Bay Area

The Coronavirus Pandemic: Suggestions for Maintaining Health and Wellness

Published

5 years ago

April 22, 2020

The Bay Area Chapter of the Association of Black Psychologists

In just a short period of about 4 months, the coronavirus became a worldwide pandemic affecting almost every country on the globe. The speed with which the disease has spread and the lack of an appropriate vaccine for the virus is frightening. This virus has disrupted normal activities throughout the world.

All attention has been focused on steps to prevent/limit the spread of the virus. The community should follow the guidelines provided by public health officials to protect themselves from becoming infected, such as physical distancing, washing hands, not touching eyes/nose/mouth, etc. A challenging aspect of this virus is that people may have it, be contagious and not know it because they have no symptoms. Given that, these precautions require us to care about not spreading it to others in the community who may be particularly vulnerable. These precautions can limit the possibility of people becoming infected with the virus and halt the spread of the virus.

The coronavirus has created uncertainty and anxiety around the world. As the virus continues to spread, one effect that is apparently going unnoticed is the mental health effects that it brings. The situation is in flux and changes with almost every passing hour. Given the potential spread of the virus over the coming weeks, we can anticipate additional impacts that may produce even greater stress. Governor Newsom followed six Bay Area counties and issued a shelter in place order. Uncertainty surrounds the date this order will be lifted as the virus continues to spread in California and other parts of the country.

As healers, the health and wellbeing of society are our first priorities, and we have to do everything we can to support the community during these difficult times. While we love our family, it can become challenging to spend lots of unexpected time together during this period of rapid change and uncertainty. In our African traditional beliefs, “love” is called “Zola,” in KiKongo. “Zola” activates our self-healing capacity. During this worldwide health crisis, and all the time, we should “Zola up” on our families, each other and everyone we cherish. As community healers, we readily embrace our duty to protect our community, and to that end, we want to offer the following steps to help alleviate the anxiety, sense of helplessness, and stress that the pandemic is creating.

With the closure of schools, parents have the added responsibility of caring for their children for the whole day. As parents, we have to create additional at-home activities for our children to keep them engaged and learning. This will be an opportunity to create activities that could excite your children’s desire to learn things that interest and inspire them. You can encourage your children by helping them with their schoolwork, reading to them, story-telling, playing games, making chores fun with rewards, etc. These activities can help to enhance the parent/child relationship and reduce the fixation on the stressful nature of the uncertainty and anxiety.
With everyone in the house all day, we will see behaviors that we were sheltered from while we were at work or in school. It is important to tolerate these different behaviors as long as they are not harmful to others.
Respect that everyone in the home has a voice, listen gracefully and accept that we do not all think alike. We should not correct another person’s way of thinking if it is not harmful. It is not a good idea to criticize someone at home when you have to spend weeks together.
We must be kind and considerate to others.
We must not bully anyone into doing what we want them to do, unless it is to save a life.
Parents and caretakers have to create respite time for themselves and their children. Exercising, stretching, meditating, dancing, drawing, painting, listening to music, and other arts-and-craft activities can all aid in this situation.
Pray this will be over soon and life will return to a more optimal situation.
Please do not get caught up in the hysteria and engage in panic buying. Panic buying and hoarding only serve to make the situation worse. We do have to buy extra food to feed the children who are now at home during the day; but we have to avoid the urge to hoard extra supplies. If you don’t already do so, consider adding foods that strengthen your immune systems like carrots, cabbage, collard greens, eggs, chicken, fish as well as garlic, ginger, turmeric, fruits and blueberries.
Be sure to wash your clothes regularly. If you go out in the public, wash your outer garments as soon as possible.
Have a dedicated space to open and read mail. This should not be on the dining table or kitchen counter. Once the mail is read, keep bills and other information in a separate location, and discard envelopes and other junk mail in the recyclable bin. Wash your hands after handling the mail.
We have to practice good mental health by focusing on the positives that can emerge from the crisis, like enhanced familial relations and reduced concentration on stress involved with the virus. Be sure to tell each other that you love, enjoy, and care for each other.

The community should follow the guidelines provided by public health officials to protect themselves from becoming infected, i.e., physical distancing, washing hands, not touching eyes/nose/mouth, etc.

In addition, the Ancient African principles of MAAT (truth, justice, order, harmony, balance, reciprocity, and righteousness) can assist us in maintaining a healthy mental state. Below is a list of suggested ways to apply these principles as you spend time in close quarters with your loved ones.

