Rooted in Resilience 2026 Conference

This community convening will feature panels, resource tables, and meaningful connections that support long-term flourishing.

A very special gathering will take place at the YMI Cultural Center on Saturday, May 16, 2026. The program is called Rooted in Resilience: Building Health, Wealth, and Black Legacy in Asheville. There is no fee for those interested in attending.

The program is presented through a collaboration between the Asheville Women’s Support Group; Dr. Atyia Martin, convener of the Black Resilience Network and Next Leadership Development in Boston; and Dr. Annelle Primm of All Healers Mental Health Alliance based in Baltimore.

The conference grew out of these groups meeting together since November 2024 to promote healing and wellness, information sharing, and flourishing in the aftermath of the devastation and trauma caused by Hurricane Helene. The featured presentation to the community was given by Vivian Campbell, MD, a psychiatrist based in Charlotte, NC. Dr. Campbell shared with the audience signs and symptoms of mental health trauma after disasters and how to cope with and overcome crisis-related stress.

A group of women advocates in Asheville have continued to meet twice monthly over the past year and a half. Among the group members participating in planning the May 16 conference are Phyllis Cunningham-Boykin, Olympia Garrett, Johnnie N. Grant, Shuvonda Harper, Alice Jones, Jasmine Moore, Priscilla Robinson, Inez Whiteside, and Betty Young.

Holding the Rooted in Resilience program at the historic YMI Cultural Center has deep meaning, given that this beautiful venue is the oldest African American Cultural Center in the nation.

The conference will feature panels that will highlight the work and leadership of Asheville Black community members in the areas of health, wealth, and historical and cultural preservation, which are precious resources for all communities that can be at risk of damage following disasters like Hurricane Helene.

Showcasing the leadership, innovation, and ingenuity of Asheville leaders in areas is necessary to help the community recognize its unique constellation of resources that can be called upon to promote flourishing, even after a crisis, such as Hurricane Helene wrought.

Dr. Travis Whiteside of The Plug: A Chiropractic Wellness Center, and Jasmine Moore of Moore Courage Healing & Wellness, along with many other professionals, will be participating in the May 16 conference.

In addition to panel presentations, the conference will feature an array of vendor and resource tables from local and state-based organizations, programs, businesses, and services. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with these resource providers as well as meet the speakers.

Music will be included in the program, and a light lunch will be served. This event is offered at no cost through funding from American Baptist Home Mission Societies.

The Rooted in Resilience conference takes place Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the YMI Cultural Center in Asheville. Register by going to nldc.io/ashevillemay162026.

For more information, please contact Roxana Feenster, Black Resilience Network Manager, (888) 695-7660, or email [email protected].