[NFB_of_Georgia] Fwd: Reminder; The NFB- NOBBL Blind Black Men's Group invite all to attend; Tuesday, August 26, 2025 (8:00p.m. EST) meeting; Focus: mental health and wellness in the lives of blind Black men

[Dorothy Griffin]

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Lee Martin <lches at sbcglobal.net>
Date: Mon, Aug 25, 2025 at 1:31 PM
Subject: Reminder; The NFB- NOBBL Blind Black Men's Group invite all to
attend; Tuesday, August 26, 2025 (8:00p.m. EST) meeting; Focus: mental
health and wellness in the lives of blind Black men
To: Lee Martin <lches at sbcglobal.net>


Hello All,



Join Us for an Important Conversation on Mental Health & Wellness for Blind
Black Men



The NFB-National Organization of Blind Black Leaders (NOBBL) Men’s Group is
inviting you to a meaningful Zoom gathering focused on mental health and
wellness in the lives of blind Black men.



We’re honored to welcome Dr. Virgil L.  Gregory , Jr., and Dr. Bishop
Rutledge, two highly respected professionals who bring both medical
expertise and powerful personal experiences to this discussion. They’ll
help us explore the cultural barriers and deep-rooted stigmas that often
keep blind Black men from seeking support and taking care of their mental
and physical health.



This will be a real, honest, and engaging conversation centered around the
questions, concerns, and voices of our community.



We encourage everyone to attend, listen, and take part in this much-needed
dialogue.



---

Bio of guest:

Virgil L. Gregory, Jr., PhD

is an associate professor at the Indiana University School of Social Work.
Dr. Gregory is a licensed clinical social worker and licensed clinical
addictions counselor. Dr. Gregory has clinical experience in using
cognitive-behavioral therapy in the treatment of Black Americans and other
persons with mood, anxiety, psychotic, and substance use disorders. His
research evaluates cognitive-behavioral therapy for substance use
disorders, affective disorders, and Black Americans. Dr. Gregory's research
has placed specific emphasis on the intersection of Black male mental
health and social injustice. As a cognitive-behavioral therapist and
researcher, Dr. Gregory's studies include scale development and
psychometric evaluation of the aforementioned topic areas. A consistent
theme is the translation of research into clinical practice. His research
also incorporates systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and clinical trials.
Dr. Gregory also has a new book coming out in October of 2025 called,

"*Cognitive-behavioral therapy with Black Americans: A principle and
structurally informed perspective*"



---



*Dr. Bishop D. Rutledge*

*Licensed Clinical Psychologist | Founding Bishop | Community Activist |
Advocate for the Blind*

Dr. Bishop D. Rutledge is a licensed clinical psychologist with a
specialized focus on individuals with disabilities. As the Founding Bishop
and Prelate of *God is First Ministries, LLC* and *One Step Closer to God
Ministries, Inc.*, Dr. Rutledge integrates spiritual leadership with
psychological care to holistically uplift underserved and marginalized
communities.

A passionate community activist, Dr. Rutledge is deeply committed to the
advancement and empowerment of *Black men and young boys*, especially those
who are blind or visually impaired. As a *licensed life coach* and *mentor*,
he focuses on guiding young Black men toward purpose, healing, and
leadership. His work is rooted in advocacy for *equity and equality*,
particularly addressing the social, psychological, and legislative
needs of *blind
African American men and women*.

Dr. Rutledge is also a visionary change agent, known for pioneering
programs that support *blind Black families*, fostering innovation in
mental health, community engagement, and intergenerational healing. He
serves as the *Legislative Director for the National Federation of the
Blind of Alabama*, where he leads civic initiatives focused on *voter
empowerment, policy reform*, and inclusive representation.

A devoted researcher and thought leader, Dr. Rutledge is especially proud
of his personal work on the *ancestral wisdom of Black communities*,
emphasizing the importance of legacy, identity, and cultural continuity. He
believes in “*standing on the shoulders of our Black ancestors*” to carry
forward a *divine legacy* of knowledge, resilience, and spiritual truth for
future generations.



Date: *Aug 26, 2025*

Time: *08:00P.M. Eastern Time* (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02webzoom.us/j/86713876056?pwd=iliaBRPIWQl0Ha6iahOCI1IkCWsiGa.1
<https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86713876056?pwd=iliaBRPIWQl0Ha6iahOCI1IkCWsiGa1>

Meeting ID: *867 1387 6056*
*Passcode: 690276*

One tap mobile:

*+13017158592,,86713876056#,,,,*690276#* US (*Washington DC*)
*+13052241968,,86713876056#,,,,*690276#* US

Join instructions
https://us02web.zoomus/meetings/86713876056/invitations?signature=-8IzMbZrtzh5JmiN2NYaw8suMEpQQTJKGg_yX-kpGsY
<https://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/86713876056/invitations?signature=-8IzMbZrtzh5JmiN2NYaw8suMEpQQTJKGg_yX-kpGsY>





-- 
Dorothy Griffin - President
National Federation of the Blind of Georgia
dgriffin at nfbga.org
770-374-4832

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. Our collective power, determination,
and diversity achieve the aspirations of all blind people.
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