Black Light Unveiled: Choose Life
Premieres January 2025 on Telus Optik TV and Other Streaming Platforms
“Black Light Unveiled: Choose Life,” is an upcoming documentary. As the lead producer, my goal is to raise awareness about mental health issues and suicide prevention, not only in Canada but also in my home country, Kenya, and across the globe. I aim to educate and raise awareness about the importance of seeking help when experiencing mental and emotional distress. Pain and tragedy are part of the human experience, and everyone copes with it differently. Due to the stigma associated with mental health, some individuals may shy away from reaching out for help, leading to silent suffering and harmful coping mechanisms like substance abuse, gambling, and other addictions. Tragically, these struggles can sometimes result in suicide, either accidentally or intentionally.
Mental Health & The Black Community
Statistics show that only 38% of the Black Community use mental health services compared to 50% of the white population. This disparity highlights the need to address the stigma and isolation that prevent many from seeking help. By normalizing the conversation around mental health and providing supportive resources, we can prevent the loss of dreams and lives to suicide and addiction.
Shedding Light on Mental Health Through Real Stories of Hope and Resilience
In this documentary, I share my personal experiences and journey, with the hope that it will enlighten, empower, and inspire my community in Kamloops and beyond. The documentary delves into the discrimination I faced and learned to navigate, and how I now work to create allyship to deepen cultural understanding and relationships among communities. It also addresses struggles with loneliness, lack of community, mental health challenges, and navigating an oppressive work culture. My story intertwines with a community of experts, friends, and family who speak on mental health and suicide prevention, providing invaluable insights and perspectives through intimate interviews.
The primary goal of “Black Light Unveiled: Choose Life” is to shed light on the various facets of mental health, reduce stigma, and encourage open conversations surrounding this crucial topic. By sharing stories and experiences, we can contribute to a more compassionate and understanding society, making a lasting difference in mental health awareness and suicide prevention for Kenyans abroad, in Kenya, and around the world.