In the Black community, there are many mental health issues that unfortunately carry a stigma, including Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, also known as ADHD. Often misunderstood, many Black families view ADHD as a behavioral issue rather than a neurological condition. This coupled with a lack of access to mental health resources leads to underdiagnosis within the Black community.
However, by confronting the reality of ADHD within the Black community and destigmatizing medication, one can not only live in their neurodivergent truth, but thrive in it. Here are five Black celebrities with ADHD proving the diagnosis doesn’t need to stop you from achieving greatness.
Simone Biles
Having ADHD didn’t stop Simone Biles from becoming the most decorated gymnast in history. After Russian hackers leaked confidential World Anti-Doping Agency records, the 27-year-old Olympian made sure to diffuse the stigma.
“Having ADHD and taking medicine for it is nothing to be ashamed of nothing that I’m afraid to let people know,” she tweeted.
Trevor Noah
During his interview with The Diary of a CEO, comedian Trevor Noah revealed his ADHD is linked to his depression. Being diagnosed in adulthood after struggling with focus, impulsivity and a restless mind for years, he has now embraced his neurodiversity, using medication and therapy to tend to his symptoms.
Will.i.am
For Will.i.am, ADHD is a tool that’s helped him grow creatively. Much of the music he’s produced over the span of his four decade career is ADHD-friendly. He includes multiple hooks in a short amount of time. “ADHD traits work well for me in studios and in meetings about creative ideas,” he told the Sunday Mirror. “If I was stuck at a different job I’d be horrible and wouldn’t survive. Music keeps me sane and keeps my mind on something. It’s fragile up there.”
Solange Knowles
R&B songstress Solange Knowles couldn’t escape her ADHD diagnosis. Two different doctors confirmed she had it after suffering from sporadic speech, energy highs and lulls, and struggling to finish projects. “I was diagnosed with ADHD twice,” she said. “I didn’t believe the first doctor who told me and I had a whole theory that ADHD was just something they invented to make you pay for medicine, but then the second doctor told me I had it.”
Dr. Raven Baxter
Dr. Raven Baxter, also known as Raven the Science Maven, is a molecular biologist and STEM educator. She’s built a strong online following by teaching an entire generation about science. However, many people don’t know that a doctor diagnosed her with ADHD at six years old. Her brilliance and hyperactive demeanor were key indicators, though she shares on the Faster Than Normal podcast that her diagnosis ultimately became a tool.
“I think that for me, having ADHD is definitely about recognizing where your superpowers work the best and asking for help when you need it,” she said. “For me, personally, my excitement and my love for science really is best used when I’m teaching about science and sharing that with other people.: