Durham Catholic District School Board Presents Be You, Be Well: A Black Mental Health Day Event

Posted On Tuesday February 20, 2024

Monday, March 4, 2024, marks the fifth annual Black Mental Health Day, recognized by communities across Ontario. On Black Mental Health Day, we are called to recognize the ongoing impact on mental health that results from experiences of anti-Black racism and to raise awareness of the specific mental health needs of Black communities.

Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) invites students, families, and community members to join us as we examine these impacts and needs and discuss ways in which members of the community can support their mental health.

This year, DCDSB is proud to present Be You, Be Well: A Black Mental Health Day Event on March 4, 2024. Roxanne Francis will be the keynote presenter. Roxanne is an award-winning psychotherapist, registered social worker, consultant, leadership coach and international speaker, who has been helping people access tools to change their lives for over 15 years. The event will also feature a panel discussion including Trudy Stone (Culinary Nutritionist), Joy Lapps (Musical Artist/Composer), Karrianne Edwards (Psychotherapist), and more!

The details for Be You, Be Well: A Black Mental Health Day Event are as follows:

  • Date: Monday, March 4, 2024
  • Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Note: doors open at 6:00 p.m., with community partner information booths and food available to attendees.
  • Location: Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School (1375 Harwood Ave N., Ajax)
  • Cost: Free!
  • Registration: To register for this event, please click here.

“As a board, we acknowledge the historical and contemporary systemic anti-Black racism that has impacted the well-being of the Black community,” said Paula Sorhaitz, DCDSB Superintendent of Education. “Black Mental Health Day provides an opportunity to discuss these experiences, share available supports, highlight the ongoing need for change and emphasize the intersection of equity and mental health, knowing that student well-being is an essential component to student success.”

To learn more and to register for Be You, Be Well: A Black Mental Health Day Event, please visit the DCDSB website.