Truth – This is the perfect environment for rumors to spread like wildfire. Be especially mindful of this reality and diligently seek to ascertain the truth to avoid allowing reckless panic to drive your decisions.

Justice – The reality is that during times like this, we as a people will collectively be negatively impacted. Do not fall prey to participating in or encouraging behaviors that are unfair or unjust. Even if you have the power and authority. Do not be a bully. Share your power and allow others to practice having a “voice”.

Righteousness – Engage in behaviors that demonstrate acts of kindness and consideration. Do unto others as you would like them to do unto you. Practice this, even when it is not desired. Heaping loving kindness on others keeps you in a positive state. Always do the right thing.

Reciprocity – Make sure everyone has a role in helping the family during this time. Engage in activities that are mutually beneficial to everyone. Do not blast music that only you like, do not hog shared spaces or items, etc. Model volunteering to do things for others and the whole family.

Balance – This principle relates directly to the strategies noted in harmony. Balance being in your “own space” with being “together in the space”. Balance also is important as it relates to EVERYTHING the family consumes during this time, e.g. information on the virus, social media, items purchased, etc.

Harmony – As time in the shelter-in-place passes, getting along with each other can become more challenging. Schedule intentional breaks from each other. Call it mediation time, reading time, or journaling time. Do it everyday and in spaces where you are all still physically present but in your “own space”.

Order – Predictably, the current chaos that some are experiencing can be worse. Remember to stay in control of the things that you can control. Be intentional about maintaining order in your household. Examples include, creating and maintaining a schedule for eating, sleeping, and playing. Treating this like a vacation can get old quickly as the shut-in time increases.

These practices would aid us to feel at peace and sleep well as we wait out this forced shut-in together. As the reality of the virus unfolds we, The Bay Area Chapter of Black Psychologists, have to continue to do the critical work of healing our community as well as all people by assisting in reducing stress and maintaining well-being during this current crisis.

The Bay Area Chapter of the Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi-Bay Area) is committed to providing the Post Newspaper readership with monthly discussions about critical issues in Black Mental Health. The ABPsi-Bay Area Chapter is a healing resource. We can be contacted at (bayareaabpsi@gmail.com) and readers are welcome to join us at our monthly chapter meetings, every third Saturday at the West Oakland Youth Center from 10a.m. to 12p.m when gatherings are allowed.

The Bay Area Chapter of the Association of Black Psychologists

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Activism

City of Oakland Celebrates Reopening of Main Library

“Libraries are such critical facilities for all Oaklanders, whether it’s children coming to story-time, adults reading the newspapers or borrowing the latest novels, and people engaging with a range of services and programs that the library hosts,” said Council President and District 2 Councilmember Nikki Fortunato Bas. “Such library services and programs are only possible when the facility’s electricity, heating, roof, and lighting are fixed and running efficiently. I’m proud to join this re-opening of our Main Public Library.”

Published

11 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Oakland Post

Left to Right- Jamie Turbak, Director of Library Services, LaTonda Simmons, Assistant City Administrator, Nikki Bas, President Oakland City Council, Shen Thao, Mayor of Oakland, Carroll Fife, Oakland City Councilmember District 3, Harold Duffey, Assistant City Administrator, Sean Maher, Projects Coordinator. Photo by Kevin Hicks.

The branch had been closed since May for critical infrastructure upgrades

Special to the Post

The City of Oakland leadership and community partners gathered to celebrate the reopening of the Main Library after completion of critical infrastructure upgrades to enhance the library’s facilities and provide a better experience for patrons.

Renovations include new roof installation, skylight repair, critical electrical system upgrades, new boiler control system installation, auditorium heating and cooling system installation, and improvements to lighting, flooring and ceilings throughout the building.

“This is truly something to celebrate, the reopening of our wonderful Main Library! I congratulate the staff and our partners for this important project to make the Main Library a more comfortable place for everyone for years to come, said Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao. “Thank you to Oakland voters and the California State Library for making these crucial improvements possible.”

“Public libraries are a wonderful resource for our residents, offering a safe space for learning and being,” said District 3 Councilmember Carroll Fife. “It is critical to improve and modernize our libraries so more members of our community can utilize and enjoy them. I’m excited that the necessary renovations to the Main Library have been completed successfully and thank everyone involved, particularly the City team, who helped secured the necessary grant funds for this work.”

“I am proud of the City staff and project partners who kept this important project on schedule and under budget,” said Assistant City Administrator G. Harold Duffey. “The library is an incredibly important resource for our community members, and this project is an investment into the library’s future.”

