Professor Sir Patrick Vernon OBE FRHistS

Hidden Truth will bring together a powerful panel for “Am I My Brother’s Keeper?”, an academic debate exploring the intersection of neurodivergence, racism and mental wellbeing within Black communities.

Taking place on Tuesday 25 August 2026 as part of Nubian Tuesday, the event will create a space for open and challenging conversations around racism, neurodivergence, mental health and the lessons that must be learned from recent tragic events.

Among the distinguished speakers will be Sir Patrick Vernon OBE, social commentator and political activist, alongside Cheryl Phoenix, Founder of The Black Child Agenda, and Rotimi Akinsete, therapeutic counsellor, author and director.

The event will also feature Lady Ma’at, Chef Kev and The Investigator, bringing together a range of perspectives and experiences to explore issues affecting communities today.

Exploring Race, Neurodivergence and Mental Wellbeing

The discussion will explore a number of important questions, including:

• Are levels of racism increasing in everyday life?
• What does it mean to be a professional living with neurodivergence?
• How can individuals deal with extreme loneliness?
• What lessons can communities learn from tragic incidents and public controversies?

The debate will follow significant public discussion surrounding the death of Professor Jason Arday and the wider questions it has raised about racism, vulnerability, mental wellbeing and the treatment of Black professionals in public life.

Rather than avoiding difficult subjects, Hidden Truth will encourage honest conversation while maintaining a focus on solutions, learning and collective responsibility.

The event will provide an opportunity for attendees to hear from experienced voices and consider how individuals and communities can respond to racism, isolation and mental health challenges.

A Conversation That Matters

“Am I My Brother’s Keeper?” will be more than a discussion. It will provide an opportunity to ask difficult questions, challenge assumptions and consider what responsibility looks like when members of a community are experiencing hardship.

The conversation will encourage the creation of spaces where difficult experiences can be discussed openly, while promoting greater awareness, compassion and action around neurodivergence, racism and mental wellbeing.