SRU offering virtual self-care programming for BIPOC communities

Slippery Rock University is offering a series of programming on self-care for members of its Black, Indigenous and people of color communities, Feb. 26 to April 16.

Feb. 25, 2021

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — Slippery Rock University is providing weekly virtual programming specifically for its Black, Indigenous and people of color communities to improve their mental and physical health and how they relate to social and cultural issues as college students. SRU's series, titled "Self-Care for BIPOC Communities," will be offered via Zoom for eight consecutive Fridays, Feb. 26 to April 16, led by presenters with experience in the areas of counseling and mental health.

   SPRAGGINS

   WILEY

"Self-care is important for college students and we've partnered with experts who bring a perspective from the point of view of marginalized community members," said Terrence Mitchell, SRU's special assistant to the president for diversity and inclusion. "We encourage students to use counseling and other services available on campus, but this series is another option for those who desire programming tailored for their experience as members of our BIPOC communities."

Online registration for sessions led by Angelica Spraggins, a vocational rehabilitation counselor, are available for Feb. 26, March 12, March 26 and April 9. Each session begins at 4 p.m. Spraggins is a therapist for a minority-owned business that provides therapeutic services for Black, queer youth, and she is a co-founder of Erie's Black Wall Street, a nonprofit organization that empowers and promotes Black entrepreneurship in Erie.

Brandon Wiley, a licensed professional counselor and suicide prevention coordinator at the Erie Veterans Medical Center, will present March 5, March 19, April 2 and April 16. Each session begins at 5 p.m. Wiley is the founder and executive director of OpenedEyes, a nonprofit organization that offers educational-based programs to promote diversity awareness, cultural unity and increase positive identity. 

Registration links for Wiley's sessions are yet to be determined and will be shared via campus email. For more information about the Self-Care for BIPOC Communities series, contact Mitchell at terrence.mitchell@sru.edu.

MEDIA CONTACT: Justin Zackal | 724.738.4854  | justin.zackal@sru.edu