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SAVE THE DATE
May 14-15, 2026
| | Tina Lifford, Dr. LaVerne H. Collins join Detroit symposium to "Reclaim Black Wellness" | | |
The 7th Annual Breaking the Stigma: African American Mental Health Symposium (AAMHS) will take place on Friday, May 15, 2026, at McGregor Memorial Conference Center in Detroit.
The 2026 Breaking the Stigma Symposium is a call to action for businesses, educators, clergy, and advocates to confront the mental health crisis gripping the Black community. We can no longer ignore the devastating intersection of systemic racism, intergenerational trauma, and unequal access to care.
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Tina Lifford Actor, Author, Founder & CEO of The Inner Fitness Project
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Resilient by Design: The Inner Fitness Revolution
Explore how faith traditions, cultural identity, and community connection serve as vital sources of resilience in the face of adversity. This keynote will address the intersection of spirituality, mental health, and social context.
A veteran actress who has played over 100 characters, she is beloved for her role as Aunt Vi on the award-winning, critically acclaimed drama series Queen Sugar. Off screen, she brings the same depth and wisdom to her books, including The Little Book of Big Lies—a Forbes Must-Read selection—and her newest release, The Inner Fitness Revolution: A Roadmap to Your Freedom and Joy. Her work reflects a deep love for humanity and empowers people to live well from the inside out.
| | Afternoon Keynote Speaker | | Dr. LaVerne H. Collins, LPC, NCC, Founder & CEO of New Seasons | | Dr. LaVerne H. Collins is a clinician and author specializing in decolonizing mental health. She founded New Seasons to provide culturally responsive training for systemic transformation. | | The Whole Person, The Whole Community & The Whole Process. Transformational Resilience for Body, Mind & Spirit as the Next Chapter of Our Black Story | This presentation reframes resilience as a multi-tiered transformation across the individual nervous system, community ecosystems, and systemic care. It moves beyond treating symptoms to equipping leaders with frameworks that evolve systems, ensuring training reflects the lived realities of those served. | | |
The 2026 Breaking the Stigma: African American Mental Health Symposium is more than an event—it is a critical intervention. Participants will gain the urgent tools needed to dismantle stigma, navigate the psychological effects of racial injustice, and implement culturally competent systems of care that save lives.
The needle remains unbalanced. Equity and justice cannot wait. Join us now to move beyond awareness and lead the charge for radical healing and mental health liberation. Your presence is essential to the movement.
| | Expert Presenters Include | |
Hakeem Bourne McFarlane, BA Communications
From Survival to Self-Leadership: Identity, Emotional Strength, and Building Your Foundation
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Keisha Cox, Yoga Practitioner & Wellness Advocate, LCSW
Yoga and Mental Health in Black Communities
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Dr. Erica Brown-Meredith, Faith-Centered Counselor & Educator
Black Women’s Midlife Renaissance: Reclaiming Identity, Mental Health, and Spiritual Resilience
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Christopher Grant, DSW Candidate, MSW
Healing Without Shame: Reclaiming Black Mental Health in the Age of AI
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Terrell Alexander, Health & Wellness Consultant
The Weight We Carry: Food Addiction—Mind, Body, and Spirit
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Brothers in Social Work, Wayne State University
- Geoffrey Jones, MSW
- Lawrence Robinson Jr., Licensed Clinical Therapist
- Lem Yeung, MSW Candidate
When Hidden Pain Speaks: From Silence to Light - Transforming Unseen Trauma Into Presence and Purpose .
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Exclusive VIP Meet & Greet with Tina Lifford
Thursday, May 14, 2026
7 to 9 p.m.
Wayne State University School of Social Work, 5447 Woodward Avenue, Detroit
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
There is a limit of 40 guests for this event.
Get up close and personal with Tina Lifford! Includes book (and signing), light app's and early signup.
Tina Lifford is a veteran actress who has played over 100 characters, she is beloved for her role as Aunt Vi on the award-winning, critically acclaimed drama series Queen Sugar. She is a pioneering voice in emotional intelligence and wellbeing and the founder and CEO of The Inner Fitness Project.
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Wellness Marketplace
Join the Movement in Detroit!
🌿 Are you a wellness practitioner or a community organization committed to health equity?
The AAMH Symposium is heading to Detroit on May 15, 2026, and we want you in the room!
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This is more than an exhibition; it’s a platform to showcase your services to a national audience of mental health professionals, faith-based leaders, and community advocates dedicated to "Resilient Mind, Body, and Spirit."
—Dr. Valarie Cunningham
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Who Should Exhibit?
- Holistic practitioners, mental health clinics, and wellness brands.
Where:
- McGregor Memorial Conference Center, Detroit, MI.
Impact:
- Connect with a targeted audience, network with leaders, and help dismantle systemic barriers to wellness.
- Includes one registration to the 2026 Event.
| | Partner Sponsorships are Available Now | | The 2026 AAMH Symposium offers four key sponsorship categories to support African American mental health: | | |
Supporting AAMHS is a vital investment in wellness equity.
Your partnership will:
- Drive Change: Launch critical recovery initiatives for Black and BIPOC communities.
- Boost Visibility: Elevate your brand among mental health experts and national leaders.
- Expand Networks: Connect with organizations and innovators dedicated to mental health advocacy.
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Title Sponsor ($10,000): Provides maximum visibility with exclusive speaking rights, prime logo placement across media, and eight registrations.
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Challenger Sponsor ($7,500): Offers significant exposure through introducing keynote speakers, media recognition, and six registrations.
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Advocator Sponsor ($5,000): Includes event-wide visibility via digital platforms and social media, plus four registrations.
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Supporter ($2,500): Features promotional recognition in posts and "Thank You" messages, and two registrations.
| | | | Beyond these tiers, organizations may sponsor individual attendees to provide free access for participants or make direct donations to Synergy Health Center. All partners help advance wellness equity and increase their visibility among mental health experts | | | | |
