We are thrilled to share a recap of our recent webinar, “Living With Mental Illness,” which was held in collaboration with the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI). The event, aimed at shedding light on the realities of mental health struggles and promoting understanding and support, attracted close to 200 attendees eager to engage in this important conversation.

Regina Wilcox-Lewis, our esteemed moderator, set the tone for the session by emphasizing the significance of mental health and its widespread impact. She bravely tackled the stigma surrounding mental illness, particularly within the Black community, where there is often a misguided perception that strength means enduring struggles alone. Regina underscored the importance of seeking help and eradicating the shame associated with mental health challenges.

Our guest presenters, Latasha Willis and Mikel Bolden, captivated our audience with their invaluable insights and personal narratives.

Latasha Willis, a Jackson native and esteemed NAMI representative, shared her journey as both a presenter and a trainer. Her firsthand experiences shed light on the complexities of living with mental illness and the power of community support. Latasha’s dedication to advocating for mental health resources, particularly within underserved communities, inspired all who attended.

Mikel Bolden, an accomplished writer and author, brought a unique perspective to the discussion. Through her poetry and work with Humble Change Incorporated, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth in marginalized communities, Mikel emphasized the importance of early intervention and prevention in addressing mental health challenges. Her commitment to breaking the cycle of incarceration and dropout rates resonated deeply with our audience.

The presentations were divided into three compelling sections: “What Happened,” “What Helped,” and “What’s Next.” Each segment provided valuable insights into the lived experiences of individuals grappling with mental health issues and offered tangible strategies for coping and resilience.

We invite you to watch the recording of this impactful webinar to gain further understanding and insight into living with mental illness. Click here to access the recording and join us in promoting compassion, understanding, and support for mental health within our community.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to this important cause.