The OMNI Institute of Well-Being
"Where compassion and creativity connect"
What is Black Joy?
"Black Joy represents a collective self-ideology that amplifies and
activates the emotional
well-being of Black people."
~Dr. Chris Omni, MPH, MLS
The OMNI Institute of Well-Being recognizes this definition as the foundational principle and driving motivator of its scholarship, research, and innovation. Secondly, the Institute recognizes that the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health recognizes that emotional well-being is a high priority area of public health. Combined, we view Black Joy as a new social determinant of health.
Six Pillars of Black Joy
We discovered that there are six pillars of Black Joy. These pillars were converted into a poetic theorization that was shared, for the first time, on the TEDx FSU stage in 2022.
Mentorship
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To increase undergraduate participation in research to strengthen the pipeline of underrepresented researchers pursuing graduate degrees.
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To continue the mentoring relationship by providing advancement opportunities to promote them from volunteer research mentee to paid research intern.
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To expand mentoring relationships beyond graduation by offering part-time contract work opportunities.
Narrative Inquiry
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Increase nature-inspired, arts-based research studies that attract more external funding.
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Strengthen quality and reputation of nature-inspired, public health research and innovation.
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To disseminate our research findings in creative and accessible means such as performances, panel discussions, and social media posts.
