[NFBofSC] 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

[Carlton Robinson]

On Tue, Aug 26, 2025, 05:59 Steve Cook via NFBofSC <nfbofsc at nfbnet.org>
wrote:

> 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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