Brooklyn workshop aims to build strengths for the Caribbean mind

Guyanese American Antoine B. Craigwell, a Caribbean Life Impact Award recipient and the president and CEO of the nonprofit Depressed Black Gay Men, Inc., (DBGM) will present a July 25 workshop called Building Strength for the Caribbean Mind in collaboration with the Consulate of St. Lucia in New York, the St. Lucia Foundation, and the St. Lucia National Day Committee Inc.

Craigwell told Caribbean Life on June 22 that due to overwhelming response from a May 16 four-day forum, many of the attendees expressed their desire to have another workshop, urgently asking how soon another could be held. 

“The attendees shared that there are many in their families and communities who they believe could benefit from attending the workshop,” said Craigwell, of the group discussion set to take place at the Saint Lucia House, located at 438 East 49th Street, in Brooklyn (between Church and Snyder Avenues).

Craigwell, who shares basic information about spotting symptoms of mental illness for suicide prevention, noted that several subjects will be discussed, including ancestors’ role in “our lives through practices and rituals provided for our mental health, illness and wellness, and to raising and exploring many aspects of mental illness, wellness an emphasis on using Creole (language familiar to many), simplified language with real world examples, and demonstrated applicability to their lived experiences — for themselves and for those close to them.”

He added that the workshop employs several tools, which are reinforced and practiced throughout and which attendees are encouraged incorporate and use daily.

The award-winning documentarian, who produced “You Are Not Alone” and contributed to “Headcase” — an Anthology of LGBTQ Writers and Artists on Mental Health and Wellness — shared that the workshop is free and open to anyone 18 years and older.

“While it is geared to Caribbean communities, non-Caribbean participants could be readily able to identify and understand the concepts, their descriptions and demonstrations,” Craigwell said.

DBGM, the parent organization providing the workshop, will provide continuing education credits/units (CEUs) to clinicians, such as Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Master Social Workers, and Licensed Mental Health Counselors, toward their licensing requirements, he said.

To learn more, and view upcoming events, visit inmymindconference.com.