We Cry Your Tears: The Truth about Suicide in the Black Community

With Rafiah Maxie-Cole, LCSW, ACSW from Soul Survivors of Chicago

June 25, 2025, 7:00 PM Central Time

Description:

Join us for an eye-opening, one-hour workshop where we shine a light on the pressing issue of youth suicide in the Chicagoland area. In this session, you’ll discover the latest statistics and trends that impact our community’s young people of color, and you’ll learn how deep-seated stigmas can silence critical conversations about mental health.

Experience compelling segments from the documentaries “We Cry Your Tears: The Jamal Clay Story” and “While the Children Fade”, which bring raw, real stories to the forefront. Inspired by the tragic loss of 19-year-old Jamal Clay—this workshop will guide you through the multifaceted lessons his story has revealed about grief, resilience, and the urgent need for change.

We will wrap up with a dynamic final discussion focused on actionable strategies to stem the rising tide of suicides in our communities. This is more than just a presentation—it’s an invitation to engage deeply, share your insights, and help forge a path toward healing and renewed hope.

Objectives:

1. The current statistics of suicide within the Chicagoland area
2. The cultural values held by the “village” about suicide
3. The indoctrinated beliefs that the communities of color face
4. The influence of Covid-19 pandemic on mental health and suicide ideations
5.  The challenges of seeking mental health services in communities of color
6. The power of turning pain into purpose in a loss – the 6 stages of grief

REGISTER HERE