We're back for round two of the Justice Summer Series - 2020 edition! The second installment of the JSS will take place virtually on Thursday, August 6th, at 7:00 PM. Though the series looks different this year, we look forward to hosting these events to generate conversations about justice in our city.

For the second installment, we will discuss the importance of education and mental health, especially in communities where adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are present. The panel discussion will feature Brad Schwall and Jamila Thomas.

This event is free, but registration will be required, so be sure to register yourself and invite a friend. You don't want to miss it! The livestream link will be sent to all those who have registered.

For more information or any questions, please reach out to us at info@actforjustice.org.

About our panelists:

Brad Schwall has been providing counseling, training, and curriculum development for more than 25 years. He is featured regularly in interviews on mental health on WFAA-TV, Channel 8, Dallas/Fort Worth’s ABC affiliate. His work with and within churches, schools, health care systems, and nonprofits has focused on encouraging the mental and emotional well-being of children, teens, adults, families, and communities. As President & CEO of The Center for Integrative Counseling and Psychology, Dr. Schwall provides leadership to The Center's mission to provide quality counseling and psychological services where people live, work, play, and pray. Dr. Schwall earned his Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Psychotherapy from Garrett Theological Seminary on the campus of Northwestern University, his Master of Divinity at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, his Clinical Residency in Pastoral Psychotherapy at The Center, and his Bachelor of Science in Education from Baylor University.

Jamila Thomas is a 2019 Presidential Leadership Scholar appointed by the Presidential Centers of William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush and Lyndon B. Johnson. She is a native of Dallas, Texas and a graduate of Florida A&M University, located in Tallahassee, Florida. She received her undergraduate degree in Business Administration and a graduate degree, Masters of Business of Administration (MBA). She also has a Master of Arts degree in Divinity from The University of Chicago Divinity School. In 2018, at the direction of the Dallas Independent School District Board of Trustees, Jamila created and established the Racial Equity Office for Dallas ISD. In this capacity, she was responsible for developing culturally responsive policies and programs designed to close the achievement gap and simultaneously build culturally intelligent practices for all faculty and staff. Jamila now serves as Senior Vice President for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Dallas and is responsible for building the strategic plan for community and corporate engagement. In addition, she is a member of the National Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and serves as policy chair. Jamila currently lives in Cedar Hill, Texas with her husband, Brandon Thomas and two children, Braylon and Jaidence.

*Justin Henry is no longer available to share as a panelist due to a pressing schedule conflict. We are grateful for his willingness to share even though he won't be able to join us this time.

Pre-Event Resources for Attendees

If you'd like to prepare for this conversation, review this ACEs infographic put together by the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University.

Thank you to our Justice Summer Series sponsor