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Image for event: Ubuntu Speaks: A Community Discussion that Matters
Canceled

Ubuntu Speaks: A Community Discussion that Matters

Mental Health and Women

The Odom Boulevard and Maple Valley Branch Libraries want you to join us at our Ubuntu Speaks lunchtime discussion event. **This event will be held at the Maple Valley Branch Library.

Register online, in person, or by calling Odom Branch Library at 330.643.4720 or the Maple Valley Branch at 330.864.5721.

This event's topic discussion will be on Mental Health and Women, with guest speakers Dr. Ciara Dennis-Morgan and Barbara Blash, MA, from the Minority Behavioral Health Group (MBHG).

Ubuntu is an African word meaning "humanity to others." It is often described as reminding us that "I am because we are." Ubuntu has its roots in African humanist philosophy, where the idea of community is one of the building blocks of society.

This event is FREE with a light lunch provided and hosted by the Maple Valley Branch Library, 1187 Copley Road, Akron, Ohio 44320. Registration is limited to 25 people.

Currently, Dr. Dennis serves as Clinical Director at Minority Behavioral Health Group in Akron, Ohio. She focuses on understanding the impact of systematic oppression on mental health while providing culturally specific treatment and prevention services. Being a certified yoga instructor, she emphasizes wellness within mind, body, and spirit.

Barbara Blash, MA, is the Clinical Coordinator at Minority Behavioral Health Group. She completed her MA in Clinical Counseling from Ashland University. Her focus is to normalize receiving mental health services and reduce stigma. She deeply desires to support those within her community. One value she has is the support of people in receiving culturally-appropriate care, and within that, helping people connect with Black providers to support people in being able to see themselves, relate, and connect.

Minority Behavioral Health Group was established in 1998 to provide mental health services for the growing minority populations in Summit County. MBHG was the first and only African-American nationally accredited and state-certified community mental health agency in Ohio.

Odom Boulevard Branch Library

odom@akronlibrary.org
Phone: 330.434.8726
Branch manager
Theresa Boware

Hours
We're closed Sunday March 31 due to Easter
Mon, Mar 25 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Mar 26 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Mar 27 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Mar 28 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Mar 29 12:00PM to 6:00PM
Sat, Mar 30 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Mar 31 Closed
(Easter)

About the branch

Local artist Woodrow Nash created two murals for the Odom Boulevard Branch Library, celebrating the lives and ideas of African-American leaders and pioneers—Martin Luther King, Jr., Frederick Douglass, Malcolm X, Sojourner Truth, Helen Arnold, Ed Davis, Shirla McClain, Martin Chapman, Horace Stewart, and Vernon Odom. Odom Boulevard Branch Library's extensive collection of African-American fiction, non-fiction, gospel music, and more also celebrates the contribution of African-American writers and artists. Additionally, the shelves of the branch contain a large collection of religious and spiritual titles, and the best of contemporary fiction and non-fiction genres.

Odom Boulevard Branch Library is a destination place for the community. Computers and computer classes, WiFi printing, scanning, copying, and faxing are services important to all, including emerging entrepreneurs and returning students. Programming affords customers of all ages an opportunity to learn through exploration in community with others. From exercise for adult wellness to crafting and hands-on exploration of NatureConnect topics and themes for all ages,  Odom Boulevard Branch Library is a one-stop spot for the educational and entertainment interests of all of its neighbors. Look for Odom staff out and about in the community—at schools, at community centers, at community organization meetings—visit us at the branch today.

Upcoming Events

Sat, Apr 06, 10:30am - 11:30am
Community Room

Tue, Apr 09, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Community Room

Thu, Apr 11, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Community Room

Thu, Apr 11, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Community Room

Thu, Apr 11, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Odom Boulevard Branch virtual program

Fri, Apr 12, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Community Room

Tue, Apr 16, 11:45am - 4:15pm
Conference Room

Thu, Apr 18, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Community Room

Tue, Apr 23, 10:00am - 5:00pm

Thu, Apr 25, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Community Room