Ripping The Band-Aid: A Frank Talk on Mental Health In The Black Community

We are presenting a twist on our popular Community Lunch & Learn series by hosting a community conversation in North Tulsa about minority mental health.

Join us for an honest, open conversation, and hear from local influencers as they shed light on critical considerations including stigma, cultural influence, access to resources and more.

Esteemed panelists include:
Amber Thaxton, Founder & LPC Supervisor for Joy Christian Counseling, LLC

Amber is a Licensed Professional Counselor and is the founder of Joy Christian Counseling, LLC. Amber is a warm, insightful, and motivating individual who has found her life’s calling in serving others through encouragement and support. She is a married mother of two unique and inspiring children. Her life is not a fairytale, but she has definitely followed her dreams and pressed towards the things she values in life such as faith, individuality and love. Since graduating from Oral Roberts University, she has been working in the field of counseling for nearly 7 years and has experience working with people who have faced some of life’s toughest challenges.

Dr. Ray Owens, Senior Pastor for Metropolitan Baptist Church

In addition to his parish work, Dr. Owens serves as the Affiliate Assistant Professor of Ethics and Black Church Studies at the Phillips Theological Seminary and has taught religious studies courses at Oklahoma State University and Texas Christian University.

Dr. Owens is deeply involved in diverse spaces within the Tulsa community. He serves
as a board member for Tulsa Educare, The George Kaiser Family Foundation, The
Tulsa Community Foundation and Tulsa Tech. Additionally, Rev. Owens is the
Founder and board member of the Met Cares Foundation, a non-profit that seeks
to facilitate the development of high performing schools in the north Tulsa
community.

In 1989, Dr. Owens earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from the
University of Texas at Austin and the Master of Divinity Degree from Princeton
Theological Seminary in 1998. In the Spring of 2005, he received the cum laude
distinction for his doctoral dissertation and earned the degree of Doctor of
Philosophy in Religion and Society from Princeton Theological Seminary. He is a
proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Sigma Pi Phi
Fraternity, Inc. Pastor Owens is married to Dr. Dion Owens, and they are
the parents of two adult daughters.
Tim Newton, Executive Director for Tulsa Dream Center
Tim is the Tulsa Dream Center’s third executive director since its inception more than 20 years ago. He started in 2008 as Programs Director following five years in international missions and five years in civil engineering. He has a master's degree in divinity from Oral Roberts University and a bachelor's degree in engineering from Georgia Tech. Tim oversees an organization that touches more than 85,000 lives each year, a $4 million+ annual operating budget, and serves as the organization’s lead minister and spokesman. Tim has a huge heart for at-risk youth, community development and entrepreneurship.
Kim James, LPC-S, Clinical Director of Tulsa County for GRAND Mental Health
Kim is a native of North Tulsa, Oklahoma, born to Paul and Leatha James. She grew up as the youngest child in her family and graduated from the esteemed Booker T. Washington High School in 1986. Continuing her education, Kim earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Oklahoma. "BOOMER."

With a passion for mental health, Kim has dedicated 32 years to the field, serving as a licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor for the past 20 years. Her career has focused on supporting youth and their families, driven by a deep sense of purpose, and calling.

Kim's faith is central to her life, guided by Isaiah 50:4: "The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary." This scripture inspires her daily as she strives to help others.

Beyond her professional life, Kim has been actively involved in her community and church. She served as the Youth Ministry Coordinator at Revelations Revealed Truth Evangelistic Center (RRTEC), under the guidance of Pastors Drs. Clarence V. Boyd and Kim Boyd. Her commitment to youth extends beyond her professional role; Kim has also fostered five children whom she considers her own, alongside raising her daughter Kennedi and grandson Kingston, who she adores beyond measure.

Kim's dedication and excellence have been recognized with numerous awards, including Therapist of the Year, Support Staff of the Year, and Hometown Hero. However, the award that holds the most significance for her is the Best Friend Award bestowed upon her by her beloved grandson Kingston.

Known affectionately as Auntie by many, Kim embodies warmth, wisdom, and a profound love for her family and community. Her journey is a testament to resilience, faith, and a steadfast commitment to serving others.

Greenwood Cultural Center
322 N Greenwood Ave
Tulsa, OK 74120

11:30am Welcome and remarks from GRAND leadership

11:35am Introduction of panelists

11:45am Panel discussion

12:40pm Q&A

12:50pm Closing remarks

1:00pm Adjournment

Space is limited. Reserve your seat now!
The first 100 attendees will receive a boxed lunch to enjoy during the discussion.
If unable to attend in person, please join us virtually at:
https://zoom.us/j/95819344620
Livestream will start at 11:30am

Host or Publisher GRAND Mental Health