Third Annual Black Muslim Psychology Conference

By Final Call News | Last updated: Jul 11, 2017 - 12:29:52 PM

The 3rd Annual Black Muslim Psychology Conference will be held in Philadelphia, Friday, July 21 and Saturday, July 22. The event is hosted by Black Muslim Psychology Conference and Muslim Wellness Foundation, Inc.

The conference theme is “Leading With Compassion: In Search of Healing Justice & Collective Well-Being.”

In a world in which we witness continued BlackLivesMatter protests and rising anti-Muslim bigotry and violence in this country and abroad, it is vitally important to increase an understanding of how racism, Islamophobia, systemic oppression as well as daily microaggressions impact the emotional well-being of the largest racial group within the American Muslim community- Black Muslims, said conference organizers.

“Post-election and inauguration, there has been an increase in hate crimes, discrimination as well as anxiety induced by uncertainty and feelings of powerlessness in the face of impending proposals and executive actions that threaten the safety and well-being of individuals and communities. We believe that racial oppression and religious discrimination are forms of violence which directly leads to increase in traumatic stress or racial trauma. The process of healing from that violence is critical to improving individual and collective healing and justice. Healing also leads to an improved sense of agency and empowerment which in turns leads to greater engagement in communal advocacy.”

Conference organizers continued, “As Black Muslims living in post-9/11, post-Ferguson, Trump era, we must explore the role of leaders in facilitating community healing. This conference will examine the following: Leadership in Action: Are there Black Muslim leadership models that integrate the sunnah/prophetic tradition and liberation theology? Leadership Development: What skills and training are needed to nurture emotionally intelligent individuals and leaders? Self-Awareness: How should leaders engage in self-care, address personal traumas and cope with burn-out and compassion fatigue? Accountability: How do we hold our leaders accountable for providing appropriate pastoral care during times of upheaval and turmoil? Power/Privilege: How do we effectively address intergenerational and gender related tensions which lead to feelings of disconnection, alienation and marginalization within our community? Emotional Intelligence: How do we care for vulnerable and suffering members of the community in a compassionate, empathic manner?

“The aim of this two-day conference is to gather grassroots activists, youth leaders, community organizers, community members, religious scholars and multidisciplinary experts in conversation about the role of leaders (formal and informal) in facilitating community healing and addressing issues related to race, gender, faith, power, privilege and emotional well-being,” said organizers.

“We will also brainstorm strategies and opportunities for solidarity and authentic allyship. This conference is also dedicated to expanding the conversation on self-love, self-acceptance and self-determination. We will engage in honest dialogue through didactic workshops, small group discussions and interactive group learning exercises. This gathering is open to all and people of all faiths (or none) and backgrounds are encouraged to attend and participate. Friday’s session will include an on-site Jumuah prayer service. Workshop materials as well as breakfast, lunch and snacks will be provided on both days.”

There will be an Imam Roundtable as their “pivotal role in caring for the spiritual and emotional health of American Muslims and their families” is discussed. “BMPC2017 will explore the role of leaders in facilitating community healing. To facilitate this dialogue, we have convened the Imam Roundtable, a historic meeting of 30+ Black Imams (religious leaders) from around the country. These leaders will engage in dialogue about compassionate leadership and community well being,” said conference organizers.

Conference location:
Commonwealth Chateau at Sugarloaf
Chestnut Hill College
9220 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19118

For more information: [email protected], or call (267) 571-1730. Register at www.blackmuslimpsychology.org/register.

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