Former Atlanta Mayor to Speak at Valley Symposium

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms will be the keynote speaker at “Unmute the Uncomfortable 2024 – A Symposium on Racial Equity, Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention.” 

The daylong event, presented by Coleman Health Services in partnership with the Trumbull County Mental Health and Recovery Board, will take place April 26 at the Eastwood Event Centre in Niles. 

While serving as mayor during the Covid-19 pandemic and a racial justice movement, Bottoms became a leading spokesperson regarding the challenges and opportunities facing cities and leaders across America. 

“Many of us came to know Keisha Lance Bottoms during the George Floyd riots, when she called for calm in the streets, speaking not only as the mayor of a major U.S. city but also as a mother of four children,” said Stacia Erdos, development executive for Coleman Health Services in the Mahoning Valley. “She has become an inspiring mental health advocate and will share with the Valley her own struggles and challenges.”

Judge Carla Baldwin of Youngstown Municipal Court will moderate the event and will interview Bottoms in a fireside chat format.

Poet Barbara Fant, who grew up in Youngstown and now lives in Los Angeles, will give a presentation, and LaToya Logan of Project Lift will speak on “Males Championing Equity for Women.” Several other high-profile speakers will round out the day’s agenda.

“I’m excited to shift this year’s focus to women, more specifically women of color. Representation matters, and data shows us that Black women are often underrepresented in leadership positions across various industries,” said Katie Cretella, director of clinical services at the Trumbull County Mental Health and Recovery Board. “With a commitment to amplifying diverse voices and addressing systemic inequities, this year’s lineup of impressive female speakers will address the importance of gender equity, minority stress and intersectionality and the impact on one’s mental health.”

Continuing education credits are planned for a number of professions, including social workers, counselors, school counselors, nurses, EMTs and attorneys. The cost is $100, which includes breakfast and lunch. A resource fair with community providers will be held in conjunction with the event.

To register or for information on sponsorship opportunities, click HERE.

Pictured at top: Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.