<![CDATA[NAACP: AUSTIN - Blog]]>Sat, 14 Mar 2026 15:36:18 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[NAACP Image Awards 2026 Red Carpet Arrivals]]>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.naacpaustin.com/blog/naacp-image-awards-2026-red-carpet-arrivalsLast week, the NAACP presented awards in more than 90 categories (across film, television and streaming, music, literature and podcasts) to honor Black excellence. Learn more about the winners here.]]><![CDATA[Black History Month Spotlight: Dr. Whitney Trotter, PMHNP-BC, RDN/LDN, RYT]]>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 17:44:00 GMThttps://www.naacpaustin.com/blog/black-history-month-spotlight-dr-whitney-trotter-pmhnp-bc-rdnldn-rytFor our final Black History Month spotlight, we proudly feature Dr. Whitney Trotter, a leader advancing mental health equity at the intersection of psychiatry, nutrition, education, and racial justice.

Dr. Trotter is a Doctor of Nursing Practice, board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, and Registered Yoga Teacher. She serves as a professor at the The University of Texas at Austin, where she mentors future psychiatric nurse practitioners and helps shape the next generation of healthcare leaders.

Additionally, Dr. Trotter is the Co-Founder of the BIPOC Eating Disorders Conference, a national platform centering clinicians and advocates of color while challenging myths about who is affected by eating disorders and pushing the field toward greater equity and accountability.

Based in Austin, Texas, Dr. Trotter specializes in trauma-informed psychiatric care, anxiety and mood disorders, disordered eating, and culturally responsive care for black women and marginalized communities. Guided by a liberation framework, she views mental health equity as a civil rights issue and works to create spaces where Black individuals feel seen, affirmed, and supported in reclaiming their narratives.

To learn more about Dr. Trotter’s work, visit https://whitneytrotter.com/ or follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/whitneytrotter.rd/?hl=en.

Through clinical practice, education, and national advocacy, Dr. Trotter continues to redefine what inclusive, culturally grounded mental health care can look like.

We thank Dr. Trotter, along with the other providers featured this month, for all of the work they do for the community each and every day.
]]><![CDATA[Black History Month Spotlight: Capri Richardson, LPC-Associate]]>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 17:59:59 GMThttps://www.naacpaustin.com/blog/black-history-month-spotlight-capri-richardson-lpc-associateThis Black History Month, we are also celebrating Capri Richardson, an LPC-Associate supervised by Angela Bulls, LPC-S and Owner and Founder of First Contact Athletic Counseling PLLC (FCAC)

A former Division I and professional player and coach, Capri now serves athletes, coaches, and their families through sport-informed therapy and performance support. With three years of clinical experience, she offers individual counseling, team consultations, and organizational trainings both virtually and in-person nationwide.

FCAC takes a client-centered approach grounded in the belief that “you’re the expert in your life.” Clients gain self-awareness, process challenges, and build skills to thrive both in sport and beyond.

Her mission is simple but powerful: end the culture of “suffering in silence” in athletics and create space for growth with someone who truly understands the game.
Learn more: https://firstcontactathleticcounseling.godaddysites.com]]><![CDATA[Black History Month Spotlight: Kevin Overton-Hadnot]]>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 19:03:55 GMThttps://www.naacpaustin.com/blog/black-history-month-spotlight-kevin-overton-hadnotThis Black History Month, we celebrate Kevin Overton-Hadnot, owner and therapist at Counseling For Us, a practice he founded in 2023 to provide accessible, culturally responsive mental health care in Austin, Texas.

Kevin works with teens, adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, identity development, relationship challenges, and everyday stress. His evidence-based, person-centered approach is grounded in the belief that healing happens through authentic, supportive relationships.

Passionate about creating spaces where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered, Kevin is committed to helping individuals grow into their fullest selves.

To learn more or connect, email: kevin@counselingforus.org

Thank you, Kevin, for all you do!]]><![CDATA[Black History Month Spotlight: Abi Tesfaye]]>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 19:40:24 GMThttps://www.naacpaustin.com/blog/black-history-month-spotlight-abi-tesfayeThis Black History Month, we’re also honored to spotlight Abi Tesfaye, LPC Associate, founder of Abi Tesfaye Counseling in Austin.

With four years of experience across community mental health agencies, nonprofits, and group practices, Abi now leads her own practice specializing in work with first- and second-generation immigrants, trauma recovery, and healing from shame-based upbringings.

Growing up, Abi was often the “only one” - the only person of color or child of immigrants in the room. She remembers the relief of finally finding spaces where she didn’t have to explain or compartmentalize parts of herself. That experience now shapes her work.
Abi creates therapy spaces where clients can bring their whole selves - culture, identity, grief, and resilience - and be fully seen and understood.

Learn more more about Abi and her work at https://www.abitesfayecounseling.com/.

This month, we'll continue to celebrate the healers in our community who make belonging possible. Thank you, Abi, for all you do.]]><![CDATA[Black History Month Spotlight: Briana Stone]]>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 02:11:44 GMThttps://www.naacpaustin.com/blog/black-history-month-spotlight-briana-stoneThis Black History Month, we proudly highlight Briana Stone, LMSW, a compassionate and empowering therapist at Prevail on Wings of Hope Counseling who is committed to helping individuals rediscover their strength and move toward meaningful healing. With professional experience across psychiatric hospitals, schools, hospitals, private practice, and community-based settings, Briana has supported individuals facing a wide range of mental health challenges in diverse environments.

