Meet the Black Woman Empowering Others, Using Her Own Trauma to Advocate for Mental Health

Nationwide — Necia Brunson, a 31-year-old inspirational African American woman professionally known as Necia B., is using her voice to spark healing across the country. A Philadelphia native who grew up battling depression, trauma, and suicidal thoughts, Necia B. is now a mental health advocate and published author on a mission to empower others. Her story, once marked by pain and silence, is now a source of strength, compassion, and transformation.

Growing up in a household of eight children, Necia faced overwhelming challenges, including physical and sexual abuse, abandonment, and toxic relationships. “I was crying out for help, looking for love in the wrong places, and losing myself in the process,” she recalls. Her mental health hit rock bottom after multiple suicide and homicide attempts that led her to be hospitalized. “It got so dark I even started questioning God. But after spending 24 hours in a mental hospital, I knew I had to fight for my life. I wanted a second chance to rediscover who I really was.”

A graduate of John Bartram High School, Necia found her early passion in drama and leadership. She gained her first major entertainment break in 2014 as a dancer in Bria Marie’s “Celebrate” music video and later appeared in various film projects, including Fatally Flawless alongside Philly rapper PnB Rock. But by 2015, Necia took a much-needed break from the spotlight to focus on her healing and mental well-being.

While nurturing herself back to health, Necia partnered with the Young Chances Foundation to give back to her community, feeding homeless individuals and families. She later earned her bachelor’s degree in business marketing from the University of Phoenix in 2017, graduating with a 3.28 GPA and receiving national recognition for leadership. She went on to launch From the Heart Foundation, a nonprofit, and This N That Enterprise, a fashion brand.

Last year, Necia B. released her debut poetry book, The Ride of My Life, an intimate journey through the trauma she endured from childhood into adulthood. The book reflects her ongoing path to healing and self-discovery. “I’m still healing, growing, learning, and maturing,” she says. “But I survived the storm. And now, I’m ready to share my pain, my truth, and my testimony.”

Today, Necia B. serves as a powerful speaker with RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) and continues to inspire others through her writing, advocacy, and community work. Her message is clear: pain is real, but so is hope. And her story proves that the darkest storms can lead to the brightest futures.

Her book The Ride of My Life is available on both Amazon and via Black Gold Publishing.

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