DAY 2: Saturday Symposium Schedule
8:00am - 8:45am: Registration and Breakfast (Doors open at 7:45am)
MENU: Donuts & Coffee, Chicken Sausage Breakfast Biscuits, Bagels w/Cream Cheese, Gouda/Provolone & Turkey Sausage Mini Quiche, Assorted Fruit Juices, Bottled Water
 
8:45am - 9:00am: Intention Setting, Sound Bowl Bath, Prayer, & Meditation
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9:00am - 10:30am (Session 1 - Dr. Keyan Whitlow)
Stepping Into the Power of the "I Am"
As declared in Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.” This foundational truth serves as a powerful reminder of our divine purpose and the deep connection we have with our Creator. This session will explore how understanding God’s intimate knowledge of our identity before birth can empower us to embrace the fullness of who we are and step boldly into the life He has ordained for us. By stepping into the power of the "I Am," we unlock the potential to live a positive and productive life, grounded in divine purpose, healing, and empowerment. This session will equip participants with the tools to recognize their worth, trust in God’s plan, and activate the inherent strength within them to overcome life's challenges and live purposefully.

10:30am - 10:45am (Break)
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10:45am - 12:15pm (Session 2 - Markita Madden)
L.E.T.S. Save Lives
An Introduction to Suicide Prevention for Black and African American Communities is a culturally tailored presentation designed to break down barriers, reduce stigma, and promote open conversations about mental health and suicide prevention. Grounded in research and delivered by Black and African American presenters, this program provides vital insights into the scope of suicide within these communities. Participants will explore the unique racial and systemic factors that contribute to suicide risk and gain a deeper understanding of the warning signs, risk and protective factors, and how to support someone in a suicidal crisis. This session will empower attendees with the tools and confidence needed to talk about suicide, seek help, and advocate for mental health care, ultimately fostering a culture of care, connection, and resilience within Black and African American communities.

12:15pm - 1:15pm (Lunch)
Menu: Chicken-Salad Croissants, Turkey & Cheese Pinwheels, Curry Chicken with Coconut Rice & Peas, Salad Bar with Assorted Dressings & Toppings, Seasonal Fruit, Assorted Chips, Bottled Water (Cakes/Cookies & Icecream for sale by Motha's Catering | Lemonade for sale by Jay's Flavor Lemonade)
 
1:15pm - 2:45pm (Session 3 - Dr. Napoleon Bradford)
Maybe, I'm the Problem, Strategies to Stop Self-Sabotage
This presentation aims to explore the concept of self-sabotage and its impact on personal and professional growth. It will provide attendees with practical strategies and tools to identify and overcome self-sabotaging behaviors. Through interactive discussions, real-life examples, and evidence-based techniques, participants will gain insights into the underlying causes of self-sabotage and learn how to develop healthier and more productive patterns of thinking and behavior.

2:45pm - 3:00pm (Break)
 
3:00pm - 4:00pm (Session 4 - Q & A Session & Closing)
This session concludes with a Q & A session, inviting participants to share their reflections, ask questions, and contribute to collective conversation about the future of mental health care within the Black Church through lens of empowerment. This will also be where the varied sponsors, supporters, and vendors may hold space to introduce their resource to the community. Lastly, this is where participants are encouraged to commit to self-care practices and to developing their sense of self and investing into their own potential for growth.