Black Heroes – Jacki McKinney, M.S.W.

Jacki McKinney uses her adversities to help build powerful communities.

Ms. McKinney is a family advocate with a focus on issues affecting African American women and their children. She helped found the National People of Color Consumer/Survivor Network. She herself is a survivor of trauma and addiction, falling prey to homelessness, and being victimized by broken psychiatric and criminal justice systems.  She has been a consultant and advisor to the Center for Mental Health Services and tours nationally, speaking to audiences on issues such as seclusion/restraint, intergenerational family support, and minority issues in public mental health.

Ms. McKinney has been awarded the Clifford W. Beers Award, presented to a consumer of mental health and/or substance abuse services who reflects the example set by Beers in his efforts to improve conditions for, and attitudes toward, people with mental illnesses. She is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration’s Voice Awards program which was presented to her for her leadership and advocacy on behalf of trauma survivors.