US Black Muslim Psychology Conference, Leading with Compassion

A Safe and Empowering Space

Attendees continually expressed their appreciation for the BMPC as a safe and empowering space for black Muslims, who frequently encounter layers of discrimination and bias inside and outside of American Muslim communities.

“The conference was a beautiful experience. It was truly a safe space for black Muslims,” H. Layla Harrison told About Islam, “a space where what sect you adhered to did not matter, a space for our voices to be heard. As a very introverted person, I found myself letting my guard down completely. I felt like I was among friends and family while the majority of the people I had never met before.”

“We’ve been talking about the conference non-stop since we left,” said Ryan Williams.

When asked about his experience at the conference, presenter Yusuf Jones told About Islam, “It was a powerful event, but we must support all our efforts and strengthen all the models we have for creating and sustaining safe, healing spaces for ourselves and our people. Now the real work begins of collaborating and developing a workable, replicable, sustainable, effective and transferable peer based model.”

The Muslim Wellness Foundation is already planning the Black Muslim Psychology Conference – Homemade Love: Lessons on Intimacy, Sex, Marriage & Family scheduled for July 20-21, 2018.