Coming Together Virginia hosts dinner talk on race and psychiatry
Free Press staff report | 5/16/2024, 6 p.m.
In a culmination of a three-part series exploring the intricate relationship between race and mental health, Coming Together Virginia presents its Tuesday Dinner Gathering on May 21 at 6 p.m. at Ginter Park Presbyterian Church. This event features guest speaker Dr. Shawn Utsey, a professor in the Department of Psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Dr. Utsey will present excerpts from his 2022 documentary “The Central Lunatic Asylum for the Colored Insane.” This film delves into the complex history of
the United States’ first psychiatric facility for African-Americans, shedding light on its evolution amidst the backdrop of scientific racism and racial disparities in mental health treatment.
This catered dinner gathering promises not only a nourishing meal but also an intellectually stimulating exchange of ideas. Contributions of $20 per person are accepted to help cover expenses. Coming Together Virginia is a local non-profit organization that typically unites people over a meal to have challenging conversations.
“No one will be turned away,” a statement from the group reads. “So please come regardless of your ability to bring a dish or make a donation. We appreciate your voice and spirit contributing to our conversations!”