“December 2nd was a momentous occasion for Oakland Public Library as we proudly reopened the doors of the Main Library following extensive infrastructure repairs,” said Director of Library Services Jamie Turbak. “Closing the Main Library for six months was no easy decision, as it serves as the central hub for our library system and is truly the heart of Oakland. Yet, this renovation was essential, representing more than just physical upgrades—it reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a safe, welcoming space for everyone.”

The City Administrator Jestin Johnson also attended the press conference and signalled his support for the completion of the record-setting completion of the renovations. Gay Plair Cobb, a newly appointed Library Commissioner said the Library represents the soul and brains of our community.

The Oakland Public Library secured funding for these crititcal repairs through a variety of sources. The California State Library’s Building Forward Library Facilities Improvement Program awarded the Main Branch $4.2 million. To comply with the grant terms, the City of Oakland provided matching funds through Measures KK, as approved by the Oakland City Council in October 2023.

The Main Library will host an Open House to celebrate the reopening on February 22, 2025, 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

About the Oakland Public Library

The Oakland Public Library is a part of the City of Oakland in California and has been in existence since 1878. Locations include 16 neighborhood branches, a Main Library, a Second Start Adult Literacy Program, the Oakland Tool Lending Library, and the African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAMLO). The Oakland Public Library empowers all people to explore, connect, and grow. Oaklandlibrary.org

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Activism

A Student-Run Group Provides Critical Support Services to Underserved Residents

Those visiting The Suitcase Clinic can get legal advice, sign up for food assistance, receive housing resources, get medical help, or enjoy a hot, fresh meal. They can also get haircuts and foot washes from the student volunteers. Nilo Golchini, executive director of the clinic, said one of the goals for most of the students working there is helping bridge the gap of trust that exists between many unhoused people and the healthcare and social welfare systems.

Published

13 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Oakland Post

UC Berkeley Law Students help a clinic visitor with legal advice at their Tuesday night services. The Clinic offers a variety of resources, including medical, to those in the community who have little access to these services. Photo by Magaly Muñoz

Part One

By Magaly Muñoz

Every Tuesday evening, the dining hall of First Presbyterian Church fills up with dozens of people eating, laughing and moving from table to table, receiving much-needed services from UC Berkeley students – just a few blocks away from the university’s campus.

Individuals seeking support services can be found in this multi-stationed room on the south end of the church talking to law students, student case managers, or receiving medical attention in a corner by healthcare professionals.

This weekly event is hosted by Cal students through a volunteer-run program called The Suitcase Clinic.

The clinic, founded in 1989, was intended to offer free resources to underserved communities in Berkeley and surrounding cities. The majority of the clinic’s clientele are unhoused or low-income people looking for extra support.

Those visiting the clinic can get legal advice, sign up for food assistance, receive housing resources, get medical help, or enjoy a hot, fresh meal. They can also get haircuts and foot washes from the student volunteers.

Nilo Golchini, executive director of the clinic, said one of the goals for most of the students working there is helping bridge the gap of trust that exists between many unhoused people and the healthcare and social welfare systems.

During their tenure in the program, many of the students say they become strong advocates for homelessness rights.

Visitors of the Suitcase Clinic can receive haircuts and foot washing by student volunteers every Tuesday evening. Photo by Magaly Muñoz.

“We’re also standing in solidarity with them. So, it’s not saying, ‘I’m going to help you, but I’m also going to stand with you,’” Golchini said.

Student volunteers get extensive training prior to working directly with clients. Those interested have to take a semester-long class to become versed in areas such as outreach, intersectionality, how to interact with unhoused people, how to sign people up for social services. and more.

Volunteers then get to pick from three different clinics: General, Women’s, or Youth and LGBTQ+.

The General Clinic is the most popular among visiting residents, while Women’s and Youth/LQBTQ+ have more specialized services for attendees.

The Women’s Clinic has many of the similar services to General, but also includes nail painting, childcare, and massages.

The Youth and LGBTQ+ Clinic offers a safe space for young people navigating living on the streets, with services that include housing referrals, wellness and recreation classes and employment resources.

Golchini explained that it’s important for them to keep these clinics separate because the different demographics experience poverty and homelessness differently than those who visit the General Clinic.

Suitcase Clinic student workers posing for a photo with a frequent clinic attendee. The Clinic is open to Berkeley unhoused and low-income residents who need medical or legal service, or a hot meal. Photo by Magaly Muñoz.

“We’re able to provide spaces where people can come in and feel safe and not feel like they’re constantly worried that something’s going to happen to them,” she said.

