Good Evening, Everyone:

By now I’m sure that all of you are aware of the tragedy in Wilmington, CA.  A family of seven “self-destructed” very early yesterday morning.  Both parents lost their jobs along with any hope of keeping their family together throughout their apparent economic meltdown.  The parents chose to end their lives as well as their children’s.  According to the authorities, this family was the fifth in California within the last year to undergo such a horrific termination.  It’s so unfortunate when outside pressures force individuals to contemplate harming themselves and others closest to them when their economic security has collapsed. 

In fact, while I was visiting New Orleans, Louisiana around the Holidays, a young, 22 year old father decided to kill his two year old son to avoid paying child support.  This young man attempted to cover up his crime by telling everyone that his child had been kidnapped.  Fortunately, it did not take the New Orleans Police detectives long to figure out what really happened and the young man sorrowfully confessed his crime.  He realized too late that killing his loving, defenseless child was wrong.  His child deserved to live just as much as the five little ones ages 2 thru 8 deserved to live.  These little ones had no choice.  Their parents were only thinking of themselves – not their children.    

Both of these families were of African American descent.  It’s no secret within our community that to seek psychiatric counseling is considered “weak”.  Prior to Hurricane Katrina, the availability of free mental health services was somewhat limited and afterwards the availability of these services has dwindled more so in New Orleans.  Considering the shattered state of our economy, all families regardless of their ethnic or socio-economic status will undergo intense stress.  We as tax payers should urge our local, state and federal politicians to increase the availability of free and affordable mental health services.   Truthfully, our economy is not going to stabilize and repair, itself, anytime soon.  We should let people know, if they are being overwhelmed – it’s alright to seek professional help.  No one is judging you.  We understand. All of us are only human – not “superhuman”.  My prayers go out to all families.  Families are the foundation upon which civilization is built.  Without them, we have nothing!

May Peace Be With All of You,

Sistah Selah