Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust (MDEAT) Host Black Male Youth Mental Health Conference: Empowering the Village to Serve Black Male Youth

Posted on April 19, 2014 by Kerline K. Jules in Civic Engagement, Social Action // 0 Comments

Community Leaders at the Black Male Health Conference.

On April 18, 2014, the Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust hosted a Black Male Youth Mental Health Conference: Empowering the Village to Serve Black Male Youth, Black male youth in Miami-Dade County and around the nation are often viewed through a negative lens by the community, media, and even by themselves. It is important to highlight the success stories while simultaneously addressing existing problems. Educational attainment, juvenile justice, and mental health concerns are among major issues. The included data provide a snapshot of the plight of black male youth. Some important statistics are highlighted below:

18-percent of black male youth experienced sadness and hopelessness every day for two

weeks in a major sampling of teenagers from urban areas in the United States (Center for Disease Control and Prevention)

Data showing arrests of youth in the counties comprising the Southern District in Florida revealed black males were more likely than non-black males to have more charges per arrest issued by law enforcement (Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Data)

Now is the time to cultivate solutions for this pivotal group of young men. Professionals in collaboration with the community are uniquely qualified to help support this initiative. The conference is the first of a three part series that will include two post event forums for parents, caregivers, and youth.

May 13, 2014 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at North Dade Regional Library, 2455 NW 183rd St., Miami Gardens, Florida 33056

May 15, 2014 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the South Dade Regional Library, 10750 SW 211 St., Cutler Bay, Florida 33189

The objective of the conference is to provide participants with resources related to best practices that can help them in engaging with black male youth and in facilitating positive outcomes in the lives of black male youth. Focus areas include: education, anger, violence, juvenile justice issues, emotional health, community and family engagement. What should participants come away with?

An expanded knowledge base of the complex and often systemic challenges faced by black male youth in the U.S.A., with particular focus on South Florida.
A better understanding of coping, resilience and cultural supports in the lives of black male youth.
Enhanced skills toward greater cultural competence in working with black male youth and their families as well as a greater knowledge of appropriate community resources.

Source Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust