Suicide Prevention Month: St. Pete Mom Fights Back Against Rising Youth Rates

September is Suicide Prevention Month, and the alarming rise in suicide rates among Black youth has deeply impacted our community. Ricquesha Fuller, a St. Petersburg native, knows this crisis firsthand. Just over two years ago, she lost her son, Keshawn, to suicide. In his honor, she founded Keshawn’s Korner, a local nonprofit dedicated to providing culturally relevant support and tackling the deep-seated stigmas around mental health.

Ricquesha and her organization are working to empower parents with the tools they need to be a reliable, safe space for their kids when they are in crisis. They are hosting a free event for parents, Kommunity Konnect, on September 27 from 6 to 9 PM at the Urban Drinkery Wine Bar. Parents will leave with the skills and language needed to have effective mental health conversations with their kids. Attendees are encouraged to preregister here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeKKY8oMN5aJ2kAPJDQ8Q6lglm1h_azN5S2mQzBijwQZND09Q/viewform.

“Suicide and mental health are not easy topics to discuss,” says Fuller. “We need an army of parents willing to fight for their kids’ lives by learning how to spot the warning signs of depression and effectively provide support that builds trust and connection.”

Youth Mental Health Crisis: Fast Facts

-The national suicide rate among Black youth aged 10-17 rose 144% between 2007 and 2020.

-Suicide attempts needing medical attention increased from 3.4 to 11.8 per 100 Black adolescents between 2017 and 2019.

-25-30% of Pinellas youth are affected by anxiety and depression.

-Black youth are less likely than their peers to receive mental health care.

The timing is critical, and Ricquesha’s powerful story is a vital piece of this important conversation. Please let me know if you are interested in scheduling an interview with her to bring more attention to this urgent issue.
High-resolution photos from Keshawn’s Korner’s recent Youth Mental Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention fair can also be found here.