<div dir="auto"></div><br><div class="gmail_quote gmail_quote_container"><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_attr">On Tue, Aug 26, 2025, 05:59 Steve Cook via NFBofSC <<a href="mailto:nfbofsc@nfbnet.org">nfbofsc@nfbnet.org</a>> wrote:<br></div><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0 0 0 .8ex;border-left:1px #ccc solid;padding-left:1ex"><div lang="EN-US" link="blue" vlink="purple" style="word-wrap:break-word"><div class="m_1579947945527055815WordSection1"><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><p style="margin:0in;text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:19.0pt">Hello All, </span><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;font-variant-caps:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal"><span style="font-size:19.0pt"> </span><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;font-variant-caps:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal"><span style="font-size:19.0pt">Join Us for an Important Conversation on Mental Health & Wellness for Blind Black Men</span><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;font-variant-caps:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal"><span style="font-size:19.0pt"> </span><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;font-variant-caps:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal"><span style="font-size:19.0pt">The NFB-National Organization of Blind Black Leaders (NOBBL) Men\u2019s Group is inviting you to a meaningful Zoom gathering focused on mental health and wellness in the lives of blind Black men.</span><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;font-variant-caps:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal"><span style="font-size:19.0pt"> </span><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;font-variant-caps:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal"><span style="font-size:19.0pt">We\u2019re honored to welcome Dr. </span><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">Virgil L. </span><span style="font-size:19.0pt"> Gregory , Jr., and Dr. Bishop Rutledge, two highly respected professionals who bring both medical expertise and powerful personal experiences to this discussion. They\u2019ll 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.</span><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;font-variant-caps:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal"><span style="font-size:19.0pt"> </span><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;font-variant-caps:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal"><span style="font-size:19.0pt">This will be a real, honest, and engaging conversation centered around the questions, concerns, and voices of our community.</span><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;font-variant-caps:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal"><span style="font-size:19.0pt"> </span><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;font-variant-caps:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal"><span style="font-size:19.0pt">We encourage everyone to attend, listen, and take part in this much-needed dialogue.</span><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;font-variant-caps:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal"><span style="font-size:19.0pt"> </span><u></u><u></u></p><p align="center" style="margin:0in;text-align:center;font-variant-caps:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal"><span style="font-size:19.0pt">---</span><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;font-variant-caps:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">Bio of guest:</span><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;font-variant-caps:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">Virgil L. Gregory, Jr., PhD</span><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;font-variant-caps:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">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, </span><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;font-variant-caps:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">"</span><i><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica-Oblique",serif">Cognitive-behavioral therapy with Black Americans: A principle and structurally informed perspective</span></i><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">"</span><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;font-variant-caps:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif"> </span><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;font-variant-caps:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal"><span style="font-size:19.0pt">---</span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif"> </span><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;font-variant-caps:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal"><span style="font-size:19.0pt"> </span><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;font-variant-caps:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal"><b><span style="font-size:20.5pt;font-family:"system-ui",serif">Dr. Bishop D. Rutledge</span></b><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;font-variant-caps:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal"><b><span style="font-size:20.5pt;font-family:"system-ui",serif">Licensed Clinical Psychologist | Founding Bishop | Community Activist | Advocate for the Blind</span></b><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;font-variant-caps:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal"><span style="font-size:20.5pt;font-family:"system-ui",serif">Dr. Bishop D. Rutledge is a licensed clinical psychologist with a specialized focus on individuals with disabilities. As the Founding Bishop and Prelate of <b>God is First Ministries, LLC</b> and <b>One Step Closer to God Ministries, Inc.</b>, Dr. Rutledge integrates spiritual leadership with psychological care to holistically uplift underserved and marginalized communities.