Over the past few years, post-slavery societies all over the world have started to recognize the reality of everyday racism that people of African descent experience. This program will help inform Black youth and their families on mental health and illness/distress from culturally relevant perspectives grounded in our diverse African Diaspora cultures.

Join us as we learn from David Grant about some common mental illnesses including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and PTSD. He will share about some of the factors that contribute to distress, including racism, conflict in our relationships, and biology. This program will also provide practical ways to manage mental health distress/illness and prevent distress from occurring, by highlighting healthy methods that our cultures have been using for generations to manage our health.

David Grant is a registered social worker with a Masters in Social work and specialized knowledge in psychiatric illnesses including addictions, children and family welfare, particularly for Black people of the African Diaspora. David is a current PhD student in the School of Public Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo where he is focusing his research on treatment, assessment and conceptualization of Black youth Mental Health and Illness.

Questions about online programs? Please email us at programproposals@tpl.ca

Toronto Public Library is committed to accessibility. Please call or email us if you are Deaf or have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to participate in this program. Please let us know as far in advance as possible and we will do our best to meet your request. At least three weeks' notice is preferred. Phone 416-393-7099 or email accessibleservices@tpl.ca

Culturally Appropriate Mental Health