Join us for Pathways to Hope, a powerful and inspiring conference dedicated to fostering mental wellness and resilience within Black communities. This transformative gathering unites college students, parents, families, and community members in an impactful day of education, honest conversation, cultural connection, collective healing and mental health advocacy. This event is presented in collaboration with NAMI St. Louis and Harris-Stowe State University, bringing together expertise and community passion to create a welcoming space for attendees to learn, share, and connect.
Our dynamic breakout sessions address vital topics such as Mental Health and Suicide Prevention on College Campuses, the role of Faith & Spirituality in supporting mental health, and the unique experiences of Black Immigrant Communities. Attendees will also experience the screening of “Hush” — a compelling documentary highlighting the origins of generational trauma and access to mental health resources in Black communities — and hear heartful, personal accounts through our Ending the Silence: Young Adult Stories.
Together, we will explore pathways toward hope, healing, and empowerment. Whether you’re seeking knowledge, support, or community, this conference is for you. Because at its core, HOPE means Healing Our People Every Day — and every conversation, resource, and act of care moves us closer to that mission.
Agenda & Breakout Groups
Day 1: August 22nd (In-Person)
- Opening Plenary
- NAMI National
- Welcome
- Dr. Connor, Director of Counseling
- Session 1 Breakout Groups*
- Lunch and Networking
- Keynote
- Session 2 Breakout Groups*
- Closing
We will offer two breakout sessions during the conference. Participants will divide into smaller groups based on the topics they selected during registration. Please review the tabs for session descriptions and choose the ones that best align with your interests and/or role when you register.
Supporting Mental Wellness and Suicide Prevention Among Black Students
Suicide rates among Black youth aged 15-24 have increased significantly over the past decade, highlighting an urgent need for culturally responsive prevention efforts. This workshop creates a safe, affirming space to confront these realities head-on. Participants will gain practical tools to recognize warning signs of mental distress and suicidal ideation, learn how to have supportive conversations with peers, and explore culturally responsive approaches to seeking and offering help. We’ll also unpack the specific barriers Black students face in accessing care — from mistrust in mental health systems to the pressures of high achievement — and how community, campus advocacy, and identity-affirming support can make a life-saving difference.
Featuring Matt Magee from Compass Health Network with their signature Let’s Save Lives presentation, and powerful lived experience from Kenneth & Lacha Hughes.
Integrating Faith and Mental Health
Faith and spirituality have long been vital sources of strength and resilience within Black communities. This workshop explores how spiritual beliefs and practices can support mental health, offering comfort, hope, and healing during times of struggle.
Participants will learn about the role of faith-based coping strategies, the importance of community and ritual, and ways to integrate spirituality into mental health care. Facilitated by faith leaders and mental health professionals, this session encourages open dialogue about the powerful intersection of spiritual well-being and emotional health, highlighting how spirituality can uplift individuals and communities alike.
Mental Health in Black Immigrant Experiences
Black immigrant communities often face unique challenges related to mental health, including cultural adjustment, identity struggles, and systemic barriers to care. This workshop explores how hope and resilience play vital roles in navigating these new roots.
Participants will engage in discussions about the intersection of culture, migration, and mental wellness, learning how to build bridges between diverse experiences and supportive resources. Facilitated by mental health professionals and community advocates, the session highlights culturally sensitive approaches to healing and emphasizes the power of hope in fostering strength and connection within Black immigrant communities.
The HUSH Documentary Experience
HUSH | Help Us Say Help is a documentary that takes a close look at the roots of generational trauma and the challenges Black communities face in accessing mental health support. The film uplifts real stories and opens the door to healing conversations that are often left unsaid.
After the screening, we’ll come together for an open and honest dialogue about the film’s themes. This space is meant to educate, empower, and support Black individuals and families as we talk about mental health, break cycles of trauma, and explore the value of professional help in our healing journeys.
*Please note: If you choose The HUSH Documentary Experience, it will span both breakout sessions. By selecting this option, you’ll fully immerse yourself in the experience but will not be able to attend other breakout topics.
Ending the Silence Young Adult Stories
A moving exhibition showcasing the voices of Black young adults as they share powerful stories of hope, resilience, and healing on their journeys toward mental wellness. Through these deeply personal narratives, we aim to uplift and amplify young Black voices while also educating the broader community on the importance of early identification of mental health challenges. Our goal is to foster understanding, reduce stigma, and equip others with the tools to support the mental well-being of young people in meaningful and lasting ways. We will end with a Q&A.
Day 2: August 23rd (Virtual)
Participants are invited and encouraged to attend Day 2 of the NAMI National FaithNet Pathways to Hope Conference. Participants can do this on their own time and in their own space, or participants can choose to attend the Virtual Day of the Conference together in community in a space provided by NAMI St. Louis.
