Morehouse NYC Men’s Mental Health Summit

OUR VISION & PURPOSE

Vision: To normalize mental health conversations among Black men and empower them with tools, language, and resources to prioritize wellness as a lifelong practice.

Purpose:

  • Create a safe, affirming space for Black men to engage in mental wellness practices

  • Provide education through culturally relevant conversations and expert insight

  • Foster connection, brotherhood, and accountability within the alumni community

  • Establish Morehouse NYC as a thought leader in Black men’s mental health advocacy

WHY THIS MATTERS NOW

Black men continue to face disproportionate mental health challenges due to:

  • Limited access to culturally competent care

  • Persistent stigma around vulnerability and emotional expression

  • Systemic barriers, racial trauma, and economic stress

  • Lack of education, exposure, and trusted community-based resources

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT THROUGHOUT THE DAY

The Morehouse NYC Men’s Mental Health Summit is a one-day, immersive wellness experience designed to address the growing mental health crisis impacting Black men—particularly those navigating professional, financial, familial, and societal pressures with limited access to culturally responsive resources.

Rooted in the Morehouse legacy of leadership, brotherhood, and service, this summit positions the chapter as a proactive convener and advocate for Black men’s mental wellness. The event will serve as both an intervention and a launchpad for a larger, ongoing mental health awareness and education campaign led by the chapter.

    • Yoga Session led by Eric Mosley

    • Custom workout with Maillard Howard

    • Somatic sound bath and guided meditations with Wasidah Francois

    • Break for next session

  • Food & Mood
    Private lunch catered by Chef Chris Caldwell with a nutrition presentation by Shani R. Scott MD

    Afternoon Alumni Networking
    Facelitated networking session led by Robert L. Newman III.

  • Keynote Presentation by Michael A. Lindsey PhD, MSW, MPH; Dean and Paulette Goddard Professor of Social Work New York University

    Panel Discussion featuring:
    Jermaine Blakley, MD, MPA (Moderator)

    Brandon Frame, Ed.D

    Donna de Levante Raphael, Ph.D., M.S., MBA

    Anthony Duncan

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Featured Presenters

Michael A. Lindsey PhD, MSW, MPH

Dr. Michael A. Lindsey is a nationally recognized scholar and leader in mental health research and social welfare. He currently serves as Dean of the NYU Silver School of Social Work, Constance and Martin Silver Professor of Poverty Studies, and was the lead expert for the Congressional Black Caucus Emergency Taskforce that produced the influential report Ring the Alarm: The Crisis of Black Youth Suicide in America, highlighting disparities in mental health outcomes for Black youth. Dr. Lindsey’s work focuses on evidence-based interventions, health equity, and translating research into policy and practice to address generational poverty and mental health disparities. He holds a Ph.D. in social work and an M.P.H. from the University of Pittsburgh, an M.S.W. from Howard University, and a B.A. from Morehouse College.

Jermaine Blakley, MD, MPA

Jermaine Blakely is a graduating medical student at Howard University College of Medicine with a passion for leveraging his medical degree to drive meaningful change in healthcare. Before medical school, he earned a Master’s in Health Policy & Management from New York University and worked in healthcare technology in the San Francisco Bay Area, experiences that broadened his perspective on the industry and inspired him to co-found the Health Innovation and Technology Interest Group at his school. As an undergraduate at Morehouse College, he launched initiatives supporting the homeless and survivors of domestic violence, reflecting his commitment to community impact.

Brandon Frame, Ed.D.

Brandon Frame is the Founder & Chief Visionary Officer of TheBlackManCan, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring and empowering boys and men of color. As a nationally recognized speaker, author, and educator, he works to redefine narratives around Black male identity, wellness, and achievement.

Donna de Levante Raphael, Ph.D., M.S., MBA

Donna de Levante Raphael, PhD (She/Her/Hers) is AFA’s Director of Research. In this role, she leads AFA’s efforts to advance scientific understanding, innovation, and equity in dementia research in the hopes of meaningfully improving diagnosis, care, and quality of life for families affected by dementia-related illnesses. Her work focuses on identifying early biomarkers, understanding caregiver burden, and bridging the gap between science and community impact. Prior to joining AFA in September 2019, she served over 15 years in the fields of public health, aging, and dementia. She is a published author, peer reviewer in scientific, medical, and public health journals, and public speaker. When she’s not working, Donna enjoys travel, sports, art, sculpting, languages, and learning new things.

Maillard Howell

Maillard Howell is a certified fitness coach and movement specialist dedicated to helping individuals build strength, resilience, and confidence through intentional, functional training. With a focus on holistic well-being, Maillard blends physical performance with mindful presence to support both body and mind. He empowers clients to move with purpose, challenge limits, and cultivate habits that contribute to long-term health and empowerment.

Eric Mosley

Eric Mosley is a Yoga Alliance–registered yoga and meditation teacher, educator, and founder of Black Mat Yoga. With over a decade in education and school leadership, he creates inclusive wellness spaces that center authenticity and make yoga accessible—particularly for people of color. Eric is a graduate of Morehouse College and holds a Master’s in Teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education.

Anthony Duncan

Anthony Thomas Duncan is a mental health advocate and Co-Founder of Dead the Silence, an initiative creating safe spaces for unspoken mental health challenges. A chemistry graduate of Morehouse College, he is currently pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Nutrition at New York University Steinhardt with plans to become a Registered Dietitian focused on Community Nutrition.

Shani R. Scott, MD

Shani R. Scott is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and a physician in the Division of General Internal Medicine at Montefiore Medical Center. She earned her medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine and completed her internal medicine residency at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell. Dr. Scott teaches and mentors medical students and residents, serves as Associate Program Director for the Internal Medicine Residency Program, and works to improve chronic disease care and advance diversity and inclusion in medical education.

Wasidah Francols

Wasidah Francois is a New York City–based holistic health and wellness practitioner specializing in yoga, sound meditation, and womb healing. A certified doula and restorative yoga instructor, she creates integrative wellness experiences that support emotional balance, mindfulness, and whole-body healing. She has partnered with organizations including Snapchat, LinkedIn, NYU, and the 100 Black Men Network to expand access to culturally grounded wellness practices.

Chef Chris Caldwell

Chef Caldwell is an acclaimed chef and culinary entrepreneur dedicated to creating soulful, elevated experiences through food. With a passion for flavor, creativity, and community, he leads Caldwell Catering in crafting thoughtful menus that celebrate diverse culinary traditions and foster connection around the table. Known for his commitment to quality and innovation, Chef Caldwell brings both heart and expertise to every event he serves.

Robert L. Newman III

Robert L. Newman III is a 2014 Morehouse College graduate and works as an Artist and Entrepreneur based in Harlem, New York. Prior to working as a full-time artist, Newman worked as a Wall Street financial / business analyst for over 8 years. As a visual artist, Newman has exhibited his work in galleries and museums nationally and internationally. He is involved in various mentoring initiatives and arts-based non-profits, including his current role as a Board of Directors for Americans for the Arts member. Some of his noteworthy projects include The Words on White Movement, Silent Renaissance Series, and The 10,000 Paintings Project.

Lendell Marshall

Lendel Marshall is a New York–based photographer and educator known for his creative visual storytelling and mastery of light. Through his work, he captures compelling moments with a focus on clarity, emotion, and composition. Lendel’s photography ranges across events, portraits, and lifestyle projects, reflecting his disciplined eye and commitment to elevating every subject he photographs.

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