This Saturday, Council Member Robert E. Cornegy, Jr. will host "Bed-Stuy Sing the Blues: A Tribute to Billie Holiday" to explore how jazz music can decrease stress and anxiety, and improve the overall mental health of minorities.
The councilmember will gather community members and health care professionals at Restoration Plaza for a panel discussion, live music performances and resources to inform attendees about the various ways they can care for their mental wellness.
In 2008, July was designated Minority Mental Health Awareness Month to acknowledge the unique mental health struggles individuals from marginalized communities in the U.S. face. With "Bed-Stuy Sings the Blues," Cornegy hopes to deconstruct the stigma associated with mental health treatment in minority communities by promoting mental health services that are available in his district.
"We need to increase access to culturally competent and compassionate mental health care, and our office is thinking creatively about how to raise awareness and make change in the community," said Cornegy.
Among the panelists will be psychiatric clinicians from Interfaith Medical Center as well as representatives from The National Alliance on Mental Illness and New York City Department of Health. The Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium and students from the Noel Pointer Foundation will provide the musical entertainment.
"Music therapy provides a setting for expressing emotions and creates an atmosphere of comfort and safety," said Clarence Mosley, Jr., Chairman of Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium. "The Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium welcomes the opportunity to support health and wellness throughout Central Brooklyn."
Bed-Stuy Sings the Blues will take place on Saturday, July 27, 2:00pm-4:00pm, in the new community dance space at Bed-Stuy's Restoration Plaza.
