We invite those who self-identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) to A Day of Wellness for BIPOC. This program aims to foster connection, share resources and discuss specific experiences in a safe, welcome, and open space. Come to one or all of the events.
Register at
https://oakpark.librarycalendar.com/event/a-day-wellness-black-indigenous-people-color-97778
Event Schedule
11 AM - 12 PM Panel Discussion (in-person or virtual; register for Zoom link to participate)
Please join Jor-El Caraballo, Emely Rumble and Karen J. Anderson, for a discussion on self-care for Black Men, self-care for Black Women and African beauty.
Jor-El Caraballo is a Licensed Mental Health Therapist, cofounder of Viva, a multi-state mental health practice and the author of Self-Care for Black Men. Jor-El has been featured in many magazines and websites, including Mind Body Green, Men’s Health, Healthline, Insider, Self and more, sharing advice and insight on self-care, interpersonal relationships, dealing with trauma, and more.
Emely Rumble is a distinguished licensed clinical social worker, school social worker, and seasoned biblio/psychotherapist with over 14 years of professional experience and author of Bibliotherapy in the Bronx. Committed to making mental health services more accessible, Emely specializes in the transformative practice of bibliotherapy. Passionate about advocating for the integration of creative arts in psychotherapy, mental well-being, and self-improvement, Emely champions the social model of disability and embraces a neurodiversity-affirming therapeutic approach.
Karen J. Anderson is an Artist, Writer, Photographer, Publisher, and Filmmaker. Her presentation More than a Color: The Marginalization of African Beauty through History examines how women of African descent have been seen in society, art, history, and modern media, and shifts the narrative about beauty. She will share the history of women of African descent to help those affected by racist standards feel less marginalized.
12 - 1 PM Limpia Healing Circle (In-person)
Please join Cristina Puzio of Sacred Harmony. A "limpia" or spiritual cleansing, rooted in Mexican traditional healing ways is a practice used to remove negative energies and promote well-being. Cristina is a medium, tarot reader, reiki master and practitioner of curanderismo, who believes everyone deserves to receive spiritual care. She resides in the Pilsen neighborhood where she dedicates most of her time to community healing work and is the wellness leader at El Paseo Community Garden. Cristina has been featured on Radio Vive 750, Chicago Telemundo, and WBEZ Reset.
1 - 2 PM Writing Reflection Hour (In-person)
Please join us for a Writing Reflection Hour led by Jane Hseu. She will share writing and meditations from Asian Americans and other BIPOC folks to inspire participants' own writing, creativity, and expression. Jane is Professor of English at Dominican University and has published academic and creative essays about topics such as race/ethnicity, family, language, and mental health. She regularly runs writing workshops and organizes literary events in the Chicagoland area, including partnering with the Oak Park Public Library for AAPI Month programming.
2 - 3 PM Afternoon Tea (In-person)
Join Social Work Sunday Tea with Founder and Licensed Therapist Shakea Houston as we close out A Day of Wellness for BIPOC. Shakea will serve three teas from her collection. She has given the “tea" on topics such as depression, self-sabotaging behavior and grief. Her goal is to continue to connect people and provide awareness/resources for mental health services. Shakea is the Marketing/Outreach Director and Therapist for Evolve Counseling and Coaching, LLC, Therapist for Mindful Behavior, LLC and currently pursuing a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology.
Also check out other Health & Wellness events in Oak Park, Arts events in Oak Park, Literary Art events in Oak Park.
