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The State of Black Mental Health
A Courageous Conversation surrounding Mental Health in the Black Community
STATE OF BLACK MENTAL HEALTH
July 28, 2021 @ 6:30PM EST
"This was so informative. I was proud to listen to black professionals in my field. I live in South Florida and although there is a large black Caribbean population here, there is very little representation. I teach at a university in the area and I also place students in agencies in the community. I have been encouraged by the conversation last night to advocate for my students and clients in the community. I want to see more black clinicians in my community."
The State of Black Mental Health
OUR SPEAKERS
Bro John Muhammad
Host
Co-Founder of the Community Development & Training Center, Inc. Also, co-founded the St. Pete Stop The Violence Coalition which was recognized by President Barack Obama and received National Volunteer Service Awards from his office in 2013 and 2014.
Dr. Learotha Williams Jr.
Opening Speaker
Historian, published author, and scholar of African American, Civil War and Reconstruction, and Public History at Tennessee State University.
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Dr. Brittany Peters, LCSW
Panelist-Therapist
Owner of Center for Wellness & Clinical Development, LLC. With over 13 years of experience in community mental health as a clinician, advocate, consultant, and clinical director. Also teaches collegiate social work courses.
Mutaqee Akbar, Esq
Panelist
Mutaqee Akbar, Esq- Founder and managing partner of Akbar Law Firm in Tallahassee, FL. Current President of the NAACP -Leon County Chapter
Honorable Judge
Alicia L. Latimore
Panelist
First Black female Circuit Judge in the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida and current Administrative Circuit Judge, Unified Problem Solving Court.
Liltera Lewis,
Educator and Writer
Panelist
An Author, Editor, Publisher, Screenwriter, Founder and CEO of iWrite4orU. Mrs. Lewis served students at Riverside High School (Formerly Robert E. Lee High School), as the only African-American English teacher for five consecutive years. Focuses on advocacy and collaborating on initiatives that will ultimately improve the public education system
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Pernell Bush, LCSW
Panelist
Native of Seminole County, veteran, accomplished servant leader and community advocate. Managing partner and practicing mental health therapist at K.E.Y Counseling Solutions and instructor at Valencia College Peace and Justice Institute.
Rev. Kenneth F. Irby
Panelist
Passionate educator, pastor and public servant devoted to helping children realize their full potential. Previously served with distinction at the Poynter Institute for Media Studies in roles that included senior faculty, director of diversity programs, photojournalism associate and founder of photojournalism programs at the Institute.
ABOUT OUR EVENT
A Courageous Conversation about Mental Health in The Black Community. This is a virtual panel discussion from leaders across the state of Florida. Recent data and trends will be presented and reviewed. We bring to you input on causal factors and solutions through the lens of educators, therapists, lawyers, and peers with lived experience. Here are some of the trends we will address:
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A 2021 report indicates from Feb to Sept 2020, the percentage of Black or African Americans reporting suicidal ideation increased from 29 percent to 38 percent
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Rates of mental health among African Americans are noted to have been elevated prior to COVID.
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Are more Black and African Americans having thoughts that they would be better off dead?