“What we are experiencing in the Black community is collective trauma. Witnessing lives being lost on national television, on our phones, and the constant reminders of our compromised safety consistently, readily broadcasted on social media screens — this has a negative impact on the wellbeing of our communities,” said Jeffrey McCary of Peer Support Space in a press release. “Now, it is more important than ever that we create spaces for healing in our Black communities, to show up for one another, and to support each other.”
The event promises panel discussions, performances – including poet/storyteller Briannah Hill and comedian Kevin Deane – and small group discussions. The event’s moderator is Briana E. Lewis, a healing professional specializing in trauma recovery. Peer Support Space, a grassroots organization and mental health nonprofit based in Central Florida that seeks to “build, and be a local hub for, diverse peer-led recovery communities” and mental health resources, is putting on this event. Peer Support Space put on an earlier Black Mental Health Matters event back in March.
Black Mental Health Matters takes place at 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 1. Register for the event here. Find more info, including Zoom login info, here on Eventbrite. This event is free.
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This article appears in Summer Guide 2020: Salvage the Season.