African American Alumni Committee 2024 Symposium Highlights

The African American Alumni Committee commemorated a longstanding tradition of celebrating Black History Month with the 2024 Symposium dedicated to exploring vital issues facing our community.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Black men have faced unique challenges when accessing mental health and wellness services. In response, this year's AAAC Symposium addressed specific barriers and stigmas Black men encounter and how they can find safe spaces for discussions and engage with providers.
This symposium explored the following five key topics through engaging discussions and workshops:
• Deconstructing Stigmas
• The Intersectionality of Identity
• Cultural Competence in Mental Health Care and Wellness
• Creative and Innovative Approaches to Access and Engagement
• Advocacy, Policy, and Community Resources

The opening address at this year's symposium was a moderated discussion facilitated by Janelle R. Goodwill, PhD, Neubauer Family Assistant Professor, with acclaimed actor Courtney B. Vance as he unpacked the impact of his new memoir The Invisible Ache, written with co-author Dr. Robin L. Smith.

Experts of distinction were poised to deliver high impact workshops and panel discussions throughout the symposium.
2024 Symposium Opening Remarks Highlights

The Symposium began with a Welcome by Deborah Gorman-Smith, PhD, Dean and Emily Klein Gidwitz, Professor followed by Opening Remarks threading the needle on the day from Waldo E. Johnson Jr., PhD, Vice Provost, Professor.




Symposium Keynote Speaker Highlights






Symposium Workshop and Panelist Highlights


After the Keynote address the symposium had workshops and a panel facilitated by a host of experts that explored one of the five topics that included: Deconstructing Stigmas, The Intersectionality of Identity, Cultural Competence in Mental Health Care and Wellness, Creative and Innovative Approaches to Access and Engagement or Advocacy, Policy, and Community Resources





Symposium Lunch Networking Highlights

During the lunch hour symposium participants had an opportunity to chat with diverse groups of attendees for networking and sharing.






Watch the 2024 Pastora San Juan Cafferty Keynote Address with Courtney B. Vance