Brooklyn workshop to help Caribbean communities build mental strength
Guyanese American advocate Antoine B. Craigwell will lead the free July 25 session with St Lucia’s consulate in New York, after strong demand from a May forum.
NEW YORK, United States. Guyanese American Antoine B. Craigwell will present a free workshop, Building Strength for the Caribbean Mind, on July 25 in collaboration with the Consulate of St Lucia in New York, the St Lucia Foundation and the St Lucia National Day Committee.
Craigwell, a Caribbean Life Impact Award recipient and president and chief executive of the non-profit Depressed Black Gay Men, Inc. (DBGM), told Caribbean Life on June 22 that the session follows an overwhelming response to a four-hour forum on May 16.
Many attendees asked how soon another could be held, he said. “The attendees shared that there are many in their families and communities who they believe could benefit from attending the workshop.”
What it covers
The group discussion will take place at Saint Lucia House, 438 East 49th Street in Brooklyn, between Church and Snyder Avenues.
Craigwell, who shares basic information about spotting symptoms of mental illness for suicide prevention, said topics would include the role of ancestors in mental health through practices and rituals.
He said the workshop places an emphasis on using Creole, simplified language and real-world examples relevant to attendees’ lived experiences, and uses tools that participants are encouraged to practise daily.
“While it is geared to Caribbean communities, non-Caribbean participants could be readily able to identify and understand the concepts, their descriptions and demonstrations,” Craigwell said.
Open to all adults
The workshop is open to anyone aged 18 and over. DBGM will provide continuing education credits to clinicians including licensed clinical social workers, licensed master social workers and licensed mental health counsellors.
Craigwell is also an award-winning documentary maker who produced “You Are Not Alone” and contributed to “Headcase”, an anthology of LGBTQ writers and artists on mental health and wellness. More information is available at inmymindconference.com.
