September 14, 2020

Virtual conversation on race-based trauma and mental health is Sept. 21

Faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members from across the SIU System are invited to join a live virtual discussion next week that focuses on race-based trauma and mental health, and its impact on higher education institutions and members of the university community. 

The discussion, “A Conversation of Understanding: Race-Based Trauma & Mental Health” is from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday, Sept. 21. The meeting will be available on the SIU System’s YouTube Channel. 

The event will feature an SIU community panel sharing their experiences and stories, followed by a Q&A session where participants can ask questions or provide comments using the YouTube comment section. Questions may be submitted before the event by email to pkeith@siu.edu. 

The participants include: 

  • Dan Mahony, SIU System president.
  • Wes McNeese, SIU System executive director for diversity initiatives.
  • Wendi Wills El-Amin, SIU School of Medicine, associate dean for equity, diversion and inclusion, who will serve as moderator.
  • Brione Lockett, SIU Carbondale, alumnus, coordinator for African American/Black Student Programs, Dixie State University.
  • Kemia Sarraf, SIU School of Medicine, adjunct assistant professor.
  • Courtney Boddie, SIU Edwardsville, associate dean for diversity and inclusion.
  • Timothy Lewis, SIU Edwardsville, assistant professor of political science.
  • Jamie Clark, SIU Carbondale, director of Counseling and Psychological Services.
  • Christian Watts, SIU Edwardsville student.
  • Kyra Hunter, SIU Carbondale student. 

This is the third in a series of virtual exchanges where students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members can share their experiences and thoughts on a variety of themes related to diversity, inclusion and equity. 

The SIU System President’s Office and the SIU System Diversity Advisory Council are discussion sponsors.