Help Launch Burn the Cape: Mental Health Support

Introduction:

We are raising funds to launch a 10-week support group for Black women, facilitated by licensed mental health professionals entitled the "Burn The Cape" support group. This group is designed to address the unique challenges Black women face, including stress from racism, activism fatigue, stereotypes, and systemic barriers. Our goal is to create a safe, supportive space for healing, growth, and empowerment.

Why This Support Group Was Organized:

As a Black mental health expert, I have been inundated with messages and questions about how to manage the overwhelming stress surrounding the upcoming election. These questions didn’t come only from Black women—they came from a wide range of people who know my work and expertise and were seeking guidance on how to support themselves and others through these challenging times.

Recognizing the profound need for mental health support, particularly for Black women who often bear the brunt of these societal pressures, I decided to create a free support group specifically for Black women. About a month ago, I recruited group members, and the response was overwhelming. The members have already been selected, and so have the therapists who will facilitate the sessions. This support group is more than just a space—it's a lifeline for those seeking community, resilience, and strategies to navigate these turbulent times.

Why is this called the "Burn the Cape" Support Group?

The "Burn the Cape" Support Group is named to challenge the harmful expectation that Black women must always be strong, self-sacrificing, and carry the weight of the world without showing vulnerability or seeking support. The "cape" represents the "Superwoman" stereotype often imposed on Black women—a cultural expectation that they should be able to handle everything, be perfect in every role, and never show weakness.

What Does "Burn the Cape" Mean?

"Burn the Cape" symbolizes rejecting these unrealistic and unhealthy expectations. It’s about letting go of the “Superwoman” role that demands perfection, constant strength, and self-sacrifice at the expense of one's well-being. By "burning the cape," we encourage Black women to embrace their full humanity—to prioritize self-care, acknowledge their needs, and seek support when needed.

Why Focus on This Concept?

Many Black women feel immense pressure to live up to the "Strong Black Woman" archetype, often at the cost of their mental and physical health. This support group aims to dismantle this notion by providing a safe space where vulnerability is not only allowed but encouraged. Here, we celebrate strength in softness, courage in self-compassion, and power in community.

Weekly Topics for the 10-Week Program:

Each week, the support group will focus on a different topic relevant to the experiences of Black women. Below is a detailed outline of the topics we will cover:

Week 1: Welcome and Orientation

We will introduce the purpose and structure of the support group, establish group norms, and set expectations for the sessions. This session will focus on creating a safe and supportive environment where participants feel comfortable sharing and connecting. We’ll also clarify the difference between support groups and therapy, emphasizing that while licensed mental health professionals will facilitate the sessions, they are not providing therapy.

Week 2: Resistance Fatigue

This session will explore the concept of resistance fatigue— the emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion that comes from continuously resisting racism and injustice. Participants will learn to identify the signs of resistance fatigue and discuss coping strategies to prevent burnout, prioritize rest, and set healthy boundaries.

Week 3: Challenging Stereotypes

In this session, we will delve into the damaging effects of stereotypes such as the "Strong Black Woman" or the "Angry Black Woman." Participants will learn how to challenge and deconstruct these stereotypes, reclaim their narratives, and replace negative self-perceptions with empowering truths about themselves.

Week 4: Weathering Effects

This session will focus on "weathering," the cumulative impact of chronic stress and discrimination on physical and mental health. We will discuss how weathering affects Black women uniquely and explore strategies for mitigating its effects, such as mindfulness, self-care, and community support.

Week 5: Black Identity Development

Participants will explore the stages of Black identity development and how societal pressures and experiences shape one’s self-concept. The session will encourage embracing a positive Black identity, recognizing internalized oppression, and celebrating cultural pride.

Week 6: Advocating for Yourself with Doctors

This session will provide practical strategies for self-advocacy in healthcare settings. Participants will learn how to communicate effectively with doctors, navigate bias in medical environments, and ensure their voices and needs are respected.

Week 7: Self-Compassion

In this session, participants will learn the importance of self-compassion and how to practice it as a tool for resilience. We will discuss how being kinder to oneself can counteract the effects of self-criticism and help maintain mental health.

Week 8: Self-Care

This session will redefine self-care beyond surface-level practices and help participants develop personalized self-care plans that are sustainable and aligned with their values. We’ll explore what self-care looks like on a deeper level and how it can serve as a radical act of self-preservation.

Week 9: Understanding and Managing Burnout

Participants will learn to recognize the signs of burnout, particularly in activism and advocacy roles, and explore strategies to manage and prevent burnout. The session will emphasize the importance of balance and sustainable engagement in social justice work. This session will introduce the 6R Model (Realization, Re-evaluation, Redirect, Reclaim, Radical Change, Resurgence) as a framework for overcoming burnout and fostering a sustainable approach to wellness.

Week 10: Reflection and Celebration

In the final session, participants will reflect on their journey over the past 10 weeks, share personal experiences, celebrate growth, and discuss how to maintain the progress they’ve made. This session will focus on community building and continued support beyond the group.

