MLK Celebration & Engagement: January 23, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., T Plaza

Minneapolis College invites you to join us in Celebration and Engagement!

• Continental Breakfast: 8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. | T Plaza first floor (T.1200)
• Live Performance: 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. | T Plaza first floor | Kenne Thomas' Lifeforce
• Workshop: 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.| T Plaza first floor (T.1400)
  Samuel Simmons, LADC, see below
• Service Projects & Resource Tables:
  8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. | 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Lunch Buffet: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
• Keynote Address: 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.| see below

This event is free and open to the public! Free parking is available in the Minneapolis College parking ramp.

On Tuesday, January 14, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m., the weekly broadcast of Conversations with Al McFarlane will focus on MLK Celebrations. Dr. Jay Williams and Dr. Charles Watson will be guests to promote Minneapolis College's MLK Celebration. 

Workshop

Sam Simmons | 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | T.1400

LADC, Samuel Simmons Consulting

“Truth and Transformation - Healing a Beloved Community.“ 

This training will provide a basic overview of the historical and/or intergenerational trauma and the impact on the African American community. Also, it provide an opportunity to identity and discuss practical culturally sensitive trauma informed, resilience driven approaches to empower the community, reduce trauma and in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr “create a beloved community. “

Sam Simmons has over 29-years’ experience as an alcohol and drug counselor and behavioral consultant specializing in culturally sensitive trauma informed strategies focused on African American males and historical trauma. He is an Adverse Childhood Experience Interface Trainer in the state of Minnesota. Sam received the 2016 Healing the Hidden Wounds of Racial Trauma award and the Black Tear Drop Award for his vision and leadership in culturally sensitive trauma informed work in the community and around the country. 

In 2017 Sam received the Champions for Children Award for his trauma work with parents. In 2018 he received Public Health Hero Award for his unique, innovative, and culturally-specific, trauma-informed work from the City of Minneapolis. Also in 2018, Sam was honored by the NFL for his work to end violence against women and interpersonal violence. As co-host of "Voices” radio show on KMOJ FM, Sam Simmons addresses issues of the urban community.

Sam is co-creator of the Community Empowerment Through Black Men Healing conference and for that work in 2018, he received recognition from both Minneapolis and St. Paul Mayors plus Minnesota’s’ Governor.

Keynote Address

Dr. Bravada Garrett-Akinsanya | 1:30 p.m. | T.1400

Psychologist, PhD, LP, LICSW

"Healing Beloved Community"

For more information, call 612-659-6471 or contact Charles Watson at Minneapolis College.

Sponsored by: Equity and Inclusion Division, Minneapolis College Foundation, African American Education
Empowerment Program (AME), Student Life, Public Safety, Green Dot and Facilities Division