Welcome to AfroNerd Insight!

Dr. Mercedes Samudio, LCSW
AfroNerd Insights
Published in
3 min readMar 1, 2024
This is an image of a vibrant, psychedelic artwork featuring a central tree-like form with swirling branches in a rainbow of colors, surrounded by stylized celestial bodies and beams of color radiating outward.

I’m thrilled to introduce you to AfroNerd Insight, a corner of the internet where we embark on a journey into the heart of Black nerd culture and dive deep into the intricate intersections of mental health and clinical development. This digital space is where we’ll unpack the connections, spark conversations, and ignite insights into these often overlooked realms.

The Name: “AfroNerd Insight”

The name “AfroNerd Insight” is a fusion of two worlds. “AfroNerd” symbolizes the vibrant and dynamic world of Black nerd culture. It’s a celebration of our love for comics, technology, movies, and all things geek. We’re here to embrace our passions and explore the rich tapestry of creativity that has emerged from within our community.

“Insight” represents the profound journey we’ll take into mental health and clinical development. It signifies our commitment to understanding and improving our well-being, breaking stigmas, and empowering ourselves with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive.

Core Topics Defined:

  1. Black Nerd Discussions (BND): We’re diving headfirst into the world of Black nerdom. From Marvel to DC, horror to sci-fi, to everything everywhere all at once, we’ll dissect and celebrate the contributions of Black creators, characters, and innovators. Expect reviews, deep dives, and a whole lot of geeking out!
  2. Mental Health Corner (MHC): It’s okay to be both a nerd and someone who cares deeply about mental health. Here, we’ll discuss the unique challenges faced by those in our community, offer coping strategies, and work together to shatter the stigmas surrounding mental well-being.
  3. Clinician’s Toolkit (CTK): For those on the front lines of clinical practice, particularly in contexts tied to Black culture and nerdom, we’ve got you covered. Discover resources, engage in discussions, and enhance your skills to better serve our community.
  4. AfroNerd Healing Journey (AHJ): These posts will be more intimate and vulnerable, incorporating my own personal healing journey alongside my AfroNerd emergence.

About Me and Our Shared Journey

I’m Dr. Mercedes Samudio, your guide on this adventure. I’ve always been captivated by the world of Black nerd culture and have witnessed firsthand the power of mental health and clinical development in transforming lives. My own journey has been shaped by these interconnected domains, and I’m excited to share my experiences, insights, and passion with you.

In the coming weeks and months, we’ll explore these core topics, feature guest contributors, and engage in lively discussions. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts, experiences, and ideas as we embark on this voyage together.

So, whether you’re a seasoned AfroNerd, a mental health enthusiast, a clinician looking to expand your toolkit, or simply curious about the fascinating intersection of these worlds, I extend a warm welcome to you. Let’s delve deep into AfroNerd Insight and uncover the hidden treasures.

Stay tuned for our first deep dive into Black Nerd Discussions (BND)! Until then, please make yourself at home, and let’s begin this incredible journey together.

--

--

Dr. Mercedes Samudio, LCSW
AfroNerd Insights

Clinician, Researcher, author of Shame-Proof Parenting, AfroNerd, Hufflepuff, & MCU mythologist shifting the narrative for Black mental health