What Makes This Group Unique:

To ensure this support group is both meaningful and effective, I have created a comprehensive curriculum for the 10-week program that covers these topics in depth. Alongside this curriculum, I’ve also developed an eBook that each participant will receive, filled with exercises, reflective prompts, and valuable resources that complement each session.

The eBook Sections Include:

Week-by-Week Session Overviews: Detailed explanations of each week's theme, such as resistance fatigue, self-care, and advocating for oneself in healthcare settings.

Guided Exercises and Journaling Prompts: Practical tools to help participants process their experiences and emotions.

Resource Lists: Curated lists of books, articles, videos, and other resources to support continued learning and growth beyond the sessions.

What Your Donation Will Support:

Fair Compensation for Licensed Therapists – A donation of will contribute to the compensation for ensuring that therapists are fairly compensated for their time, expertise, and dedication to this crucial work.

Custom-Designed Participant Books – We aim to provide each participant with a custom-designed Book filled with resources, guided exercises, and reflections tailored to the group’s curriculum. Donations will go to he cost to print and ship these books to all participants. If we do not meet the donation goal the participants will always have a virtual and fillable copy of the book. Your donation will help us provide these valuable materials that will continue to support participants long after the group ends.

The Impact of Your Contribution:

Your support will directly impact the mental well-being of Black women by providing a structured, supportive space where they can feel seen, heard, and valued. This group is not just about discussing challenges but about empowering Black women to thrive, reclaim their narratives, and build resilience.

Each week, Dr. Raquel Martin will share an overview of the session and key takeaways on social media platforms, which have a combined following of 1.2 million people. Sponsors and donors will be acknowledged and thanked publicly, amplifying the impact of your contribution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

I wish I could have joined this. Is there still time?

Unfortunately, registration for this cohort is now closed, as members have already been selected. However, we are planning a new cohort for 2025. Your donation can help us raise more funds to bring in additional therapists, which could allow us to offer more support groups and accommodate more participants in the future. Please stay connected with us for updates on future sessions and how you can get involved!

I would love to learn more about what you guys do every week. Are you going to share progress?

Absolutely! To keep everyone informed and involved, I will go live each week with a different therapist who facilitates a group to share what we discussed during the session. This will be a great opportunity to get insights into our work, learn valuable strategies for mental health, and understand the impact of the support group. Follow my social media channels for these updates!

How can I get involved if I can't donate right now?

You can still support us by sharing this campaign with your network, friends, and family. The more people who know about our cause, the greater the impact we can make together. Also, consider volunteering or reaching out to organizations that may be interested in supporting this initiative.

What if I want to sponsor a therapist or cover specific costs?

We are open to all kinds of support! If you or an organization you know would like to sponsor a therapist or cover the costs of materials, please contact us directly. We can provide detailed information about what your contribution will cover and how it will make a difference.

Are donations tax-deductible?

We are working on obtaining nonprofit status to make donations tax-deductible. For now, we recommend consulting with a tax professional to understand how your contribution can be applied.

How will you ensure the group is accessible to everyone who needs it?

Our goal is to make this support group as accessible as possible. By providing it free of charge and using virtual platforms, we aim to reach Black women who may not have access to in-person support groups due to geographical or financial limitations. Donations will help cover the costs of therapists and materials, allowing us to offer this vital service at no cost to participants.

Will there be other programs like this in the future?

Yes! We are committed to creating ongoing support programs for Black women. If we meet or exceed our fundraising goals, we will have the capacity to organize more groups, workshops, and community events. Stay tuned for updates!

How will my donation make a direct impact?

Every dollar donated goes directly to funding the program—paying our licensed therapists, providing essential materials and resources, and ensuring that every participant receives the support they need. You are contributing to the mental health and empowerment of Black women, making a difference in their lives and the broader community.

How You Can Help:

Donate: No amount is too small. Every dollar helps us get closer to our goal of creating a supportive and empowering experience for Black women.

Share: If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing our GoFundMe campaign with your network. Your voice can help us reach others who care about this cause.

Get Involved: If you know of any organizations, companies, or individuals who may be interested in supporting this initiative, please let us know!

About Us:

This support group is organized by Dr. Raquel Martin, a licensed clinical psychologist and liberation psychologist, professor, and content creator focusing on Black mental health, burnout, and social justice.

Dr. Martin creates content on TikTok (793k), Instagram (404K), and YouTube (10k) focused Black mental health and wellness techniques to manage your well being in tangible ways. Dr. Martin also hosts a mental health community with over 900 members offering workshops, book clubs, and weekly live sessions and a weekly podcast . Her work has been featured in Forbes, Essence, Buzzfeed, and USA Today. Additionally, Dr. Martin has also presented at esteemed events such as SXSW, TEDx , the National Urban League, and the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation. who is deeply committed to promoting mental health and well-being among Black women.

Thank You for Your Support:

Your generosity can help us launch this much-needed program and create a ripple effect of healing and empowerment in our community. Together, we can make a difference and help Black women reclaim their power and voice.

Join us in this journey. Donate today to empower Black women and support their mental health!