The 6th annual African American Mental Health Symposium (AAMHS) will be presented on Thursday, May 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Western Michigan University College of Health and Human Services and virtually online via Webex.
The AAMHS is a public event that creates a platform for bringing increased awareness of the mental health experiences within the Black culture. The event creates opportunities for greater discussion on current racial issues, provides culturally relevant and competent mental health training, explores ways to navigate through systematic racism and its traumatic impact on the Black culture, and offers systems of care, helping people get the best support and advocacy possible.
Tentative Agenda:
Thursday, May 8, 2025
8:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. (doors open at 8 a.m.)
Morning Keynote
8:45 - 9:45 a.m., The Backstory of our Black Story: Overlooked No More!, Dr. Laverne Collins
Morning Breakouts
10-10:50 a.m. It’s a Family Affair: Healing from Generational Trauma, Dr. Shantalea Johns, Ed.D., LMSW
11-11:50 a.m. Reimagining and Resilience: Beyond the DEI Buzzword, Dr. Candy McCorkle-Boughton
11-11:50 a.m. Breaking Barriers: Healing Unseen Wounds, Redefining Masculinity, J.R. Reynolds
12-12:40, Lunch (provided for in-person attendance)
Afternoon Keynote
12:45-1:45 p.m., Accelerating Black Birth Equity (ABBE), Dr. Arthur James
Afternoon Breakouts
2-2:50 p.m. Strengthening Self Advocacy: Exploring Power Dynamics in Healthcare, Dr. Elishae Johnson
2-2:50 p.m. Economic Equality: Building Wealth for Black Futures, Dr. Laverne Collins
3-3:50 p.m. Soul Care (Spiritual Wellness): Coexisting Mental Health and the Black Church, Dr. Shea Lin Shobowale-Benson
3-3:50 p.m. Racial Battle Fatigue: Learning to Rest and Recharge, Yolonda Lavender
4 p.m. Conclusion
6 Social Work CEU Credits are available.
Registration Fees:
Registration includes your choice of 4 breakout sessions, lunch (in person), and two keynote speakers.
—CEUs (in person) $115
—CEUs (virtual only) $95
—Non-CEU (in person) $95
—Non-CEU (virtual only) $60
—Current student rate (in person) $75
—Current student rate (virtual only) $60
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Also check out other Health & Wellness events in Kalamazoo, Workshops in Kalamazoo.
