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Mental Health In Communities of Color Held at Roberts Wesleyan University
Senator Samra Brouk presented an award to Lenora Reid-Rose.
In honor of National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, Roberts Wesleyan University hosted the Mental Health in Communities of Color Symposium on Tuesday, July 16. The Symposium theme, “Amplifying Mental Health Wellness Through the Lens of Equity,” provided space to discuss strategies to address the stigma, barriers, and challenges for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) with accessing and engaging in quality mental health services. The voices and experiences of BIPOC individuals impacted by mental health and trauma were amplified, and local leaders, regional and national experts, community members, and stakeholders gathered together for a time of dialogue and learning. President Rupert A. Hayles Jr. gave opening remarks underscoring the data warranting the necessity of the discussion and offered a prayer for attendees to take action on the information they heard. Dr. Marlena Graves, Assistant Professor of Spiritual Formation, served as a panel speaker and affirmed the significant role of individuals with lived experience occupying decisional positions. She admonished organizations to refuse the adoption of “DEI cosmetics” in which they only appear the part but are not genuinely engaging in transformational equity work.
During the Symposium, a true local champion of mental health equity in the BIPOC community was honored. Lenora Reid-Rose, a native of Jamaica, has been a powerful force in the Rochester community for more than 30 years, serving as an advocate, expert, and mentor. To recognize her amazing contributions, Lenora was presented with several awards from Senator Samra Brouk, on behalf of the state of New York, Dr. April Aycock, on behalf of Mayor Malik Evans and the city of Rochester, Assemblyman Harry Bronson, on behalf of Monroe County, representatives from the NYS Office of Mental Health, and the host of the Symposium, BIPOC PEEEEEEK, a program that serves BIPOC parents who have children receiving mental health services. Among these honors, Mayor Malik Evans declared July 16 as Lenora-Reid-Rose day in recognition and celebration of Lenora, a true legend and hero for many in the BIPOC Rochester community.
Dr. Rupert Hayles, First Lady Maryann Hayles and Sara Taylor, who was the host of the event and founder of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) PEAK Parent Mental Health project in Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse, and Utica.
Event panelists included Dr. Dana Smith, Cheryl Williams, Leslie Alvarado-Fisher and Dr. Marlena Graves (not pictured).
Lenora Reid-Rose joined the event virtually.
As a whole, it was a beautifully meaningful event! President Hayles, in his opening remarks, shared with attendees the purpose of the Golisano Community Engagement Center, where the Symposium was held, and the vision for it to be a place of community gathering. Connections and partnerships were made, and Roberts is looking forward to hosting future community engagement events and continuing to serve as a helpful resource to our surrounding community.
By Dr. Sonnette M. Bascoe, senior advisor for university culture and event host leader
Photo credit: Donovin Jones, student