Queens Public Library set to host 24-hour ‘Black Health and Healing’ summit

Former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. M. Jocelyn Elders will speak during a Queens Public Library-sponsored summit on health in the Black and African-American community. Official portrait

By Rachel Vick
Queens Public Library will host a 24-hour virtual event addressing health issues affecting Black and African-Americans as Black History Month gets underway next week.

The event titled “Black Health and Healing Summit” will begin at 8 a.m. on Feb. 5 and will cover topics ranging from racial equity and systemic health disparities to practicing self care.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has not only disproportionately affected Black Americans with respect to infection and death rates, but it has also brought into sharp focus the inequities and disparities in the U.S. healthcare system,” said Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. 

The event, hosted in conjunction with the Black Caucus of the American Library Association, explores three categories — health education, health connections for the mind, body & soul, and activating health through transformative practices — with panels, lectures and interactive workshops.

Notable speakers include Paraolympian Patrick “Blake” Leeper, former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. M. Jocelyn Elders, WNBA star Renee Montgomery, legendary hip hop artist Doug E. Fresh, Actress Amanda Seales and trailblazing scientist Dr. Kizzmekia S. Corbett, who helped develop the COVID-19 vaccine.

Attendees will also be able to participate in Barber Shop or Beauty Shop talks —  virtual roundtables meant to encourage open discussion of the issues that matter to participants. 

“2020 has been a challenging time, especially for Black and Brown communities,” said Shauntee Burns-Simpson, President of the BCALA. “This summit will offer resources that can help educate, transform, and activate healthier practices for the mind, body, and soul.”
A full schedule with links to register for the free event is available online.