Reconnecting Through Black Radical Hope

What do we need to do to cultivate collective radical hope and build black futurity as a community? Come discuss with us on May 16th!

Black Mental Health Connections Montreal and the Black Healing Centre are celebrating mental health awareness month with an event that wants to explore the practical path to Black radical hope.

“Radical hope involves the steadfast belief that the collective capacity contained within communities of color to heal and transform oppressive forces into better futures, despite the overwhelming odds.” – Dr.Neville

Let’s come together to discuss the practices and approaches that we need to adopt to build Black futurity and thrivability. Come learn and discuss the pluralistic approaches to decolonize and deconstruct blackness as an identity, strategize on ways to nurture more collectivity and holistic wellness within the community and promote community-centered efforts happening in Montreal/Tiohtià:ke and beyond!

The event is in collaboration with Black Healing Centre, Uplift Black, Black Mental Health Canada and individuals working in holistic wellness for the Black community.

This event was made possible thanks to SACOMSS, QPIRG Concordia and Midnight Kitchen.

For more information, click here. We hope to see you there!

Meet Our Panelists

Michelle Herbert
Speaker, Facilitator and Market Consultant at Black Mental Health Canada

Michelle Herbert is a speaker, workshop facilitator, and marketing consultant for Black Mental Health Canada Inc. Michelle holds an Hon. Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto and has studied business administration and entrepreneurship at Seneca College. Michelle is a dedicated champion of workplace health & safety as well as mental wellness.

Christiane Ndedi Essombe
Ph.D. student in Psychology

Christiane Essombe holds a Master degree from the University of Montreal School of Public Health. She has been involved in anti-racism work, public health research and advocacy for marginalized populations for over 7 years. As a diasporic Black woman who is neither from here or there, she constantly interrogates the legacy of colonialism, racism and sexism wherever she is. Christiane is currently completing a PhD in psychology at the University of Cape Town in which she interrogates Negrophobia in African contexts.

Tru Stewart
Education Consultant at Uplift Black

Tru Stewart advocates for Black and 2SLGBTQl+ individuals, and uplifts marginalized communities as an ambassador for Rainbow Railroad, a multi-disciplinary artist and brings awareness through storytelling.

At UPlift Black, Tru is the Arts, Culture and Media Director and Education consultant. With an anti-oppressive focus, Tru refuses to be boxed in a frame. As an UPlifter, Tru uses his lived experiences as a Trans-identifying person and feminist as a driving force to create systemic change.

Shimmon Hutchinson
Teacher, Facilitator, and Social Worker

Shimmon is a graduate of the Social Service Program at Dawson College, and of the Social Work Program at McGill University.

Shimmon’s had the opportunity to work with adults in all age ranges, children and families, in various capacities. He’s worked in community settings like the BCRC, creating programs and animating workshops, but also publicly within the school systems as a Teacher, and within Health and Social Services as a Foster Care Worker.