Virtual Zarrow Mental Health Symposium Focuses on Healing from Historical Trauma
The premier mental health conference in the region, the 2020 Zarrow Mental Health Symposium — Healing From Historical Trauma is set for three days, Sept. 30-Oct. 2, online-only at zarrowsymposium.org.
Keynotes and all 54 breakout sessions will be offered virtually to maintain safety during COVID-19. This is the 26th year for the symposium which consistently draws some 800 participants and has been held at the COX Business Center in Tulsa since 2012.
To register for the virtual symposium, visit zarrowsymposium.org. Group rates and discounts for early registration are available.
About the Symposium
As Tulsa prepares to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the 1921 Race Massacre, Mental Health Association Oklahoma’s virtual Zarrow Mental Health Symposium will bring together state, regional and national experts to focus on the trauma associated with events such as the Race Massacre, the Trail of Tears, slavery, the Holocaust, and the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City.
Mark Davis, Chief Programs Officer of Mental Health Association Oklahoma, said, “This year’s symposium will truly be like no other in its long history. Offering it as a 100-percent virtual conference gives us the unique opportunity to reach a statewide, national and potentially even global audience determined to learn about and address the trauma associated with these tragedies.
“We must also acknowledge,” added Davis, “this global pandemic, along with the events and social unrest our nation is currently experiencing, are traumas that will have long-term implications and impact each of us and our communities in different ways as things continue to unfold. Poverty, hatred, discrimination and stigma contribute to inequities that will influence lives for generations.
Davis continued, “We invite everyone to join us on this journey of understanding and restoration as we examine and acknowledge our own implicit biases and how we can promote healing. In doing so, we must be willing to have difficult and sensitive conversations that transcend beyond blame, inequities and shame. We must, instead, focus on humanity, community, justice and building a resilient future, together.”
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Tim Wise
Tim Wise is among the most prominent anti-racist writers and educators in the United States. He is the author of seven books, including his latest, “Under the Affluence: Shaming the Poor, Praising the Rich and Sacrificing the Future of America.”
Darryl Tonemah, PhD
Dr. Darryl Tonemah (Kiowa/Comanche/Tuscarora) has sat on numerous state and national boards addressing disparities in education and health care among the Native community. He owns the Tonemah Consulting Group, an organization dedicated to increasing wellness in Native communities.
Hannibal B. Johnson, Esq.
Hannibal B. Johnson is a Tulsa attorney, author, and independent consultant specializing in diversity & inclusion/cultural competence issues and nonprofit governance. He is the author of “Black Wall Street: From Riot to Renaissance in Tulsa’s Historic Greenwood District.”
Joy DeGruy, PhD
Dr. Joy DeGruy is a nationally and internationally renowned researcher, educator, author and presenter. She is the acclaimed author of “Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome — America’s Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing.”
VIRTUAL EXHIBIT
Each year, a variety of exhibitors bring helpful information to distribute to people attending the event. Visitors can learn helpful resources in the community and find new ways to collaborate with other organizations.
The virtual exhibit hall will feature exhibitors who can share information about their organization and host live video conferences for visitors to learn more about their services. They will also be able to host promotions and giveaways.
