(Black PR Wire) New York, NY – The National Black Leadership Commission on Health is breaking the stigma around mental health, maternal health, treatment for addiction and redefining what we consider as normal with their upcoming film series, “What is Normal”.

The “What is Normal” film series, May 18th – May 20th at Harlem’s historic AMC Magic Johnson Theater, 2309 Frederick Douglass Blvd., is a celebration of community and mental wellness focused on education and advocacy. It is three days of interactive experiences featuring compelling and thought-provoking films, conversations with expert panelists and tangible resources and information for next steps in mental wellness, maternal health and substance treatment within Black communities.

The series begins Thursday, May 18th, 6 – 9 pm with “Our State of Mental Wellness”, produced by Black Health, New York Public Library, Columbia University Psychiatry, and Center for Practice Innovations at Columbia Psychiatry and made possible through support from the Leon Levy Foundation. The evening features short, animated films from The Community Mental Health Project interwoven with dialogue on mental health stigma, and the possibilities of where we can go together as an empowered community.

Friday, May 19th, 6pm-9pm “We Are NOT Alone: Honoring Our Experiences” highlights shared experiences that uniquely shape the lives and mental health of people of color. The featured film, “Birthing Justice” explores the factors that make birthing a child a life-endangering event for black women. It is also the launch of 24 hours of listening, providing ways for community members to participate in guided Community Story Circles, to record their stories for posterity, or to connect with a licensed counselor for a one-on-one listening session.

Day Three, Saturday, May 20, 2023, 10AM – 6PM “We Have The Power: Stories of Communities Rising “ is a full day of activities. From 10am-2pm, the Black Mental Wellness Resource Hub offers music, dance, song, hands-on activities, and skills for maintaining mental wellness. 24-hour listening continues to provide opportunities for sharing and releasing. At 3pm, there’s a special viewing of the documentary, “Dope is Death”, the truly inspiring story of the historic action of healthcare providers and community members in NYC to provide addiction treatment to East Harlem’s communities of color. A discussion of how we can learn from this influential movement with the Director, Mia Donovan and a panel of experts concludes the program.

Influencers from all areas, (community leaders, churches, CBO’s, FBO’s, healthcare professionals & students) will come together to share experiences, normalize mental health challenges and explore new paradigms for community-centered collective healing.

The series and all activities are free, to register https://www.eventbrite.com/e/what-is-normal-film-series-tickets-620827540887

For more information about the National Black Commission on Health or to be a sponsor, email info@nblch.org. For press inquiries or interviews, please contact Brand Elevation Marketing at 646 470 8054 or email brandelevationmarketing@gmail.com.

ABOUT BLACK HEALTH

The National Black Leadership Commission on Health, commonly known as “Black Health” champions the promotion of health and prevention of diseases through advocacy, policy, and action. The goal is to reduce disparities and achieve health equity within the Black Community.