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Psychological resilience is the ability to mentally or emotionally cope with stress. This 4-part series will increase your cultural understanding of resilience and how it applies to your life today.
SANKOFA: Culturally Based Resiliency Training
Psychological resilience is the ability to mentally or emotionally cope with life “challenges.” Cultural resilience occurs when the persons use their instinctual "mental, behavioral, and spiritual processes to create personal resources that protect 'self' from the potential negative effects of life stressors.”
In simpler terms, resilience exists in people who develop psychological and behavioral coping skills that allow them to navigate the ups-and-downs of life.
In this four-part session, participants will interactively increase their understanding of cultural resiliency, while simultaneously conducting a personal resiliency assessment and plan of action.
Goals:
1. Sankofa: Participants will increase their understanding of African-Americans historical cultural connection to the art of “resiliency.”
2. Meredwene Me Ho: Participants will assess the collective community and their personal resiliency skills.
3. Unbuntu: Participants will develop their personal and collective resiliency plan.
Dr. Curtis Kwodwo Williams II is an accomplished African-centered, community psychologist who, over the past 20 years, dedicated his life to helping others through direct clinical services, group programming, research, and training. His current and longest standing position as an African-centered clinical community-based psychologist at Ohio’s premier culturally based mental health agency Minority Behavioral Health Group (MBHG) has afforded him the opportunity to practice throughout Northeast Ohio.
In his current role as Community Programs Coordinator and Psychotherapist, he provides individual, collateral, and family therapy services for underserved populations (African-Americans, elderly, and children). While working at MBHG he has facilitated numerous culturally based projects involving macro systems such as Akron Public Schools, Summa Health System, the Akron judicial system (juvenile and adult), Akron Health Department, Job and Family Services, Adult Protective Services, and Children Services. He has over twenty years in the mental health and social service field.
Registration Instructions:
Please register in advance. This program will be presented on Zoom.
You will receive an email with the participation weblink seven days before the program. Please contact the Library if you are unable to attend.
If you do not have an email address, please contact Maple Valley Branch Library at 330.864.5721 to learn how to participate by phone.
A webcam and microphone may be necessary to participate fully in this interactive event. If you have one or neither of these, your participation may be limited.
Books you may enjoy:
"Black Joy: Stories of Resistance, Resilience, and Restoration"
"Joyous Resilience: A Path to Individual Healing and Collective Thriving in an Inequitable World"
AGE GROUP: | Adults |
EVENT TYPE: | Virtual Program | History | Education | Community Discussion |
The Maple Valley Branch Library is a key component of a neighborhood that finds a welcoming community gathering place within its walls. Artwork features local artists Debra Calhoun, Melissa Daubert, and the late Miller Horns, and a plaque pays tribute to poet and Maple Valley childhood customer Rita Dove. Rich book, movie, and music collections celebrate, among other genres, the extensive contribution of African-Americans to the arts, literature. In addition, the library is a hub of activity that ranges from computers and computer classes, WiFi, printing, copying, scanning and faxing, to hundreds of programs for all ages on themes as diverse as local history, book discussions, crafting, storytelling, homework help, and more.
Local non-profit groups meet at the Maple Valley Branch Library frequently, and Library staff can be found participating in events at local schools and as participants in community organizations working toward neighborhood success. Maple Valley Branch Library is the one-stop spot for education, creativity, and entertainment to suit all interests.
60 South High Street
Akron, Ohio 44326
330.643.9000
Our Mission: The Akron-Summit County Public Library provides resources for learning and leisure, information services, meeting spaces, and programs for all ages that support, improve, and enrich individual, family, and community life.
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