Patrick Vernon

“When Black people mourn, it is not only for the passing of loved ones. As a community, Black people will also be mourning the systemic inequalities, racial prejudices and oppressions we experience daily.”

On Friday 30th May, Reach Society will host its 144th FREE Network Conversation, a powerful and timely roundtable titled Navigating the Pathways of Black Grief and the Healing Process. The event will be held via Zoom and aims to spark a deep and meaningful dialogue around grief, healing, and systemic trauma in Black communities.

This conversation will draw from the recent publication Black Grief and Healing, edited by Dr Yansie Rolston FRSA and Prof Patrick Vernon OBE. The book explores how grief intersects with health inequality, trauma, and racial injustice which is rarely addressed in mainstream mental health discourses.

About the event
This virtual roundtable brings together leading voices including Dr Yansie Rolston FRSA, Prof Patrick Vernon OBE, Tony Cealy, Maureen Anderson, and Debi Lewinson, who will share insights from the book Black Grief and Healing alongside their professional and lived experiences in mental health, cultural history, theatre, and bereavement support. The discussion will explore how personal and collective grief in Black communities is shaped not only by loss but also by the enduring impacts of racism, intergenerational trauma, and systemic inequality. Key themes will include the stigma around mental health, barriers to accessing support, the role of cultural practices and storytelling in healing, and the importance of community-based resilience. Attendees will be encouraged to engage actively and consider how we can transform pain into purpose.

Why this conversation matters
The conversation will explore personal and collective grief in the Black community, particularly in relation to racism, intergenerational trauma, and inequality. Topics include mental health stigma, access to support services, the healing power of culture and storytelling, and the role of community in building resilience. Attendees will be invited to engage, reflect, and take part in shaping pathways toward healing.

About Reach Society

Reach Society is an award-winning social enterprise dedicated to inspiring and supporting young people, particularly Black boys and young men, to achieve their full potential. Founded in 2010, the Society connects youth with positive role models and professionals from similar backgrounds, offering guidance, encouragement, and opportunities for personal and career development. Through its events, mentoring, and outreach programs, Reach Society empowers the next generation to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.

Date: Friday, 30th May 2025
Time: 6:30 PM (via Zoom)
Event Host: Reach Society
Event No.: 144 in the FREE Network Conversation series

To register, simply click here

Once registered, you will receive a unique Zoom link to participate in the session.

For further information, contact:
📧 db_palmer@yahoo.co.uk
📞 07932 088 211