This artist is the “Mental Health Fairy Godmother” for anxious Black girls
FEMINIST sat down with Ronide to learn more about her mental health journey, activism, and self care practices:
Known as the “Mental Health Fairy Godmother,” Ronide is an artist who helps anxious Black girls on their mental health journeys through her comics and videos. By embracing her “weird,” she broke into the mental health space and created a community for other anxious Black girls. Through her whimsical work, she normalizes neurodivergence, breaks stereotypes, and encourages Black girls to embrace their authentic selves.
What does feminism mean to you?
Feminism is a journey that’s made for humans who are willing to stay open minded and grow. You are always stronger when you are standing next to women.
You are such an inspiring advocate for mental health care. Looking back on your journey, was there a pivotal moment or realization that drove you to become a mental health advocate?
My motive was rooted in survival. I then made internet friends along the way. It quickly turned into a community. There is something special about having a strong community. They push you hard to spark change.
Your comics are such a creative way of raising awareness about mental health topics! What inspired you to use comics as an activism tool?
Black girl representation alone is enough for a creative drive. Seeing a black girl in a comic book killing it with anxiety is a showstopper. I would have loved to see that when I was a child.
We love how you advocate for embracing your “weird.” How has your relationship with your “weird” evolved throughout your mental health journey?
Weirdness is a reminder that every person is a complex individual and that includes me. I am a black girl and I’m allowed to transform.
As the “Mental Health Fair Godmother,” you aim to remind Black girls that there are no boundaries to the Black girl identity. What are some of the limiting beliefs that Black girls often need to unlearn about their identities?
Anger is part of a mental cycle that your brain naturally goes through. We need this beautiful emotion
A lot of your work focuses on Black girls who experience anxiety. How do the intersecting identities of race, gender, and neurodivergence impact the mental health experience for anxious Black girls?
It’s like going through different time zones, trigger wounds, societal shame and even racism. It spurs up a lot of emotions. That’s never any fun.
What self care practices do you incorporate into your day-to-day life to maintain your mental health?
I need my friends more than ever. They understand me. My artwork understands me too. It gets me by.
