When we created the Keep Ya Head Up campaign, we had no idea just how much those words would come to mean in light of all that is going on in our world today, from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic to the continued fight against police brutality and systemic racism that has led to protests that have spread around the world. As black women, one being a physician and the other a medical student, we have the unique experience of seeing firsthand some of the impacts that these events have had on both the black community and the medical community, as well as on friends and family across the globe.

With that in mind, it seems as if the goals of the Keep Ya Head Up campaign are even more important now than they were when we first began. The campaign was created with three main goals in mind: encouraging individuals to keep their heads up, helping to support those around us as we navigate these tough times, and reminding ourselves of the importance of staying aware of what is going on around us. Fulfilling each of these goals may look different for each one of us, and we would love to hear what you are doing to keep your head up in these difficult times. If you or someone you know is struggling to keep your head up right now, know that we are here, and we also have a link to mental health resources

Stay well and don’t forget to Keep Ya Head Up!