1st Annual Dr. Norma Goode Black Family Institute

The Dr. Norma Goode Black Family Institute is dedicated to the advancement of

the Black Family in America; and will focus on the healing of intergenerational

wounds stemming from enslavement and 402 years of White Supremacy and

systemic oppression. The Institute is a platform to discuss and contextualize the

unique features of Black Mental Health, and facilitate cultural relevant and

African-Centered Healing modalities. This year’s workshops will focus on the

Biological, Physical, and Spiritual impact of the MAAFA (Enslavement) on Black

Mental Health; and will also discuss healing paradigms such as Emotional

Emancipation and Cultural Reconstruction as relevant and progressive healing

tools. This year’s keynote speaker is the distinguished Psychologist Dr. Jonathan

D. Vital (Nana Obrafohene Kwaw) who is the Clinical Coordinator and

Neuropsychologist for the Center for Children Cheltenham, Maryland. Dr. Vital’s

presentation is entitled “Reclaiming the Discipline of Psychology (Mental Health):

Implications for the Black/African Experience in America. The final workshop of

the Institute is entitled The MAAFA (Trans-Atlantic Slave trade), Urban Trauma,

and Emotional Emancipation. The presenters for this workshop are Dr. Ram

Bhagat, Manager of School Culture and Climate Richmond Public Schools,

Founder- Drums No Guns and a member of the Richmond Association of Black

Social Workers. Okomfo Olufemi Shepsu, Social Worker Richmond Public Schools,

Sage African-Centered Academy National Association of Black Social Workers, Co-

Chair Pan African Affairs Committee National Association of Black Social Workers,

Co-Chair Education Committee Richmond Association of Black Social Workers,

Priest (Shrine Worker) Akan Cultural/Spiritual Tradition of Ghana West Africa. Dr.

Mark James CEO Urban Trauma Healing Institute & Mentor Coordinator Virginia

Union University.