Black Family Symposium Recap
The Black Family Symposium held on May 4th, 2023, aimed to gather African American families as well as leaders from every facet of the Black Community to address the critical challenges that families face nationally.
This year, a symposium was planned by Mississippi Families for Kids, in conjunction with the Jackson Association of Black Social Workers, to prepare for the upcoming Black Family Summit tentatively scheduled for September 2023. The Black Family Symposium helped participants gain valuable insight into what communities of color need the most so we can identify solution-oriented action steps that will have a positive impact on families and children. Both the Summit and Symposium events create a safe space for collaboration and idea-sharing discussions.
Thank you to all community stakeholders who helped plan and attended the Symposium. Because of you, we’ve made progress towards shared goals.
The first symposium focused on the following topics, led by community leaders, to prepare, train, re-fuel, and uplift their communities. These sessions were held via Zoom and included Q&A.
Introspective discussion on Family, Community, and Personal Health and Well-being. The discussion addressed the barriers families face with obtaining access to healthcare, how those without healthcare can take preventative measures against pressing illnesses, how mental health can affect physical health, and how to improve both.
Panelists:
Dr. Berthrone Mock Muhammad, Executive Director, HeartPlus Diagnostic Center
Regina Lewis, LMSW, DaVita Dialysis Center
Cassandra Welchlin, Black Women’s Roundtable
Dr. Maxie Gordon, Dr. Maxie Gordon MD and Associates PLLC
Facets of Education, Advocacy, and Empowerment. The discussion covered the impact of charter schools on public school funding, as well as how public school systems can support educators and administrators in identifying and meeting the unique needs of their students.
Panelists:
Rukia Lumumba, People’s Advocacy
Mac Epps, MSW, MS MOVE
Patrick Edmond, Ambition Prep
Stay tuned for announcements about the Black Family Summit to be held in late 2023.