Episode 3

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Published on:

11th Jun 2020

Progressive White Males Need to Speak Out About Racial Injustice

In this episode, Scott shares some of his thoughts about what a white progressive male needs to do in response to the horrific murder of George Floyd. And how are we going to address the issue of racial injustice as a nation? He talks about the three reasons why progressive white males, like him, don't speak out about racial injustice. 

What You'll Learn

  • Scott's reflection on racial injustice according to his personal experience way back when he was a child.
  • Scott's thoughts on the murder of George Floyd. 
  • The three reasons why progressive white males don't speak out about racial justice. 
  • And much more!

Favorite Quote

“If I start publicly speaking out about trying to understand what my role is as a white progressive male, who has more privileges than any other class of people in this country, then I might have to do something about it.” - Scott Bryant-Comstock

For More Information: 

First, Listen. Then, Learn: Anti-Racism Resources for White People

For white people who are interested in getting more intentional about deepening anti-racism work, the below are a list of resources to help aid in that effort. This list is by no means exhaustive. Start by picking one book, one article, or one podcast. Pick a friend to talk to about it and hold you accountable.

How to Explain Racism to Kids

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms takes questions along with CNN’s Van Jones and Erica Hill about how to combat racism, and shares a message with kids about how to make a change.

Black Mental Health Resources

This document is intended to help members of the Black community find resources for mental health support, including those experiencing violence-based trauma.

Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Racial and Ethnic Minority Youth – A Guide for Practitioners

While some racial and ethnic minority youth experience lower rates of lifetime mental health disorders, their disorders tend to have a more chronic course. Reasons for differences in mental health etiology and outcomes among youth are briefly addressed in this guide.

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About the Podcast

The Optimistic Advocate
Making a difference in advocating for better mental health services for children and families
Hello, and welcome to the Optimistic Advocate! The Podcast that brings you just a bit closer to recognizing your full potential as an advocate for change – yours, mine, and everyone's! I’m your host, Scott, Bryant-Comstock, and I’m CEO and founder of the Children’s Mental Health Network. For the past 40 years, my journey as a mental health advocate has traveled from volunteering at a suicide and crisis center, professional roles as a therapist in an outpatient clinic, in-home family therapist, state mental health official, Board Chair for a county mental health program, and national reviewer of children’s mental health systems reform efforts. As the founder of the Children’s Mental Health Network (2009), I lead the Network’s efforts to grow a national online forum for the exchange of ideas on how to continually improve children’s mental health research, policy, and practice.

This podcast features conversations with inspiring advocates who help individuals and families make positive changes in their lives and communities across the globe. The episodes typically run from 45 – 60 minutes in length, so give yourself some room to breathe and get inspired when you listen to these. Who knows this could be the gamechanger that will unleash the advocate in you. You won’t regret it!

I can’t wait for you to join me here on the Optimistic Advocate. Remember to tell all your podcasting friends that the show is available for free in any application that supports podcasts.

Go to theoptimisticadvocate.com/listen and choose the podcast player of your choice. Remember, as you dive into the episodes, never forget to stay optimistic, listen attentively, have a plan, and follow through.

See you on the Podcast!

About your host

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Scott Bryant-Comstock

For the past 40 years, my journey as a mental health advocate has spanned working at a suicide and crisis center, as a therapist in an outpatient clinic, an in-home family therapist, a state mental health official, Board Chair for a county mental health program, and a national reviewer of children's mental health systems reform efforts. As the founder of the Children's Mental Health Network (2009), I lead the Network's efforts to grow a national online forum for the exchange of ideas on how to continually improve children's mental health research, policy, and practice. Through it all, I remain optimistic that the voice of advocates can, and will, be heard. We need strong advocates now, more than ever!

If you're like most of my listeners, you're committed to making significant contributions to your work and seeing sustainable change. But it's not easy–you know it, and I know it. Let's face it - it's downright hard! My passion is helping to shape policy and practice in children's mental health, and my mission is to introduce you to innovative efforts taking place across the nation that are making a difference in the lives of children and families.