18th Annual Community Empowerment Through Black Men Healing Conference

Join us on Thursday, June 25, and Friday, June 26, 2026, at St. Paul College for a day and a half of inspiration, healing, and empowerment. This year’s theme is “The Mind, Body, and Soul of Community Healing.” The conference will address the challenges that trauma poses to the mental, physical, and spiritual health of our communities.

Participants will be exposed to culturally sensitive, trauma-informed approaches that foster a supportive environment and emphasize the importance of community healing. Attendees can look forward to a day and a half of engaging workshops, inspiring speakers, and valuable networking with educators and community practitioners.

This event aims to promote mutual learning for growth and healing. Everyone is welcome, regardless of gender or culture, especially those who work within the community or are interested in this important topic. Mark your calendars for this "Groundbreaking” conference!

and learn from each other. Mark your calendars and prepare for a day and a half of growth and healing! For updates, additional information is available at www.brothershealing.com. Thank You

Refunds up to 7 days before the event. Eventbrite's fee is nonrefundable.

Approved by the Minnesota Board of Social Work, social workers, LPCs, LPCCs from the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health & Therapy, and LMFTs from the Minnesota Board of Marriage & Family Therapy. It is the individual licensee's responsibility to ensure that this event meets their continuing education requirements.

Please be aware that professional photography and videography may take place during events, conferences, or classes. Your image may be used in printed and electronic materials created by the Conference Organizers for promotional and educational purposes. Additionally, your image may be shared with the media, third parties, or published online.

Samuel Simmons Consulting and Healing Brothers reserve the right to cancel any event, conference, or class due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances. In the event of a cancellation, participants will be notified as soon as possible by telephone and/or email. We will make every reasonable effort to reschedule the event.

Info: "A Son’s Reckoning With Family: Trauma, Truth-Telling, and the Path Toward Community Healing"
He will explore how trauma affects the mental, physical, and spiritual health of Black individuals and communities through storytelling and clinical insights. Using trauma-informed methods, he will emphasize social connections, cultural practices, and other paths to community healing.

Info: Pastor Carmen Lewis, author of “Loving Jesus Made Me Crazy,” will chat with Mr. Simmons about Trauma and the Church and more.

Pastor Carmen Lewis is a racial justice and community healing leader, an ordained Pastor with over two decades of service, and the author of Loving Jesus Made Me Crazy—a healing journey exploring recovery from church hurt and religious trauma, and reconnecting with God. A Chicago native rooted in Minneapolis, she is the founder of Black Brilliance and a nationally recognized facilitator, speaker, and advocate who creates culturally grounded healing spaces for Black and racialized communities.

Info: Sam Simmons, LADC, behavioral consultant, co-creator of the conference, and co-host of the "Voices" radio show on KMOJ FM, will use his family story to critically examine the link between historical and/or intergenerational trauma and current challenges in the black community and its relationship to family health. He will also explore practical trauma-informed, culture-sensitive approaches that celebrate family and uplift the community.

Info: Rev. Aledria “Lee” A. Buckley is a leader in trauma and spiritual care, emphasizing community healing and the role of the faith community.

Rev. Aledria “Lee” A. Buckley is an executive leader, trauma-informed practitioner, and spiritual care provider whose work bridges systems leadership and community healing.

Info: The panel will discuss community trauma and spiritual care, emphasizing healing together and the role of our faith community in this journey.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Sam Simmons, LADC