Summit
Event Details
May 17, 2024
9:00am-2:00pm
1922 S. MLK Jr. Dr. 27107
The Enterprise Conference and Event Center
About
The Summit
This inaugural Black Mental Health Summit held in Winston-Salem, NC is aimed to better understand the social determinants of mental health and specific psychological issues facing the black community through panel discussions, mental health experts, equitable resources from organizations within the Piedmont/Triad area and more. The goal is to destigmatize mental illness, increase access to care, and to improve wellness among the black community.
Black Mental Health Summit
Agenda
Event Schedule
Friday, May 17th
08:30am-09:00am
Registration
09:00am-09:10am
Welcome
09:10am-09:30am
Speaker 1: Chief William Penn, WSPD
09:30am-09:40am
Break | Networking
09:40am-10:20am
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Pamela Oliver,MD
10:20am-10:30am
Break|Networking
10:30am-11:20am
“Unapologetically Black” Panel
11:20am-12:15pm
Lunch|Networking
12:20pm-12:40pm
Speaker #2: Shenell Thompson, KBR
12:40pm-12:50pm
Break|Networking
12:50pm-01:40pm
“Black Mental Health is Wealth” Panel
01:40pm-02:00pm
Closing Remarks
87%
87% of Black adults say the U.S. criminal justice system is more unjust towards Black people; 61% of white adults agree.
(NAACP.(n.d.)Criminal Justice Fact Sheet.http://www.naacp.org)
50M
Police killings of unarmed Black Americans are responsible for more than 50 million additional days of poor mental health per year among Black Americans.
(NAACP.(n.d.)Criminal Justice Fact Sheet.http://www.naacp.org)
21%
Twenty-one percent of Black and African Americans report having a mental illness, compared to 23.9% of non-Hispanic Whites.
2021 National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI)
10%
Roughly 10% of Black and African Americans are not covered by health insurance compared with about 6% of non-Hispanic White Americans.
Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) and the Census Bureau
Important
Why This is
It’s time to shift focus to mental health in the Black community. Diminished access to mental health care, lack of diverse mental health professionals and cultural competency gaps are few ways systemic racism has affected the Black community. The Black Mental Health Summit is a gathering of regional practitioners, experts, and thought leaders who can prompt real change that benefits everyone in the Black community.
**Data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Meet Our Speakers
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Candice Marie Benbow
Author of Red Lip Theology
As a multi-hyphenate theologian and creative, Candice illuminates the vital connections between faith, culture and innovation to rekindle hope and possibility. Candice is the author of Red Lip Theology: For Church Girls Who’ve Considered Tithing to the Beauty Supply Store When Sunday Morning Isn’t Enough.
Dr. Jack Monell
Winston-Salem State University
Dr. Jack S. Monell is a distinguished academic and practitioner with over 31 years of experience in social work, criminal justice, sociology, and human services. He currently serves as a Professor of Justice Studies at Winston-Salem State University.
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Alexis OVerstreet
Metaspace Counseling PLLC
My name is Alexis and I’m a "straight up" therapist – I call an ace an ace, and a spade a spade. I support and challenge you so you can begin idenitifying the patterns that are holding you back. My goal is to walk beside you, listen, understand, and support you in your efforts to heal.
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Meet Our Panelists
Johnette Walser, MSW, LCSW
Johnette Walser is an Assistant Professor and Co-Director of Field Education in the Department of Social Work and Gerontology at the UNCG. Licensed clinical social worker, therapist, mindfulness teacher, change agent and circle keeper with over 15 years of experience in social work, activism and community organizing.
Bryant C. Foriest, DrPH(c), MBA, MHA
Bryant C. Foriest is a seasoned healthcare leader and advocate dedicated to advancing mental
health equity and improving healthcare access. Currently serves as a Commissioner on the NC Medical Care Commission, helping shape healthcare policies and
initiatives across the state.
Nicole Morore-Geter MS, LCMHC, NCC
Nicole’s dedication to community extends beyond her practice. As an active member of community boards such as Triad Restorative Justice, Disability Advocates of Northwest North Carolina and the Under 40 Advisory Board of Greater Winston Inc., she is deeply involved in shaping future leaders.
Rashawn Meekins, MS, NCDPI
Rashawn Grissom Meekins is a passionate and accomplished educator with over 13 years of experience in leading, supporting, and coaching school leadership, staff, and students to achieve excellence. She currently serves as the Principal of Anderson Academy, a new charter school located on the campus of Crossnore Communities for Children.
Madelyn (Maddie) Hanes,
College Student
Madelyn (Maddie) Hanes, a native of Winston-Salem, NC, graduated from Mount Tabor High School in 2024. Maddie’s passion for mental health advocacy began when she took on creating her mental health blog, Minds Matter, during her junior year, providing a platform for students to hear fellow mental health challenges, share personal stories, and access well-being resources
Khristian Mitchell,
Middle School Student
Khristian is a confident and driven 7th grader with a passion for helping others and making the world a better place. She is an active student at Jefferson Middle School where she excels in English and Science. She believes in using her voice to inspire others and is excited to share her perspective as a panelist.
Become a Sponsor
The Black Mental Health Summit goal is not only to provide participants with valuable information, but also to provide equitable resources from
organizations within the Piedmont/Triad area. Your sponsorship will afford your organization the opportunity to host a table of 8, as well as showcase your services to over 200 participants. Sponsors will be listed on the website, all marketing collateral, as well as showcased throughout the summit.
Sponsors
Check Out Our Great
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