives Tatum’s work at CMHO. His role is not just about leadership—it is about ensuring that Black children and youth do not have to navigate a system that was not designed with their lived experiences in mind. 

Resilience in the Face of Systemic Barriers
Advocating for change in a system that has long ignored the specific needs of Black youth is exhausting. Yet, Tatum finds resilience in celebrating progress—however incremental. 

“Change is slow, but every step forward matters. Focusing on the long game keeps me motivated. It’s about finding joy in the victories along the way.” 

This mindset is crucial in tackling the most pressing systemic barriers that Black families face in accessing mental health support. While Ontario’s mental health system struggles with issues such as long wait times and workforce shortages, Black communities face additional challenges: 

• Lack of culturally informed care: Mental health professionals must understand the unique experiences of Black families, from interactions with law enforcement to historical medical mistrust. 

• Representation in the workforce: Black youth often feel more comfortable with professionals who share their lived experience, yet the sector lacks Black representation at both frontline and leadership levels. 

• Longer wait times and higher distress levels: Black children and youth face many barriers to access mental health care including racism and discrimination. When looking at wait times for mental health care, Black-Caribbean populations waited on average 16 months for care, more than twice the wait time experienced by white patients. Furthermore, data from Kids Help Phone indicates that Black youth are among the most distressed callers in Canada, reporting significantly higher levels of anxiety and depression. 

• Limited access to culturally competent providers: Black Canadians are 300% more likely than non-Black Canadians to go without needed mental health services due to systemic barriers, including mistrust of providers and a lack of culturally competent professionals. 

At CMHO, efforts are underway to address these disparities through equity-driven initiatives, including working alongside its members on the development of a soon-to-be-released Provincial Health Equity Strategy in community child and youth mental health.  

Advice for Future Black Leaders in Mental Health
To Black youth aspiring to work in mental health, Tatum offers a clear message: “Be yourself but be aware.” 

“Bringing my full self to my work—whether as a Black, bi-racial, gay man, or a parent—has been my greatest strength. But I also recognize that not all environments are welcoming. Be intentional. Ask organizations how they value and celebrate diversity. If they can’t answer, that’s a red flag.” 

For Black professionals, Tatum believes choosing where and how to advocate for change is just as important as the work itself. 

Community-Driven Solutions: Where Progress is Happening
While CMHO’s member organizations are at different points in their equity journey, progress is happening, and commitments are clear. Some are prioritizing diverse leadership, while others focus on recruitment or culturally sensitive programming. 

“What matters is that we’re moving forward. Creativity, risk-taking, and leadership in our agencies will drive systemic change. In time, we’ll get there.” 

Beyond Awareness: The Call for Policy and Investment
With a recent election setting Ontario’s political landscape for the next four years, Tatum urges policymakers to build on the recent investments made in the system and apply a meaningful equity lens to future funding decisions.  

“By supporting Ontario’s child and youth mental health sector implement our forthcoming strategy, important advances can be made to address health inequities and service gaps across the province. If we want to improve mental health outcomes for Black children, youth, and families, agencies need proper resources. Some organizations have the expertise but lack funding. Investment must also be strategic—equity-focused organizations also need the resources to make a real impact.” 

Structural change requires financial backing. Without it, the cycle of underinvestment in Black mental health will continue. Black-led and Black-serving organizations are chronically underfunded, receiving only 0.03% of funds compared to their counterparts. 

Keeping Black Mental Health on the Agenda
Beyond Black Mental Health Week, sustained advocacy is key. Tatum’s final call to action is simple: keep the conversation going. 

“Talk about it. Advocate for change. Don’t assume the issues are too big to solve. Every action—no matter how small—moves us toward better outcomes for Black children, infants and youth in Ontario.” 

The work is not done, but through leadership, equitable funding, community-driven solutions, and an unwavering commitment to joy as resistance, change is not just possible—it is inevitable.