Samrawit Shewanargaw

Colorado State University - 2026

Mental health issues in the black community, how mental health problems affect black women, how homelessness affects mental heath in black community.

Issue(s) of Focus: Mental health issues in the black community, how mental health problems affect black women, how homelessness affects mental heath in black community.

Major(s): Psychology

Project:I’m considering collaborating with a mental health facility in South Africa to gain insights into how mental health issues impact various communities. My goal is to apply this knowledge to raise awareness about mental health within the African community in my local area. I’m hopeful that the organization I partner with will provide guidance on effective implementation strategies for this initiative.

Inspiration: I was inspired to choose this social issue because it is a rising issue in the African community, and I know too many of my people who either lost their lives because of this issue or is going down the wrong path and want to help bring that awareness and support.

Future Goals: My aim is to promote mental health awareness within the African community. Additionally, I seek to understand how to support individuals with mental health challenges while honoring their religious beliefs. This is particularly important for groups like the Zulu and Xhosa people, who often interpret mental health through a religious lens. I want to learn how to strike a balance between respecting their spiritual practices and providing effective mental health assistance.