Salem Academy and College Welcomes Alexia Mitchell, MSW, LCSW, to Campus for Black HERstory Event

On February 17, Executive Director of Campus Culture and Care and Assistant Professor of Health Law and Policy Jamila Young, JD, LLM, hosted a Black HERstory Month event for Salem Academy and College students featuring local therapist and business owner Alexia Mitchell, MSW, LCSW. The event focused on mental health, restoration, and self-care “in the spirit of honoring Black history and the enduring wisdom of rest as resistance,” Jamila said. 

Alexia began the event by telling the students in attendance, “Everyone in this room is impacted by mental health.” She went on to share the personal struggles she has overcome in her journey to “reset and heal,” which inspired the name of her company. Stress management, self-care, and the importance of rest for emotional well-being were just a few of the topics she addressed. Alexia reassured the students that “it’s OK to not be OK; your feelings are real and valid.” She also discussed overcoming patterns of mental-health neglect that many people learn within their families of origin and invited the students to ask her questions, which ranged from practical tips to navigating trauma and loss. 

Students who attended the event left with thoughtfully curated wellness gifts and, more importantly, the encouragement to prioritize their mental health and well-being. Events like this honor the legacy and resilience of Black women and empower Salem’s students to practice self-compassion and care for their mental health.