Indiana Black Expo (IBE) is having “critical conversations” around Black mental health during this year’s Summer Celebration.
The Mental Health Symposium, part of IBE’s Summer Celebration, lasts from noon to 2 p.m. on July 20 in Wabash Ballroom 2 at the Indiana Convention Center. Moderated by Carolene Mays, the panel will feature distinguished celebrities and mental health professionals sharing professional expertise and personal insights on mental health within the Black community, according to a press release.
“Our communities cannot thrive without mental wellness,” Alice Watson, IBE president and CEO, said in a statement. “Through this symposium, we are bringing together powerful voices to encourage open dialogue, reduce stigma and connect people to vital resources.”
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IBE’s Mental Health Symposium aims to provide attendees with tools, strategies and shared experiences underscoring the importance of mental health among individuals, families and communities, according to a press release.
This year’s Mental Health Symposium panelists include:
- Holly Robinson-Peete, an award-winning actress, author, advocate and founder of the HollyRod Foundation, will share her family’s journey with autism and Parkinson’s awareness.
- Greg Oden, former NBA player and Director of Player Development at Edyoucore Sports & Entertainment, will discuss mental health among professional athletes.
- Dr. Dwight Holland, owner and co-CEO of Family and Community Partners Counseling Services, will lend his professional expertise on community behavioral health.
- Barbara Thompson, executive director of NAMI Indiana, will address advocacy, resources and the importance of reducing stigma.
During the symposium, attendees can access a variety of featured mental health exhibitors, including NAMI of Central Indiana, Genesys Mental Health Solutions, Coping and Healing Behavioral Health Services LLC, InTouch Outreach, A Blossoming Rose Inc., We Bloom and Family and Community Partners.
IBE is also debuting its “Our Mind Matters” exhibit and PSA campaign video inside the Cultural Arts Pavilion (CAP) to continue amplifying the conversation around mental health awareness.
The Mental Health Symposium begins at noon on July 20 in the Wabash Ballroom 2 at the Indiana Convention Center. However, IBE’s Summer Celebration officially starts with the Ecumenical Service on July 11.
For more information about the symposium or other Summer Celebration events, visit indianablackexpo.com.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has a bachelor's in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
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