**Community-Centered**

Can you think back to a time where you felt hurt or felt different because of who you are? Research has shown a strong sense of cultural identity can lead to improved mental health, greater resilience even and serve as a protective factor for discrimination. Youth serving organizations have an opportunity to support the mental wellbeing of their communities and develop culturally appropriate mental health interventions by increasing their pride and familiarity with youth’s racial and ethnic identities. Listen to this presentation and roundtable discussion as we gain insight on:    

• The power of building cultural familiarity & pride and how it supports your mental well-being  
• Helping youth navigate the everyday impact of racism, xenophobia and other prejudices  
• How behavioral health care professionals can help youth understand their racial trauma  
• Supporting youth to challenge systemic inequities, white-centering environments and microaggressions  
• Policy interventions and community interventions that encourage culturally and linguistically relevant mental healthcare services. 

Register here.

Host:

• Chlo’e Edwards, Voices for Virginia’s Children
• Glencora Gudger, Behavioral Health Equity Consultant, DBHDS

Moderator:

• Traci J. DeShazor, MA, Deputy Secretary of the Commonwealth and Director of African American Outreach, Office of Governor Ralph S. Northam

Presenter:

• Anjali Ferguson, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU

Participants:

• Dr. Jadig Garcia, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Richmond Pediatric Center
• Victor McKenzie, Jr., Executive Director, SAARA Virginia
• Sophie Fontaine, Racial Truth & Reconciliation Virginia Engagement Committee Co-Chair & Youth & Young Adult Program Coordinator, NAMI Youth Move
• Sophia Booker, Racial Truth & Reconciliation Virginia Engagement Committee-Co-Chair & Youth Development Coordinator, Project LIFE
• Annette Figgs, Community Advocate
• Katie Zhang, Community Advocate
• Aurora Higgs, Activist & CEO, Borealis Consulting RVA 
• Elijah Lee, Community Advocate, The Incredible Elijah