Wednesday Night Live - American Mind: Discussing Black Mental Health

We will explore Black Americans' unique relationship with mental health, including its varied historical and social factors and the importance of ever-shifting cultural values around mental healthcare. Diversely-equipped community leaders will guide the conversation and share creative resources for self-care and increased mental well-being. The conversation will open to the audience with a talk-back and collective sharing of stories and tools around mental health specifically tailored to the Black experience.

The program will close out with a sound bath led by Darcel Spears of Elemental Healing Charlotte. The sound bath is a period of internal self-care and reflection in the form of sound bowls and guided meditation.

This program is in partnership with the Bogues Group, an award-winning, Black female-owned communications and events agency based in Charlotte bringing premium customer service, experienced consulting, unique connections and creative solutions. Learn more about the Bogues Group here.

Moderator

Keva Walton is a results-driven change agent and has used skills as a creative, strategic and visionary leader in his multiple executive leadership roles. Prior to his current role as CEO of Mecklenburg County Alcohol Beverage Control Board, he was the Chief Growth Officer of the Charlotte Regional Alliance. He is innovative, has the capacity to see the overall organizational picture, and is a collaborative relationship builder.

Panelists

Robert (Bob) D. Johnson began his career as a chemist at Dow Corning, and has since gone on to lead strategic initiatives across the globe. Bob is a sought after facilitator and has more than 30 years of experience as an international consultant, working with clients in all sectors including government, Fortune 100 and 500 companies, small business, non-profit, and communities.

Dave Newell has spent his career building learning environments for other people - in higher education, in non-profits and community organizations, and in businesses. These learning environments focus on one thing - alignment. Misalignment leads to mistrust and missed goals, and we can be misaligned with ourselves, with each other, and with the systems we operate in. Dave works to bring alignment to teams, individuals, and organizations through dialogue and organizational development.

Lisa L. Adams, M.S., LCMCS, LCAS, is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor (LCMCS) and a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS). She currently serves as the Co-Founder / COO of New Phase Christian Counseling & Restoration Center and an MHA of Central Carolinas Board member since July 2019. Lisa began her career in behavioral healthcare over 18 years ago and has expertise in community behavioral health service provision and management. She is skilled in clinical counseling, clinical supervision, crisis intervention, training, consulting, and public speaking. She is a healthcare professional with a Master of Science degree in Psychology from Augusta State University.