12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Eastern Time
Presenters: Rev. Dr. Darrell Armstrong, EdS-MFT, MDiv, DDiv, FAPSAC; Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman; Rev. Dr. Karen Jackson Weaver, MA, EdM, PhD; Rev. Dr. Marella Holmes, MDiv, LICSW, DMin
Suicide rates among Black youth (ages 10–24) are rising faster than any other racial/ethnic group, increasing by over 37% between 2018 and 2021.
In 2021, suicide was the third leading cause of death for Black youth.
Notably, Black children under 13 are roughly twice as likely to die by suicide as their White counterparts.
This panel discussion and community conversation, facilitated by APSAC’s Board President, the Rev. Darrell Armstrong, brings together three subject matter experts, Hon. Bonnie Watson Coleman, Rev. Dr. Karen Jackson-Weaver, and Rev. Dr. Marella McMillon-Holmes, to examine the current state of adolescent mental health in America and the adverse impact of technology and social media on teen identity and healthy youth development.
The discussion will highlight emerging research and practical insights to better understand risk factors, protective factors, and pathways for supporting Black youth in a digital age.
Particular emphasis will be placed on the rising tide of teen suicide, especially Black Teen suicide, fueled by social media and other technological influences.
Congresswoman Watson Coleman will highlight the “Youth Mental Health Research Act,” federal legislation she co-sponsored and introduced in April of 2025 to address this national epidemic.
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