Innholdsfortegnelse for VOL VIII i Bully Magazine

GOD’S Plan

I fell in love with health care when I was a young girl, perhaps 5 or 6 years old. My pediatrician inspired me to one day become a physician. I wanted to make people feel better during their time of illness and discomfort. Walking in the room with my stethoscope and medical bag, I would line all my stuffed animals and dolls up along my bedroom wall and treat them one by one with shots or medicine and reward them with a lollipop or sticker for their exceptional behavior. By the end of my senior year in high school, my plan was to go to medical school and become a doctor. More specifically, after losing my grandmother to cancer that year, I wanted to be a radiation oncologist. I developed…

4 min

Bully Magazine |VOL VIII

A Mother’s Journey Through Grief: Life After Losing Two Sons

I was raised in the bustling city of New York, with the Bronx as the borough where my journey began. Being the only girl in a household with two Southern parents who faced adversity when challenges entered our small apartment was tumultuous. I was a very shy girl with emotional struggles that made me secretive and distrustful of other children, fearing their teasing. My one wish was to have a sister, someone I could trust and share an unbreakable bond with. However, my mother, overwhelmed by the struggles we faced, saw an additional child as a burden, and my dream was shattered. I yearned for attention, and while I received it at times, the emptiness lingered, leaving me feeling lonely. My journey truly began at the tender age of 18…

11 min

Bully Magazine |VOL VIII

A Mother’s Fight

Can you share the story of your loved one and how fentanyl poisoning affected your family? My son, Troy Howlett, passed away at the age of 31 after battling addiction for 12 and a half years. Troy was the kind of child every mother dreams of—kind, generous, intelligent, athletic, and with a heart of gold. He had a normal childhood, filled with sports like football, basketball, baseball, and tennis, which he loved. His passion for sports was a big part of his life, and his favorites were definitely football and basketball. As Troy entered his senior year of high school, like many teens, he was excited about the future and had his heart set on attending the University of Florida. One Sunday evening, he went to practice tennis with his…

15 min

Bully Magazine |VOL VIII

CHOSEN Not To Give Up

Bully Magazine: Can you share an overview of the challenges or adversity you face? My name is Anthony Owens. I was born in Dawson, Georgia, but from the age of two, I was raised in Brooklyn, New York. Today, I call Virginia Beach, Virginia my home. Growing up, my siblings and I were raised by our single mother, who worked tirelessly to make ends meet. Financial hardship was constant in our lives, often leaving us without basic necessities, including food. Sadly, our story was far from unique; many families around us faced similar struggles. My personal challenges were intensified by unexpected adversities. Beyond the hunger, I endured bullying, poverty, fatherlessness, discrimination, and the trauma of witnessing death—experiences no child should have to endure. Bully Magazine: How did you initially cope…

5 min

Bully Magazine |VOL VIII

UNDERSTANDING CULTURAL COMPETENCE BRIDGING GAPS IN Mental health

Market.us Media reports that there are currently over 192,497 therapists employed in the United States. However, the representation of African American and Hispanic or Latino therapists remains disproportionately low, with only 4.1% and 6.3%, respectively. This disparity is particularly concerning given the lengthy waiting lists in many community mental health programs. Individuals seeking therapy often face months or even years of waiting time. Moreover, the lack of therapists who share their racial and cultural backgrounds can further exacerbate the challenge. Culturally competent care is essential for building trust and understanding between therapists and clients, and addressing this gap is crucial for improving mental health access and outcomes. In my private practice, I receive numerous calls from clients of color who specifically seek therapists of color. Many share that they’ve been…

5 min

Bully Magazine |VOL VIII

BROREAVEMENT Blog

Back in 1997, I was a college student, completely unaware of the life-altering twists and turns ahead. One day, I was walking home when I ran into an old friend, Michael. He called out to me, “Yo Dan, my cousins are back in town. I’ll holla when they come through so we can all chill.” Ahnwar and Madinah were childhood friends whose grandmother lived in the building across from mine, and Michael, their cousin, lived in my neighborhood. One summer evening, I was at home when my mother called me to the phone. It was Michael, asking me to come down the block because his cousins were there. As I approached the car where Michael was standing, I immediately gravitated toward the woman inside—it was Madinah. I hadn’t seen her…

4 min

Bully Magazine |VOL VIII

Embracing Empowerment and Self-Awareness

That autumn day began like any other. After the final bell rang, I boarded the bus for home, expecting nothing out of the ordinary. However, the day took an unexpected turn when a boy, who had previously shown romantic interest in me, asked me an inappropriate question in front of the other riders. Disgusted, I simply shook my head “no,” hoping to end the uncomfortable exchange. Unfortunately, he chose to spread a false story about our interaction, which quickly escalated into pervasive rumors throughout the school. These rumors distorted how others perceived me, leading friends to distance themselves and turning casual laughter into something harsh and cruel. Naturally quiet and shy, I found myself increasingly isolated, avoiding interactions to shield myself from further negativity. My introverted nature only worsened the…

4 min

Bully Magazine |VOL VIII

UNDERSTANDING Depression

Depression is a common and serious mental health disorder that affects how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities. It’s more than just feeling sad or going through a rough patch; depression is a persistent condition that can have significant impacts on one’s overall well-being. What is Depression? Depression, clinically known as major depressive disorder, is characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, and a range of emotional and physical problems. It affects the way you feel, think, and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical issues. People with depression often find it difficult to carry out daily activities, and it may make them feel as if life isn't worth living. Who is Impacted bvDepression? Depression can affect…

3 min

Bully Magazine |VOL VIII

2nd Annual Recognition Awards Ceremony

Your dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to overcoming life’s challenges have truly set you apart. Each of you have embodied the spirit of perseverance and hope. We are honored to recognize your achievements and celebrate the incredible impact you’ve made in your communities and beyond. Keep shining your light and inspiring others with your remarkable stories. This is just the beginning—your journey shall continue to inspire us all. Documentary Series Award • Letitia Council • Lacory Nixon • Travis Hails Outstanding Leadership Award • Crystal Cunningham • Jemmalyn Hewlett • Barbara King • Daniel Ratchford • Carolyn Rhodes • Shawnta Wright Overcomer Award • Marlon BaCote • Rich Rivera Best Supporter Award • Karen Conyers • Lynnette Cooper • Deborah Harris • Nyeema James Best Inspirational Article • Dominic Tierano…

1 min