NAMI Elevates Black Perspectives in Mental Wellness Conversations

Next week, Sacramento will host families, educators, mental health advocates, and professionals united by a mission to diminish the stigma surrounding mental illness. The 2025 NAMI California Annual Conference is scheduled for Thursday and Friday, October 16-17, at the Sheraton Grand Hotel, offering rich opportunities for learning and networking.The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) will feature former Major League Baseball player Drew Robinson as the keynote speaker on the first day. After surviving a suicide attempt in 2020, he became an advocate for mental health, collaborating with the San Francisco Giants to share his experiences. The second day will spotlight former Rhode Island Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy, who was instrumental in the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, discussing equity in mental health.Marshea Pratt, NAMI California’s vice president, emphasized creating hope and community, underscoring the need to normalize help-seeking behaviors. Focused discussions surrounding Black mental health will feature workshops and sessions designed to amplify marginalized voices. Registration is available at namica.org/conference or by calling 916-567-0163.