Milwaukee made history this weekend by holding the first annual Minority Health Film Festival in the country. Put together by Milwaukee Film as well as Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin, the festival kicked off Thursday, September 12th, 2019 at Turner Hall with a panel of minority health perspectives, hosted by Melanie Ricks, in-game host for the Milwaukee Bucks. The group of 6 included medical, academic and social community stakeholders who addressed the importance of minority health and wellbeing.
Topics ranged from the stigmatism of mental health in communities of color and the need for emphasis on compassion. President of the Black Student Union at Marquette University spoke on generational trauma and the urgency of more counseling centers on campuses.
Following the panel was a conversation with radio personality, Charlamagne Tha God. Best known for co-hosting “The Breakfast Club,” Charlamagne has become an author and mental health advocate with the release of his second book, Shook One: Anxiety Playing Tricks on Me. He shared stories about his struggles with anxiety and how it led him to weekly therapy sessions. The audience was allowed to ask Charlamagne questions before he was presented with a citation from Alderman Khalif Rainey and was given Milwaukee Bucks gear on behalf of Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin.
The health discussions continue through Sunday, September 15th with forums at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Colectivo, 2211 N. Prospect Ave. For more information please visit mkefilm.org/mhff.