Bebe Moore Campbell (1950-2006) was a New York Times bestselling author and a trailblazer in mental health advocacy, particularly for the Black and African American communities. Motivated by personal experiences with a family member, she worked tirelessly to raise awareness about minority mental health. She was a multifaceted author, advocate, mother, and teacher who turned injustice into action. Campbell fought for equitable mental health care, ensuring support for those in need, including her loved ones. Her work emphasized that people deserve to thrive, even when facing mental illness.

Thanks to former Congressional representative Albert Wynn and Campbell's network of supporters, Congress designated July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in June 2008. The aims of this month include:

• Improving access to mental health treatment and services
• Addressing the need for better care, treatment, and services for individuals with severe and persistent mental health disorders
• Increasing public awareness of mental illness, particularly within minority communities

Campbell authored "Sometimes My Mommy Gets Angry," a children's book, and "72 Hour Hold," a novel, both of which address bipolar disorder. She likened mental illness to slavery, emphasizing the need for open discussion and improved treatment. She believed in a future where mental illness would be destigmatized and recovery acknowledged as possible.

As a best-selling author, Campbell used storytelling to highlight often-overlooked narratives, focusing on racism and mental health. Storytelling remains a crucial tool in addressing these disparities and improving the lives of marginalized individuals. She also voiced her advocacy as an NPR commentator and, recognizing the unique challenges minorities face regarding stigma and access to care, co-founded the National Alliance on Mental Illness Inglewood, now NAMI Urban Los Angeles, providing multicultural resources to diverse communities in Los Angeles County.

This month serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing disparities in mental health care for racial and ethnic minorities. It raises awareness about the unique challenges underrepresented communities face in the U.S. mental health system. Campbell's legacy inspires a movement toward inclusive mental health care, steering people away from the criminal justice system and toward a compassionate health justice ecosystem.

Campbell's relentless fight for equitable mental health care continued until she died in 2006 at age 56. Her dedication significantly shaped the national conversation on mental health in marginalized communities. We all honor her advocacy and fighting spirit, which has guided many toward healing and mental well-being.