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The mission of
the conference is to offer an alternative way of thinking about community building “from inside out” not just
“the outside in” by addressing intergenerational pain and trauma that are barriers to healing, collaboration,
sustainable change and community empowerment.
When
discussing the ills and disparities within the African-American community, such issues as violence, drugs, poverty, and emotional,
physical, and spiritual health are often discussed. When systematic concerns aren’t being questioned as a barrier, the
accountability of the men often comes to the forefront. However, African-American men’s trauma is often overlooked and
not addressed. When African American men suffer, (directly or indirectly) he passes his trauma on to the women and children
in their lives and the cycle pain continues and community suffers tenfold. Without addressing the trauma it’s difficult
to fully experience a healthy life even if that is your goal.
In
2008, we started our efforts to address increasing disparities confronting African American men and their families with a
broad range of projects and strategies. Which include promoting educational and project based trauma informed initiatives
that have focused on community healing. In 2009, the conference
started offering an opportunity to create an environment for collaboration, wellness, “compassionate accountability”
and community based solutions in partnership with the community and services providers. We realize that a stronger,
thriving African American community improves the health of the community and the society as a whole.
“The
village that hides the truth cannot expect to heal but to pass on the pain.”
Purpose Statement: In this era
of limited resources and increasing disparities including in the areas of health, education, incarceration, unemployment and
homelessness in the African American community. This conference provides an opportunity
for meaningful community engagement and access to national and local educators, and community practitioners to discuss and
introduce practical trauma informed and outcome driven methods and services. With a goal to improve the health and wellness of African American men and their families, as well as the larger community.
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PO Box 6120 * Minneapolis, MN 55406
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