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

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

The panel discussion, Restoring Connection Through Mentorship, 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 included James Brown, Director of Education at Frick Environmental Center, Ondrea Burton, Founder and CEO of Always You, Kaylese Edmonds, VIBE Ambassador, OJ Macklin, Co-Owner of Club Elevation and Founder/CEO of OJ Macklin Foundation, and Aysia Hunter, LPC, Founder of One of a Kind Mind LLC.

One of the most special moments of the summit came during the presentation of the Linda Thornhill Community Impact Award. Linda Thornhill was a longtime and highly regarded mental health community leader who passed away in 2020. NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania established the award in her honor to create a legacy that continues to advance the community impact around mental health in the Black community. This year's recipient was Keirston Parham, Recovery and Peer Services Coordinator at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital. Through training and education, KP has empowered countless professionals to better understand the role of peer support and the impact it can have on individuals and communities. KP is also a powerful speaker who openly shares his own journey, and he has dedicated his career to ensuring that the voices of people with lived experience are not only heard, but valued.

The summit also featured workshops, resource tables, and networking.

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).