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- Registration is no longer available for this event.
Program Description
Event Details
We invite those who self-identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) to A Day of Wellness for BIPOC at the Oak Park Public Library. This program aims to foster connection, share resources and discuss specific experiences in a safe, welcome, and open space. Come to one or all of the events.
Event Schedule
11 AM - 12 PM Hybrid Panel Discussion. Please join Jor-El Caraballo, Emely Rumble and Karen J. Anderson, for a discussion on self-care for Black Men, self-care for Black Women and African beauty.
Jor-El Caraballo is a Licensed Mental Health Therapist, cofounder of Viva, a multi-state mental health practice and the author of Self-Care for Black Men. Jor-El has been featured in many magazines and websites, including Mind Body Green, Men’s Health, Healthline, Insider, Self, and more, sharing advice and insight on self-care, interpersonal relationships, dealing with trauma, and more.
Emely Rumble is a distinguished licensed clinical social worker, school social worker, and seasoned biblio/psychotherapist with over 14 years of professional experience and author of Bibliotherapy in the Bronx. Committed to making mental health services more accessible, Emely specializes in the transformative practice of bibliotherapy. Passionate about advocating for the integration of creative arts in psychotherapy, mental well-being, and self-improvement, Emely champions the social model of disability and embraces a neurodiversity-affirming therapeutic approach.
Karen J. Anderson is an Artist, Writer, Photographer, Publisher, and Filmmaker. Her presentation More than a Color: The Marginalization of African Beauty through History examines how women of African descent have been seen in society, art, history, and modern media, and shifts the narrative about beauty. She will share the history of women of African descent to help those affected by racist standards feel less marginalized.
12 - 1 PM Rest as Resistance (In Person). This lunchtime break will include space with yoga mats spread out for attendees to relax and/or meditate. Due to a family emergency, the previously scheduled Limpia Healing Circle was cancelled.
1 - 2 PM Writing Reflection (In person). Please join us for a Writing Reflection Hour led by Jane Hseu. She will share writing and meditations from Asian Americans and other BIPOC folks to inspire participants' own writing, creativity, and expression. Jane is Professor of English at Dominican University and has published academic and creative essays about topics such as race/ethnicity, family, language, and mental health. She regularly runs writing workshops and organizes literary events in the Chicagoland area, including partnering with the Oak Park Public Library for AAPI Month programming.
2 - 3 PM Afternoon Tea (In person). Join Social Work Sunday Tea with Founder and Licensed Therapist Shakea Houston as we close out A Day of Wellness for BIPOC. Shakea will serve three teas from her collection. She has given the “tea" on topics such as depression, self-sabotaging behavior, and grief. Her goal is to continue to connect people and provide awareness/resources for mental health services. Shakea is the Marketing/Outreach Director and Therapist for Evolve Counseling and Coaching, LLC, Therapist for Mindful Behavior, LLC, and currently pursuing a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology.
Disclaimer(s)
Virtual & In-Person Program
After you register (below), you will receive an email with information about attending in person and a specific link to join the event virtually.
Please indicate whether you plan to attend the event in person or virtually when you register. By registering, you agree to library policy and understand that no conduct is permitted that may reasonably be expected to create a disturbance or otherwise interfere with the safe use and enjoyment of the library and program by others. All times are listed in Central time.
Physical Activity
By joining this class, you declare that you are physically fit and ready to participate and understand any physical activity may involve some risk of injury. You may rest at any time during the class. It is your responsibility to consult with your physician with respect to any past or present injury, illness, health problem, or any other condition or medication that may affect your participation.
The participant assumes all risks of injury and illness that may result from such participation. The participant agrees to waive and release the Oak Park Public Library, its officers, employees, trustees, and agents and shall hold such persons/entity harmless from any and all liability for any claim, suit, or other cause of action which might arise from injuries, illness, damages, or loss which may occur on account of participation in such activities.