History has shown that for centuries, Black men and women have been targeted within their communities to enter the penal system in one way or another. There are many disparities against Black men and women that have created a heightened awareness over the last few years, especially June 2020 when the video of George Floyd’s death circulated across the country. So many names continue to be honored across the country to call out police brutality towards Black men and women. To this day, there men and women who remain imprisoned for minor offenses, or were wrongfully accused, while others are given lesser sentences or less harsh punishments after committing the same crimes.

This session will highlight the stories of men and women who have experienced injustices within the penal system as well as bring awareness to the impact of health disparities while inmates are incarcerated and after they are released. We will also discuss which avenues of support provided to prison systems in response to COVID-19.

This session will be moderated by Mr. Michael Hayes, CEO and Founder of Umoja Health and Wellness Center. Our panelists include Ms. Dominique Goodmond, CEO and Founder of Correctional Views in Raleigh, NC; Dr. Shuchin Shukla, Faculty Physician and Opiod Educator at MAHEC in Asheville, NC; and Ms. Belinda Gillespie, NC Certified Peer Support Specialist in the Department of Psychiatry at MAHEC in Asheville, NC.

The session will take place on Friday, April 16, 2021 at Noon.