</span><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;font-variant-caps:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal"><span style="font-size:20.5pt;font-family:"system-ui",serif">A passionate community activist, Dr. Rutledge is deeply committed to the advancement and empowerment of <b>Black men and young boys</b>, especially those who are blind or visually impaired. As a <b>licensed life coach</b> and <b>mentor</b>, he focuses on guiding young Black men toward purpose, healing, and leadership. His work is rooted in advocacy for <b>equity and equality</b>, particularly addressing the social, psychological, and legislative needs of <b>blind African American men and women</b>.</span><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;font-variant-caps:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal"><span style="font-size:20.5pt;font-family:"system-ui",serif">Dr. Rutledge is also a visionary change agent, known for pioneering programs that support <b>blind Black families</b>, fostering innovation in mental health, community engagement, and intergenerational healing. He serves as the <b>Legislative Director for the National Federation of the Blind of Alabama</b>, where he leads civic initiatives focused on <b>voter empowerment, policy reform</b>, and inclusive representation.</span><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;font-variant-caps:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal"><span style="font-size:20.5pt;font-family:"system-ui",serif">A devoted researcher and thought leader, Dr. Rutledge is especially proud of his personal work on the <b>ancestral wisdom of Black communities</b>, emphasizing the importance of legacy, identity, and cultural continuity. He believes in \u201c<b>standing on the shoulders of our Black ancestors</b>\u201d to carry forward a <b>divine legacy</b> of knowledge, resilience, and spiritual truth for future generations.</span><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;font-variant-caps:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal"><span style="font-size:19.0pt"> </span><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;font-variant-caps:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal"><span style="font-size:19.0pt">Date: <u>Aug 26, 2025</u> </span><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;font-variant-caps:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal"><span style="font-size:19.0pt;color:white">Time: <u>08:00P.M. Eastern Time</u> (US and Canada)</span><span style="color:white"><br></span><span style="font-size:19.0pt;color:white">Join Zoom Meeting:</span><span style="color:white"><br><a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86713876056?pwd=iliaBRPIWQl0Ha6iahOCI1IkCWsiGa1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"><span style="font-size:19.0pt;color:purple">https://us02webzoom.us/j/86713876056?pwd=iliaBRPIWQl0Ha6iahOCI1IkCWsiGa.1</span></a><br><br></span><span style="font-size:19.0pt;color:white">Meeting ID: </span><u><span style="font-size:19.0pt;color:purple">867 1387 6056</span></u><span style="color:white"><br></span><u><span style="font-size:19.0pt;color:purple">Passcode: 690276</span></u><span style="color:white"><br><br></span><span style="font-size:19.0pt;color:white">One tap mobile:</span><u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-variant-caps:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal"><u><span style="font-size:19.0pt;color:purple">+13017158592,,86713876056#,,,,*690276#</span></u><span style="font-size:19.0pt;color:white"> US (<u>Washington DC</u>)</span><span style="color:white"><br></span><u><span style="font-size:19.0pt;color:white">+13052241968,,86713876056#,,,,*690276#</span></u><span style="font-size:19.0pt;color:white"> US</span><span style="color:white"><br><br></span><span style="font-size:19.0pt;color:white">Join instructions</span><span style="color:white"><br><a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/86713876056/invitations?signature=-8IzMbZrtzh5JmiN2NYaw8suMEpQQTJKGg_yX-kpGsY" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"><span style="font-size:19.0pt;color:purple">https://us02web.zoomus/meetings/86713876056/invitations?signature=-8IzMbZrtzh5JmiN2NYaw8suMEpQQTJKGg_yX-kpGsY</span></a></span><u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br clear="all"><u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> </span><u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br clear="all"><u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u></u> <u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="m_1579947945527055815gmailsignatureprefix">-- </span><u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal">Dorothy Griffin - President <u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal">National Federation of the Blind of Georgia<u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="mailto:dgriffin@nfbga.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">dgriffin@nfbga.org</a><u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal">770-374-4832<u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u></u> <u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black">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.</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><u></u><u></u></span></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>_______________________________________________<br>
NFBofSC mailing list<br>
<a href="mailto:NFBofSC@nfbnet.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">NFBofSC@nfbnet.org</a><br>
<a href="http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbofsc_nfbnet.org" rel="noreferrer noreferrer" target="_blank">http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbofsc_nfbnet.org</a><br>
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NFBofSC:<br>
<a href="http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbofsc_nfbnet.org/carltonrobinson259%40gmail.com" rel="noreferrer noreferrer" target="_blank">http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbofsc_nfbnet.org/carltonrobinson259%40gmail.com</a><br>
</blockquote></div>