Though few in number, Black voices at a recent mental health conference articulated the unique challenges and systemic inequities impacting the well-being of their communities and emphasizing the critical need for culturally informed care and advocacy.

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) California hosted its annual gathering last week at the Sheraton Grand. Speakers shared their experiences as mental health providers and as individuals with personal histories with mental illness.

Some, such as licensed marriage and family therapist Travis Nelson, shared how their lived experiences helped shape their desire to aid others in navigating their own journeys.

“Everybody’s got their story,” Nelson said. “How are we going to teach people something that we don’t know ourselves?”

Nelson

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