Anti Black Racism as a Mental Health Concern
The Afro-Caribbean Black Mentorship Program (ACMP) Inc.’s Anti-Black Racism as a Mental Health Concern symposium recognizes that anti-Black racism is not only a social and structural issue but also a critical public and mental health concern affecting Afro-Caribbean and Black (ACB) communities across Canada. Rooted in ACMP’s commitment to holistic well-being, this one-day symposium provides space to explore how anti-Black racism influences emotional, psychological, and social outcomes for Black communities.
Through keynote addresses, guided discussions, education, and culturally responsive facilitation, participants examine the ways systemic anti-Black racism, microaggressions, and intergenerational trauma contribute to stress, anxiety, depression, and experiences of exclusion. The workshop situates these challenges within broader historical and structural contexts, helping participants understand that these impacts are not individual failings, but responses to ongoing inequities.
ACMP’s approach centers on affirmation, healing, and resilience. Participants are introduced to strategies for coping, self-advocacy, and community care, and engage with mental health professionals, scholars, and community leaders who bring culturally relevant perspectives to wellness and healing. The workshop emphasizes the importance of safe spaces where ACB individuals can speak openly, feel seen, and access support without stigma.
By recognizing anti-Black racism as a mental health issue, ACMP helps shift conversations, reduce stigma, and promote more equitable and responsive mental health care. This effort encourages participants to focus on their well-being while also urging non-Black individuals to stand in solidarity and be open to learning. This program empowers audiences to advocate for systemic change within educational institutions and broader society.