Black Mental Health Summit

Wednesday, June 24, 2026
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Commonwealth Charter Academy at The Waterfront

Commonwealth Charter Academy at The Waterfront, 162 East Bridge St
Homestead, PA 15120

From Disconnect to Dialogue: Restoring Connection in Our Community

NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania hosted its fifth annual Black Mental Health Summit on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at the Commonwealth Charter Academy at The Waterfront in Pittsburgh. The summit addresses the unique challenges that members of Pittsburgh’s Black community are facing, how stigma can be a barrier to seeking treatment, and the obstacles experienced when getting help.

This year's summit, From Disconnect to Dialogue: Restoring Connection in Our Community, focused on bridging the growing gap between youth and adults by creating space for honest conversation, understanding, and connection. From Disconnect to Dialogue brought together youth, caregivers, educators, and community leaders to explore how we can better support youth mental health through trust, communication, and intentional relationships.

View the Agenda

Keynote Presentation

The Science of Sankofa: Using Culture to Reconnect, Restore, and Heal Black Mental Health

In the face of growing disconnection between youth and adults, how can culture serve as a bridge to restore trust, dialogue, and healing? During the keynote presentation, Kyaien Conner, PhD, LSW, MPH, Professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work, introduced the Science of Sankofa, a framework that centers the power of cultural memory, identity, and community-based practices in promoting mental health among Black communities. Drawing on her research and clinical experience, Dr. Conner explored how culturally adapted, evidence-based interventions can strengthen engagement, reduce stigma, and improve mental health outcomes. Through storytelling, practical examples, and a live West African drumming experience, participants engaged with culturally grounded strategies that foster connection, intergenerational dialogue, and collective healing. Learn More About Dr. Conner

Panel Discussion

Restoring Connection Through Mentorship

The panel discussion focused on the role mentorship plays in strengthening connections between youth and young adults, while exploring ways to bridge gaps in communication, understanding, and support across generations. The panel was moderated by Ikeya Craig-Swatson, Community Engagement Specialist & SAFE Coordinator at NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania.

Panelists include:

James Brown, Director of Education, Frick Environmental Center
Ondrea Burton, Founder and CEO, Always You
Kaylese Edmonds, VIBE Ambassador
OJ Macklin, Co-Owner, Club Elevation; Founder/CEO, OJ Macklin Foundation
Aysia Hunter, LPC, Founder, One of a Kind Mind LLC

Breakout Session

The Black Mental Health Summit also includes a breakout session featuring three workshops. Workshop topics include:

Finding Strength in a Broken Place: Centering Strength-Based Approaches With Traumatized Families | Melia Chandler, LPC, NCC, TRAC Services for Families
Breaking the Cycle of Generational Trauma: Ending the Mini-Me Phenomenon | Ingrid Fulton-Edwards, LCSW, Chief Program Officer and Clinical Director, Gwen's Girls, Inc.
Fireside Chat With VIBE (Voices Igniting Black Empowerment) | Ikeya Craig-Swatson, Community Engagement Specialist & SAFE Coordinator, NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania

Black Mental Health Summit Marketing Contact

If you have questions about the 2027 Black Mental Health Summit marketing opportunities, contact NAMI Keystone PA's Senior Manager of Grants and Fundraising, Sara Levine Steinberg, by email at slsteinberg@namikeystonepa.org or by phone at 412-366-3788 (ext. 122).