Watch archive of livestream from Thursday, May 19, 6:00-7:30 pm EST. Click through to YouTube for timestamps of topics discussed.
How are activists responding to such issues as attacks on democracy, attacks on protesters, activism in the pandemic-era, activism after the murder of George Floyd, solidarity work, hate crimes, the backlash to racial justice, and the lingering impact of historic traumas. How is mental health within the field? What can the views and experiences of activists teach us about strengthening mental wellbeing in our communities?
Join us online for THE ONLY OPTION IS ACTION: A Conversation with Activists About Mental Health. With Mike Ishii, Judith LeBlanc (Caddo Nation), Maru Mora-Villalpando, Vilissa Thompson, LMSW, and Nala Toussaint. Moderated by Brian Tate. Opening performance by Angel Nafis.
ABOUT THE PANELISTS
Moderator
Brian Tate, Director of Community Partnerships, The WNET Group; Founder, Tate Strategy
Panelists
Mike Ishii, Co-chair, Tsuru for Solidarity
Judith LeBlanc (Caddo Nation), Director, Native Organizers Alliance
Maru Mora-Villalpando, CEO, Latino Advocacy; Founder, La Resistencia
Vilissa Thompson, LMSW, Founder & CEO, Ramp Your Voice!
Nala Toussaint, Founder, Reuniting of African Descendants
Opening Performance
Angel Nafis, writer, teacher, blkgirl; Author, BlackGirl Mansion
PANELISTS IN THE NEWS
Judith LeBlanc (Caddo Nation): Self Care in the Multiracial Movement for Black Lives – COLORLINES
Maru Mora-Villalpando: The Time Is Now, Whatever It Costs – Yes Magazine
Vilissa Thompson, LMSW: Slowing down, sitting in silence, and practicing self-care has never been more important – Prism
Nala Toussaint: “We are still here, and there is beauty and healing in that.” – i-D Magazine
Angel Nafis: Eight Black LGBTQ Poets to Give Your Flowers To Right Now – Autostraddle
ABOUT THE SERIES
GRACE UNDER PRESSURE: Town Halls on Mental Health (April 28-May 26) is a five-week examination of mental health from the perspectives of frontline thinkers and doers who help define American society: healthcare workers, K-12 teachers, mental health providers, activists, and journalists. The series will present frank talk about issues and solutions, with an understanding of history and eyes toward the future.
Streaming on Thursdays, 6:00-7:30 p.m. EST, from April 28-May 26.
Presented by The WNET Group, America’s flagship PBS station.
Curated by Brian Tate, Director of Community Partnerships, The WNET Group.
Promotional Partners
Asian American Federation
National Alliance on Mental Illness of New York City (NAMI-NYC)
Series Schedule
May 5: K-12 Teachers: Lesson Learned
May 12: Mental Health Providers: Taking Time to Breathe
May 19: Activists: The Only Option is Action
May 26: Journalists: Break the News
LIVE