1st African Diaspora Conference

17-22 November 2002

In the proceedings from this landmark conference, you will find a host of rich discussions ranging from the psychological effects of colonialism to socioeconomic disparities in mental health care. Conference attendees highlighted the need for relevant, evidence-based clinical interventions for mental health issues in people of African descent, as well as the need to recognize the roles that racism and colonialism continue to play in Africans' mental health and well-being.

By the end of the conference, the attendees determined that an infrastructure must be built to support international research and intervention projects, particularly for community-based and culturally relevant projects. They highlighted the importance of conducting these projects with disadvantaged populations, such as the elderly, children, immigrants, and those suffering from preventable diseases such as HIV/AIDS. In setting the foundation for this infrastructure, it was suggested that psychiatrists of African-descent establish an international organization to address these issues.