Black Men and Boys Healing Summit begins Oct. 7

October 5, 2016

Keynote Speakers Tony Porter, Dr. Delishia Pitman, Sam Simmons, Patricia Taylor McManus

For immediate release

Portland, OR (Oct. 5, 2016) - Black men are 20 percent more likely to face serious mental health issues than the general population, according to the US Office of Minority Health. That’s why it’s important to talk about the invisible wounds of black men and boys and what is “well” in the community today.

Registration is sold out for the 2016 Black Men and Boys Healing Summit on Friday, Oct. 7 and Saturday, Oct. 8 in Portland from 8 am to 5 pm at the DoubleTree Lloyd Center.

The healing summit comes on the heels of numerous unarmed black men dying at the hands of law enforcement, as well as violent retaliation against police officers. These tragedies have caught the nation’s attention and re-ignited debate on racial and social justice issues in the United States.

The conference aims to:

• Build awareness

• Improve relationships

• Increase civic engagement

The summit offers four keynotes, 18 workshops and entertainment ranging from live gospel and African drumming to poetry and rap.

Four keynote speakers will headline the two-day conference:

• Tony Porter - Featured in GQ Magazine’s “Top 10 TED Talks Every Man Should See”

• Dr. Delishia Pittman - Professor and researcher on racial and ethnic health disparities

• Sam Simmons - Consultant specializing in African-American historical trauma

• Patricia Taylor McManus - Co-founder of Black Health Coalition of Wisconsin, Inc.

Visit the Black Men and Boys Healing Summit webpage bmbhealingsummit.com

Press contact: Stacey Schimmelman, Helping Men Heal, info@helpingmenheal.org

Black Men and Boys Healing Summit. Oct. 7-8, 8 am to 5 pm. DoubleTree by Hilton. 1000 NE Multnomah St. Portland, OR.