Black Youth Summit

LIVING WATERS INC
PRESENTS

2023 BLACK YOUTH WELLNESS SUMMIT

CENTERING THE VOICE OF BLACK YOUTH

Our Black youth are in crisis. Overwhelming data from the CDC reveals that the suicide rate among Black youth is increasing and at a faster rate than it is for any other racial or ethnic group. At the state level, North Carolina is fourth in the U.S. for Black teen suicides and Mecklenburg County has the highest youth suicide rate in the state’s 100 counties. These alarming statistics coupled with the racial disparities in access to mental health treatment for Black communities warrant a community response for promoting Black youth wellness.

The 2023 Black Youth Wellness Summit, aims to promote the mental and emotional well-being of Black youth. It is in partnership with the Black Youth Wellness Initiative and the Department of Sociology at UNC Charlotte. The summit is the feature event for the Black Youth Wellness Weekend during Suicide Prevention Month. The activities include:

    • The Building Bridges For Black Youth Wellness dialogue with faith leaders, youth servicing organizations, and parent/caregivers on Friday, September 22, 2023
    • The 2023 Black Youth Wellness Summit on Saturday, September 23, 2023
    • Media advocacy campaigns focusing on Black youth’s mental and emotional wellbeing

The summit will provide:

    • A forum for Black youth to share their ideas, opinions, and concerns, to be heard, respected, and responded to about the issues, approaches, and decisions that impact their mental and emotional wellbeing
    • Activities and information for Black youth to learn coping skills for managing stress, building resilience, and enhancing their self-esteem.
    • Resources and activities for parents and caregivers

 Healing Through Creative Expression-Wellness Stations

    • Drumming/Dance
    • Art
    • Spoken Word
    • Crafts/Beads
    • Yoga Wellness Station for Parents/Caregivers

Event Details:

4-hour in-person, youth-centered event. The summit includes: youth-focused “Healing through Creative Expression” activities/Wellness stations, spoken word, and a moderated open forum / Q & A session with youth and experts, advocates, decision-makers, and leaders. Exhibitor hall. Gift bags with resources, books, and other materials will be provided. Resources will be available for parents and caregivers who attend. Lunch will be provided.

Saturday, September 23, 2023
10:00am – 2:00pm

Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City

Topics Include:

  • Pressures of Social Media
  • Loneliness
  • Depression
  • Stress and Anxiety
  • Bullying
  • Self-Harm
  • Violence and Abuse

For ages 11 yrs to 18 yrs old

  • The first 50 youth registered are eligible for a grand prize raffle.
  • Registration is Free. Lunch will be provided.
  • Doors open at 9:00 am for registration, networking, and exhibitions
  • Register online here:  bit.ly/2023BlackYouthWellness

AGENDA

SPONSORS

VIDEOS

For more information about the summit, please call 704-944-3119 or Email: info@livingwatersfa.com