A Sister's Love: Navigating Healing After the Loss of a Sibling by Suicide ft WyKisha McKinney

11/20/24 • 55 min

Jordan is joined by WyKisha McKinney, a suicide loss survivor, to discuss her journey of recovery after losing her younger brother to suicide. WyKisha shares her experience with suicidal ideation after her brother’s passing and how she found a way to heal and move forward from that difficult time. As a speaker, mental health advocate, and social entrepreneur, she highlights how supporting others was a key factor in her own recovery process.
(Don't worry, T-Kea will be returning soon!)
Spotlight
LaQuantae Jackson, a student at Kentucky State University and expectant father, died by suicide on September 28, 2021 at the age of 22.
Resource
The Alliance of Hope for Suicide Loss Survivors works to decrease stigma, increase understanding of the suicide loss experience, and provide direct support to survivors. They provide online healing support and other services for people who are coping with devasting loss to suicide.
Additional Resources for Suicide Loss Survivors
AFSP - I've Lost Someone
NAMI - Family Support Groups
DSBA - For Friends And Family
American Association of Suicidology
Community Changemaker
Solomon Thomas is a defensive end for the New York Jets and co-founder of The Defensive Line, a non-profit that seeks to end the public health crisis of youth suicide, especially for young people of color, by transforming the way we communicate and connect about mental health. Solomon lost his sister, Ella Elizabeth Thomas, to suicide.
Upcoming Events!
Black & Suicidal Peer Support Group
Date: Thursday, November 21, 2024
Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Location: Zoom
Sign up here!

Moment of Inspiration:
If you are a suicide loss survivor, like Wykisha or Solomon, you don’t have to feel alone. There are several resources and organizations that can assist you with navigating your grief and pain. Please check out the resources section in the show notes or description box for assistance.
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Previous Episode

4 Million Strong: Empowering Our Communities through Mental Health First Aid

T-Kea and Jordan are joined by Tramaine EL-Amin, Vice President for Mental Health First Aid USA at the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, to highlight the significance of recognizing and responding to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges. Just as CPR offers lifesaving assistance to those in physical distress, Mental Health First Aid trains participants to provide support to individuals experiencing behavioral health difficulties.
Spotlight
Derek Cummings, a former US Marine from Ohio, died by suicide on August 8, 2003 at the age of 30.
Resource
The National Council for Mental Wellbeing is an organization that drives policy and social change on behalf of more than 3,400 mental health and substance use treatment organizations and the more than 10 million children, adults and families they serve. The National Council offers many services, including Mental Health First Aid training, which teaches participants how to assist and support others who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge.
Community Changemaker
Chikeia Boykin has a passion for helping and serving others. She is a clinical social worker who also teaches Mental Health First Aid to reduce stigma around mental health. Serving as the Recording Secretary of Black People Die By Suicide Too, Chikeia uses meticulous documentation and advocacy to amplify the organization's impact.
Upcoming Events!
Black & Suicidal Peer Support Group
Date: Thursday, November 21, 2024
Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Location: Zoom
Sign up here!

Moment of Inspiration:
If you want to help make a positive impact toward mental health, consider enrolling in trainings like Mental Health First Aid. It goes a long way in breaking down stigma and dismantling myths.
Donate
Your support helps us to fulfill our mission of preventing suicide in the Black community. Support the cause!
Shop
Get your merch and support the show!
Connect with Us!
Follow BPDBST on IG
Follow BPDBST on TikTok
Subscribe to BPDBST on Youtube
Follow BPDBST on Facebook
Follow BPDBST on LinkedIn
Follow T-Kea on IG and TikTok
Follow Jordan on IG
Disclaimer: Information on our platforms about individuals lost to suicide is sourced from loved ones, social media, and news. While we strive for accuracy and sensitivity, the data may be incomplete. If you wish to add or correct information, please email [email protected]. We respect families' wishes and address concerns promptly. Thank you for understanding. Sending love and light!

Next Episode

Walking In Purpose: How One Pair of Sneakers Ignited a Movement of Change ft Rafiah Maxie-Cole

Jordan is joined by Rafiah Maxie-Cole, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and mother, to share her personal journey of healing following the loss of her son, Jamal. During a moment of reflection in Jamal’s room, Rafiah noticed a pair of her son's sneakers and became inspired to support other families in crisis. Rafiah founded the Soul Survivors of Chicago, a non-profit organization committed to suicide prevention within the African-American community.
(T-Kea will be returning soon!)
Spotlight
Gary Taylor, a husband and father from Kentucky, died by suicide on January 5, 2023 at the age of 42.
Resource
Sole Survivors of Chicago is a non-profit organization dedicated to suicide prevention and the promotion of mental health and wellness in the African-American community. Sole Survivors offers community outreach on mental health and suicide prevention, virtual support groups for individuals impacted by suicide, shoe donations through the “Walk In Purpose” project, and much more.
"We are ONE" Support Group (1st and 3rd Wednesday monthly from 6-7 PM CST; scroll to the bottom of the webpage to connect via Zoom)
Soul Survivors of Chicago on Eventbrite
Makes Me Wanna Holler: Healing from Loss, Learning From Tragedy & Finding Recovery
While the Children Fade

Community Changemaker
Arron Muller is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, therapist, speaker, mental health influencer and founder and owner of Modify Wellness, Inc. Arron founded Modify Wellness to help normalize mental health and wellness within the Black community - providing affordable resources, education, and support services.
Upcoming Events!
Black & Suicidal Peer Support Group
Date: Thursday, December 19, 2024
Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Location: Zoom
Sign up here!

Moment of Inspiration:
We encourage all our listeners and viewers to check in with a male family member or friend. Please share this episode with them and let them know that they are loved and supported.
Donate
Your support helps us to fulfill our mission of preventing suicide in the Black community. Support the cause!
Shop
Get your merch and support the show!
Connect with Us!
Follow BPDBST on IG
Follow BPDBST on TikTok
Subscribe to BPDBST on Youtube
Follow BPDBST on Facebook
Follow BPDBST on LinkedIn
Follow T-Kea on IG and TikTok
Follow Jordan on IG