Conference Recaps

The 2020 Central Texas African American Family Support Conference was a celebratory and transformative event with nearly 600 attendees. Over two dynamic days, we celebrated the conference’s 20th anniversary while exploring health solutions for our community. 

Vicky Coffee, Director of Programs at the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health at the University of Texas, and Kimberly Holiday (“Lady Joy”), motivational speaker and KAZI radio personality, were our fearless emcees for the second year running. Dr. King Davis, an expert in mental health and urban policy research and analysis, and Dr. Altha Stewart, a community psychiatrist and the first African American to hold the position of President of the American Psychiatric Association, shared their expertise and wisdom as keynote speakers. Our third keynote, Grammy-winner Le’Andria Johnson, brought the house down as she shared both her experience with substance use issues and her incredible singing voice. 

This year marked the first-ever youth-focused pre-event — Yes to BEST! — created for youth and young adults ages 14 to 24. As always, the 2020 conference was a remarkable opportunity to come together and lift one another up as we move towards a healthier, more resilient future.  

Here’s what conference attendees had to say: 

• “Blessed 20th anniversary. It gets better every year.”
• “Where have I been? This is my first year, and I am overjoyed about the total experience. I’ve learned so many tools.”
• “Please continue to educate, encourage, and motivate. I learned so much, and this conference ignited my passion to continue to serve.”
• “Fantastic energy and fantastic conference.” 

• 20 Interactive Workshops
• The “Bold and Unapologetically Walking in Victory” Poster Presentation Showcase, with Impactful Posters
• Poster Favorite: LaQueeta Humes’ “Respect and Dignity”
• 43 Exhibitors
• A Legislative Conversation with Representative Garnet F. Coleman 

Joe Powell 

• Teena Gray-Hale – Family Member
• Dr. Rosalee Martin – Professional
• Dr. Billy Reese – Community Impact
• Clarence Watson – Individual with Lived Experience Award 

• Valisa Clark – RR Coleman-Calahan Lodging Scholarship
• Larry Collins – The Austin Area Mental Health Consumer Lodging Scholarship
• Lia Jones – The Michele Bibby Educational and Lodging Scholarship
• Maceo Sheehy and Chantier Johnson – The Wood Group Educational Scholarships  

• Austin Area Mental Health Consumers
• Austin Area Urban League
• Building Promises
• Excellence and Advancement Foundation
• God’s Way Christian Fellowship
• NAMI Central Texas
• Sickle Cell Association of Texas
• What’sInTheMirror?

We want to recognize a few key individuals who helped make this year’s conference memorable. 

• Trina Ita, Associate Commissioner of Behavioral Health Services at Texas Health and Human Services, for her welcome remarks.
• Musician with a Message, SaulPaul, for energizing and prepping us for a great two-day journey.
• Our keynotes: Dr. King Davis, Le’Andria Johnson, and Dr. Altha Stewart.
• Reverend Noah Diggs, Pastor Ray Hendricks, and Minister Daryl Horton for leading us in prayer.
• Nell Watts (aka “Gangsta Granny”) and Eileen “Sugar” Williams for their inspired musical contributions.
• Carlita Fielder for her electric slam poetry.
• Artist Brian Joseph for his beautiful 20th anniversary commemorative artwork.
• The CTAAFSC Planning Team for creating an outstanding program.