The Black Mental Health Conference 2026 will take place from May 27–29, 2026 at the University of Ottawa, Canada. Its theme is “Rooted in Legacy, Rising in Justice”, bringing together scholars, clinicians, and community leaders to advance racial and social justice in mental health. nbmhc26.sciencesconf.org University of Ottawa

Key Details

• Dates: May 27–29, 2026
• Venue: University of Ottawa, Huguette Labelle Hall, Tabaret Hall
• Theme: Rooted in Legacy, Rising in Justice
• Organizers: Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health (ICBH), Vulnerability, Trauma, Resilience, and Culture (V-TRaC) Lab, University of Ottawa
• Audience: General public, students, researchers, faculty, clinicians, and community leaders

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Featured Speakers

• Dr. Jude Mary Cénat – Director, ICBH & V-TRaC Lab
• Dr. Wendi Williams – President, American Psychological Association
• Dr. Alex L. Pieterse – Director, Institute for the Study of Race and Culture, Boston College
• Dr. Roberto Lewis Fernandez – Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, Columbia University
• Dr. Vincent Agyapong – Professor of Psychiatry & Global Mental Health, Dalhousie University
• Dr. Josephine Etowa – Professor, School of Nursing, University of Ottawa nbmhc26.sciencesconf.org University of Ottawa

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Conference Focus

• Racial Trauma & Collective Healing – Addressing systemic racism and its impact on Black mental health.
• Equitable Care Access – Tackling discrimination in services and lack of culturally adapted care.
• Promising Practices – Showcasing successful community interventions and antiracist approaches.
• Interdisciplinary Dialogue – Bridging research, clinical practice, and lived experience. University of Ottawa

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Registration & Access

• Official Conference Page: National Black Mental Health Conference 2026 nbmhc26.sciencesconf.org
• Registration: Available via the conference portal (Sciencesconf.org).
• Contact: University of Ottawa Faculty of Health Sciences, ICBH.

Why It Matters

This conference is a landmark gathering for Black mental health advocacy, creating space to:

• Recognize the legacy of resilience in Black communities.
• Advance justice-oriented mental health practices.
• Build global solidarity in addressing racial trauma and systemic inequities.