Briana specializes in working with college students and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. She recognizes that both major life events and everyday stressors can shape how individuals see themselves and interact with the world. Her approach honors each client’s lived experience while helping them develop practical tools and insight for lasting change.

Integrating solution-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), EMDR, and the power of storytelling, Briana helps clients reframe limiting mindsets, release what no longer serves them, and reclaim their personal power. In the safe, non-judgmental space she creates, clients are encouraged to express themselves authentically, embrace their “inner warrior,” and build the confidence needed to rewrite their unique life narratives.

Based in Bee Cave and serving the greater West Austin area, Briana believes healing and growth are journeys - not races - and she walks alongside her clients with empathy, encouragement, and respect every step of the way.

To schedule an appointment, visit www.prevail.clinic or call 737-708-7557.]]><![CDATA[Black History Month Spotlight: Dr. Rebecca Opamen]]>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 14:01:15 GMThttps://www.naacpaustin.com/blog/black-history-month-spotlight-dr-rebecca-opamenBlack History Month is a time to honor leaders whose work strengthens communities and expands access to care. Dr. Rebecca Opamen, LPC, LPC-S, NCC, Owner and Clinical Director of Prevail on Wings of Hope Counseling, is one such leader - advancing trauma-informed, culturally responsive mental health care in the West Austin community.

A Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) and National Certified Counselor, Dr. Opamen brings extensive experience in clinical practice, supervision, and program development. She leads a multidisciplinary mental-health practice providing individual, couples, and family therapy, clinical supervision, psychological testing, and consultation, while also mentoring clinicians in ethical, culturally grounded practice.

Dr. Opamen specializes in trauma and complex trauma, anxiety, depression, identity-related concerns, relational and intergenerational wounds, and major life transitions. She works with adolescents and adults, with particular interest in supporting individuals navigating burnout, caregiving roles, and high-stress professional environments.

Her collaborative, compassionate approach is grounded in the belief that healing happens when people feel seen, safe, and empowered. Integrating evidence-based and experiential methods - including EMDR, Trauma-Conscious Yoga Method (TCYM), and Imago Relationship Therapy - she helps clients reconnect with their resilience, relationships, and sense of wellbeing.

Located in the Bee Cave / West Austin area, Prevail on Wings of Hope Counseling continues to expand access to trauma-informed, culturally responsive care. To learn more or request an appointment, visit www.prevail.clinic or call 737-708-7557.

Thank you, Dr. Rebecca Opamen, for all you do for the community!]]><![CDATA[Black History Month Spotlight: Dr. Ulysses “Lee” Moore, PhD, LPC, CRC]]>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 16:29:49 GMThttps://www.naacpaustin.com/blog/black-history-month-spotlight-dr-ulysses-lee-moore-phd-lpc-crcPicture
This Black History Month, we proudly honor Dr. Ulysses “Lee” Moore, founder of the Hope Project and a lifelong advocate for mental health, community empowerment, and service.

A Veteran, retired U.S. Army First Sergeant with more than 28 years of service, father, husband, counselor, and community leader, Dr. Moore believes that life’s journey is built on one essential principle - hope. Through seasons of both challenge and triumph, he has dedicated his life to helping others find the tools they need to move forward with strength and resilience.

In 2016, Dr. Moore founded The Hope Project of Central Texas, an organization of mental health professionals committed to providing counseling, mentoring, community living support, and training for youth, veterans, individuals with disabilities, elders, and families. With more than 18 years in the helping profession - including work in Child Protective Services, state and federal vocational rehabilitation, and private practice - he continues to empower individuals to live and thrive as respected members of their communities.

Dr. Moore holds a B.A. in Psychology from UT Tyler, an M.Ed. in Special Education from UT Austin, and a PhD in Counseling Education from Texas Tech University. His career reflects a powerful mission: ensuring that every person has access to support, opportunity, and the belief that tomorrow can be better than today.

Hope is more than a word - it’s the foundation of healing, growth, and community.

Thank you, Dr. Moore, for your leadership, service, and commitment to building pathways of hope for others.
]]><![CDATA[NAACP Condemns Trump's Call to 'Nationalize' Elections]]>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 16:16:56 GMThttps://www.naacpaustin.com/blog/naacp-condemns-trumps-call-to-nationalize-electionsThe NAACP strongly denounces President Donald Trump’s alarming and reckless rhetoric proposing that the federal government should “nationalize” elections, calling it a desperate effort to further erode - and ultimately undermine - the core foundations of American democracy. Read more here.]]><![CDATA[Texas AG Paxton issues anti-DEI opinion on MLK Day]]>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.naacpaustin.com/blog/texas-ag-paxton-issues-anti-dei-opinion-on-mlk-dayOn Monday morning, Ken Paxton, the Texas attorney general, issued legal guidance stating that many diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in both public and private settings are unconstitutional. For several years, Republican lawmakers in Texas have sought to eliminate diversity initiatives within state government, and the new guidance suggests the private sector could face similar scrutiny next. Read more here.
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