Adelphi Conference to Focus on Black Men's Mental Health, Wellness Issues on April 15

Garden City, NY (04/05/2023) — On April 15, the Adelphi University School of Social Work will present "BreaKING the Ice: Black Men's Mental Health and Wellness Conference," highlighting the importance of mental health and wellness among Black men. The conference will examine mental health from a holistic standpoint by exploring multiple issues and perspectives, while focusing on how institutions responsible for health and wellness interact with and reinforce one another.

"We must continue to raise awareness about the profound and persistent racism and discrimination experienced by Black Americans, especially true for Black men, that are linked to various adverse mental health outcomes," said conference organizer Schanica Pickens, assistant dean of student affairs and director of the Master of Social Work program. "A call to action is needed: #BlackMenDeserveToGrowOld."

In collaboration with Arron Muller, MSW '12, CEO of Modify Wellness, Inc., and Adelphi's School of Social Work, "BreaKING the Ice'' will include community leaders, alumni and therapists who will share their stories, experiences, coping skills and resources for achieving mental wellness. Conference sponsors include NYC Men Teach, the Black Family Summit, Represent the Alternative, LLC, Obsidian & Indigo Consultants, LCSW, PC, and the My Brother's Keeper Alliance.

Allen E. Lipscomb, PsyD, will kick off the conference as keynote speaker. He is an associate professor and director of MSW Programs at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), and serves as the director of Minority Male Mentoring (M3) and Student Success Allies (SSA) programs in CSUN's Department of Social Work. Dr. Lipscomb is a clinical psychologist and a licensed clinical social worker in California.

Alain Berrouet, Queens director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs at the New York City Department of Education, will serve as conference moderator, and New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams will join the conference as a special guest speaker.

"BreaKING the Ice: Black Men's Mental Health and Wellness Conference" will take place at Adelphi's Performing Arts Center from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 15. It is open to the public free of charge, though registration is required. Participants can earn 6 continuing education credits (CEs) for $30.

To learn more and register, visit adelphi.edu/black-mens-mental-health-conference.

Panelists will include: Sean Travis Doorn, PhD '17, a school psychologist with the New York City Department of Education and a consulting behavior intervention specialist for nonprofit agencies in New York City; Dwayne James, LMSW, '15, MSW '16, a licensed practicing social worker in New York City, Boston, and Washington, DC; Richard James, LMSW, MSW '17, licensed practicing social worker and a board member of Campbell Health Solutions; Jason Philips, licensed therapist, confidence coach and college professor, who advocates relentlessly for prosperity and wellness to strengthen individuals, couples, families and communities across the globe; Telvis Rich, PhD, certified school social worker, college associate professor, founder of Billings and Rich Investment Group and director of the Court Appointed Special Advocate Program; D'Shawn Harris, LGPC, a psychotherapist for Maryland Counseling Associates; and Deon Brown, LCPC, a licensed therapist, clinical professional counselor and clinical addiction counselor in Maryland and Washington, DC.

Note to media: degrees included above that include a class year are from Adelphi's School of Social Work.

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