Community Healing Forum
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā The Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi) South Florida chapter presents a Community Healing Forum to be held on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016 from 6 to 8 p.m., at the African American Research Library in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
The community forum aims to create a safe space for citizens to express their concerns about the spate of police involved shootings of African American men. The recurring use of lethal force by police in incidents across the nation, including the Sept. 9th shooting in Pompano Beach, have evoked anger and fear in our community.
The psychologists of ABPsi South Florida wish to offer their expertise to create a context for discussion of these recent events, to allow concerned citizens to express their anguish, to disseminate mental health referral sources, and to allow members of law enforcement to collaborate in developing action plans to alleviate citizensā concerns.
We believe that a community living in fear cannot rise to its full potential. We are troubled by the criminalization of law abiding African American men and support their right to live in safety and their right to be protected by the police.
A distinguished panel of speakers will address the audience: Frank Adderley, Chief of Police for the City of Fort Lauderdale, prominent Defense Attorney Frantz McLawrence and University of Miami Psychologist Dr. Joan Muir. Following a brief presentation by each speaker, there will be an extensive period for comments and questions from the audience.
We anticipate an evening of open dialogue to promote healing in our community and to release the energy needed to take positive action. We look forward to your attendance.
Ischaji Nyerere Robertson, Psy.D.
President
