African American Alumni Committee 2024 Symposium Highlights

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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 2024 AAAC Symposium Keynote address
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Courtney B. Vance
2024 Pastora San Juan Cafferty Speaker

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.

 

Learn more about the Keynote Address
Symposium Panelist and Facilitators
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Experts of distinction were poised to deliver high impact workshops and panel discussions throughout the symposium. 

Learn more about Symposium Panelists and Workshop Facilitators

2024 Symposium Opening Remarks Highlights

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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. 

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Symposium Keynote Speaker Highlights

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A man in black with a maroon scarf and a women in a grey suit jacket are applauded by a room full of people standing and clapping

Symposium Workshop and Panelist Highlights

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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

Image of a panel of people with a man in black at a podium while a man in brown coat holds a microphone talking as a women in a brown shirt and flower skirt sits next to him listening
Image of women in pink standing and speaking while two co- facilitators sit listening
Image of man in brown coat, blue jeans and a grey hat stand at a podium speaking to a classroom full of people
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Symposium Lunch Networking Highlights

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

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Image of man in brown coat with jeans and grey hat chatting with a woman in a maroon dress and black jacket.
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Reflect on the Keynote Address

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