An outreach team also visits encampments every other Saturday in the Berkeley area to provide hygiene kits and encourage people to visit the in-person clinic, if possible.

However, Golchini said engagement has been low for some time now due to a recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that allows cities to ban and cite people for sleeping on the streets.

She said a lot of their clientele got displaced to other cities over time, making it difficult to stay in contact with the services the Clinic was providing for them.

But that hasn’t slowed down the students at the Clinic, if anything, it has pushed them to do more for the community they serve.

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Arts and Culture

Promise Marks Performs Songs of Etta James in One-Woman Show, “A Sunday Kind of Love” at the Black Repertory Theater in Berkeley

“The (show) is a fictional story about a character named Etta, aka Lady Peaches,” said Marks. “She falls in love with Johnny Rhythm, leader of the Rhythm Players Band and headliners of Madam G’s Glitta Lounge.” Marks channeled the essence of Etta James, singing favorites such as “Sugar on the Floor” and “At Last.”

Published

13 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Oakland Post

Photo Courtesy Of Promise Marks.

Special to the Post

It was “A Sunday Kind of Love” at the Black Repertory Group Theater in Berkeley on Saturday night, Dec. 7. The one-woman musical based on the music of Etta James featured the multi-talented singer Promise Marks

Marks, who wrote and directed the musical, also owns PM Productions.

Marks channeled the essence of Etta James, singing favorites such as “Sugar on the Floor” and “At Last.”

In between her soulful songs, Marks narrated impactful moments of the love story and journey of blues and forgiveness.

Marks sultry voice carried the audience back to an era that echoed with the power of Black music and a time of great change.

Marks said James shared love for the Black community by singing at gatherings during the Civil Rights Movement uplifting the people.

“She spoke to the movement, spoke to the people, and let her music speak for itself,” Marks said.

Backing the musical’s monologues, images and videos of Etta James are projected for the audience to view. While the production is fictional, Marks infused script with the unfairness and heartbreak James experienced while performing.

Marks performed gospel artist Donnie McClurkin’s “We Fall Down” as she narrated acts of reconciliation and forgiveness among the characters at Johnny Rhythm’s deathbed.

Marks, who regularly sings for the Miss America Pageant, was asked to perform as Etta James last year. “(At the event) a lady yelled out to me: ‘You’re Etta James!’ And then the audience went crazy. I said to myself, ‘I may have something here,’” she said.

Within 12 months, Marks created the musical production, which featured a dozen songs honoring “the great legacy of Etta James,” she said.

Marks says she was saddened to see how Etta James was often judged by the struggles in her life and wanted to offer attendees a more layered view.

“Etta’s life was so big. I want people to know that she was more than her drug addiction,” said Marks. “We can’t make that her legacy. Her catalog is too amazing. You can’t just be that and have the catalog that she (created). I don’t want the addiction to be the focus: I want her music, her element, her sassiness, and what she brought to be the focus – her woman-ness, that she was strong, and I wanted to honor that.”

Set Designer Nora Burnette says she created the set segments to mirror James’ life story. A set designer for BRG since 2016, she explained that her process of researching the scenario and the character serve as her inspiration for her design.

“I try to design a set as close to real life as possible so that the actress can deliver the performance sincerely,” said Burnette. “By creating the right setting, it helps the actors release the true essence of a character.”

The set brought the story to life and absolutely floored Marks. “Once Promise (Marks) saw the actual set, she understood my vision: ‘Wow, you get me. You get it,'” Marks told the designer.

Born Jamesetta Hawkins, Etta James, began her career in 1954 and gained fame with hits such “At Last” and “I’d Rather Go Blind.” She faced a number of personal problems, before making a musical comeback in the late 1980s with the album “Seven Year Itch.”

Co-producer and BRG Development Director, Sean Vaughn Scott, works with Overseer Production. According to producer Pamela Spikes, “Marks talent truly does Etta’s life story justice.”

Pam Jacobs of Hercules, a friend of Marks’ mom, Jackie Smith, said, Marks “was fabulous and sang all of those songs flawlessly.”

“I’m so proud of my daughter,” said Smith.

Marks, who has served as an instructor for BRG, will return on Feb. 21- 23 for an encore run of the musical.

“It’s an honor to be a part of the BRG (Black Repertory Group) family and continue our executive director Dr. Mona Vaughn Scott’s vision for the Black Repertory Group theater,” said Marks.

The Black Repertory Group Theatre is located at 3201 Adeline St., Berkeley, CA 94703. For information, visit: BlackRepertoryGroup.com