02/05/2026
Bebe Moore Campbell was a writer, educator, and mental health advocate who dedicated her life to amplifying the mental health needs of Black communities and other groups historically excluded from care. Recognizing the lack of safe, trusted spaces for conversations about mental health, she helped establish NAMI-Inglewood in a predominantly Black neighborhood—creating room for dialogue, education, and support where it was urgently needed.
Her advocacy extended beyond local communities to the national level, where her work helped bring attention to the systemic barriers many underrepresented groups face when seeking mental health care. In recognition of her lasting impact, Congress designated July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, honoring her role in advancing awareness, equity, and access in mental health.
As part of Black History Month, we’re highlighting Black Americans whose work has helped shape conversations around mental health, equity, and access to care, foundations that influence how mental health care shows up in our communities today.
