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In response to the alarming rise in suicide rates among Black youths and the prevalence of online racism, Henry Willis, an assistant professor in the University of Maryland's Department of Psychology, has embarked on a mission to develop a mobile application aimed at fostering better mental health outcomes for Black teenagers.

With a generous grant exceeding $250,000 from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Willis plans to spend the next two years creating a free mobile app specifically designed for and in close consultation with Black youths. The initiative comes at a critical time, with statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealing a concerning uptick in suicide rates among Black youths, coupled with a significant disparity in access to mental health treatments compared to their White counterparts.

"Adolescents and young adults are online a lot, exploring their identity and talking about race, and it's in this very pivotal moment that they are often exposed to online racism," explained Willis. "This exposure can take various forms, from direct threats in comments or messages to videos depicting racial stereotypes, mock lynchings, or police shootings.

The upcoming mobile app aims to address these challenges by providing resources and support tailored to the unique needs of Black teenagers. Willis plans to collaborate closely with 30 Black youths aged 13-17 from various urban centers, including Washington, D.C., Prince George's County, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City. These youths will actively participate in focus group-style meetings to provide input on the app's features and design.

Participants will have the opportunity to shape the app's interface and test prototypes before the app is made available to the public. Willis emphasized that the project aims to empower Black youths by treating them as genuine partners and compensating them for their time and input.

"By taking this approach, we are putting the future in their hands and encouraging them to think creatively about how they want technology to serve their needs," stated Willis, according to Maryland Today.

The development of the mobile app aligns with Willis's broader research efforts, including his role as a co-investigator on a $4.6 million National Institutes of Health-funded project. This project seeks to develop a virtual reality experience to enhance digital and media literacy among students of color, combat online racism and safeguard mental health.