September marks National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and this weekend, the HOPE in Harlem Conference aims to boost mental health support for young people through sports.
The conference, taking place on Saturday at First Corinthian Baptist Church on Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard, will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A Wellness Street Fair will follow, extending until 4 p.m.
Hosted by the innovative HOPE Center clinic, the event is part of ongoing efforts to challenge mental health stigma in the Black community. The clinic is known for its groundbreaking work in promoting mental well-being and providing community support.
The conference will feature professional athletes, medical professionals, and educators. Among the notable guests is Dr. Sidney Hankerson, Director of Mental Health Equity Research at Mount Sinai’s Icahn School of Medicine. Dr. Hankerson emphasized the importance of engaging men in mental health discussions, stating, “Men are more likely to die by suicide than women. Our goal is to reduce stigma among men by partnering with sports and faith-based organizations.”
Dr. Lena Green, executive director of the HOPE Center, highlighted the positive impact of their programs. She noted that, according to feedback from parents, students’ grades have improved, and they are more respectful and communicative at home.
The conference will also serve as a platform to connect with a national coalition of churches interested in adopting the clinic’s mental health model.
One participant, Kacey Little, 16, has been part of the HOPE Center’s THRIVE program since she was young. Little, who began playing softball at age 5 after being inspired by Jackie Robinson, shared her personal journey. Her best friend was tragically killed this summer, which has motivated her to focus on her future and make the most of each day.
Little, now a junior at St. Raymond Academy, is preparing for college athletics with a strengthened mental outlook, thanks to her experiences at THRIVE.
Dr. Green emphasized the program’s success in creating a supportive environment for teens. “We have good street cred with our teens,” she said. “They are encouraging their friends to join us, knowing it’s a safe space to discuss their feelings.”
The HOPE in Harlem Conference represents a vital step forward in addressing mental health issues and fostering resilience among young people.
