The theme for the 2009 conference was Black Men Healing.  

Why it’s important to allow black men to heal from past pain and trauma is a pathway to community empowerment and healing.

The objectives were:

·        The link between the intergenerational cycle of pain and trauma and black men’s present beliefs and behaviors that act as self-imposed barriers and effects their relationships with other men, women, children and the community.

·        Why it’s important to allow black men to heal from past pain and trauma to enhance their ability to overcome both systemic and self-imposed barriers.

·        How emotional health can be a pathway to empowerment, responsibility and community healing.