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Spring Conference 2026

2026 BPA Spring Conference

New Orleans, LA

March 26-29, 2026

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We are pleased to announce that the Black Psychiatrists of America (BPA) will host our 2026 Spring Conference from March 26–29, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. This year’s theme, Ancestral Echoes and Neurobiological Resilience: Confronting Historical Trauma to Advance Black Mental Health, reflects our commitment to healing, scholarship, and transformative leadership.

New Orleans—a city rich with cultural depth and resilience—offers the perfect backdrop for inspiring dialogue and professional growth. We will convene at NOPSI Hotel, New Orleans and The Chicory, two iconic venues that blend historic charm with vibrant energy, enhancing our shared experience.

Our program will feature cutting-edge scientific sessions, dynamic workshops, and meaningful opportunities to connect with peers and leaders advancing Black mental health care.

We look forward to welcoming you to an unforgettable event.

Register for the Pre-Conference Event

Programming Schedule

Thursday
All daytime programming will be hosted in the NOPSI Dryades Ballroom
 
  • 1:00 PM | Check-In
  • 2:00 PM | Career Approaches in the Business of Medicine: Mitigating Burnout and Promoting Long-Term Professional Well-Being – D. Wayne Smith, MD, MBA, LMHCA, CCTP; C. Freeman, MD, MBA, FAPA
  • 2:25 PM | How to Be a Millionaire Within 10 Years of Completing Residency: Practical Wealth-Building Strategies for Residents – Napoleon Higgins, Jr, MD
  • 2:50 PM | Q&A
  • 3:00 PM | Break
  • 3:10 PM | Know Your Rights in GME: Legal Vulnerability, Workplace Mistreatment, and Real-World Advocacy for Residents, Fellows, and Institutions – Francois Williams, MD
  • 3:35 PM | Q&A
  • 3:45 PM | Break
  • 4:00 PM | Research, Industry, and Resident Poster Session & Networking Reception
    • Beyond Firearms and Medications: Ligature-Focused Lethal Means Safety Planning After Pediatric Psychiatric Discharge—A Morbidity & Mortality Case Review – Caylon Pettis MD, MPH
    • Addressing the Need for Black Psychiatrist Advocacy – Brianna Washington, MD
    • Mental Healthcare in Collegiate Student-Athletes: Screening, Interventions, & Safe Prescribing – Aaron Mack, MD
    • Environmental justice: The importance of talking about race – Thais Pereira
    • Opioid-Induced CHANTER Syndrome: Recognition of a Rare Cause of Toxic Leukoencephalopathy – Lucresse Tato, MD; Hannah Contreras, MD; Gemma Morano, BS; Mohamad El Zein, MD
  • 5:30 PM | Closing Remarks
  • 8:00 PM | Welcome Reception (NOPSI Courtyard)
Friday
All daytime programming will be hosted at the Chicory

  • 9:15 AM | Adolescent Gun Violence in New Orleans’ Black Communities: Structural Roots, Epigenetic Stress, Inflammatory Pathways, and the Psychiatric Response – Adam Kanawati; Rahn Bailey, MD; Steven Thurber, MD; William Richie, MD
  • 10:20 AM | Bridging the Gap in Substance Use Disorder Care and Policy: Illicit Drugs, Prescription Medications, and Decriminalized THC – Philipa Owusu-Antwi MD, MPH
  • 11:00 AM | Author’s Corner
  • 11:35 AM | Uplifting Historic Lived Expertise of Mass Incarceration: Safeguarding Formerly Incarcerated Individuals as Healthcare Consumers and Educators – Carmen Black, MD, MHS; Johnice Littlejohn, DO, MPH; Tiheba Bain, DDiv
  • 2:15 PM | The Rescue of Historical Memory to build a better practice in Mental Health – Thais Pereira, MR

Saturday
All daytime programming will be hosted at the Chicory

  • 9:15 AM | Beyond the Silence: Self-Advocacy, Support, and Neurobiological Resilience in the Black Fertility Journey – Marilyn Griffin, MD, DFAPA, DFAACAP; Rev. Dr. Stacey L. Edwards-Dunn, MPH, MDIV, DMIN; Jonathan Shepherd, MD, DFAACAP, FAPA; Erikka Taylor, MD, MPH, DFAACAP
  • 10:20 AM | Misdiagnosis and No Diagnosis: Bipolar, Psychotic Disorders and Historical Wariness in Health Care Systems, Diagnosis and Treatment – William B. Lawson, MD, PhD
  • 10:45 AM | Break
  • 11:00 AM | Complex Neurodiversity in BIPOC Communities Across the Lifespan: Case-Based Perspectives on ADHD, Autism, Mood Disorders, and Co-Occurring Conditions – Sara Brathwaite, MD; Brandi Walker, PhD
  • 11:45 AM | Unmasking ADHD in Midlife: Differentiating Attention, Mood, Lifespan Hormonal Transitions, and Mental Health Equity in Black Women – Agena Davenport, MD, FACOG
  • 2:00 PM | Business Meeting

Sunday
All daytime programming will be hosted in the NOPSI Dryades Ballroom

  • 9:15 AM | Ancestral Echoes Across Borders: Queer Immigrant Experiences, Complex Trauma, Cultural Humility, and Neurobiological Considerations in Psychiatric Care – Uchenna Lizmay Umeh, MD, MBA, FAAP (AKA Dr. Lulu); Mr. Uchechukwu Onwa; Aubri Escalera; Mich P. Gonzalez
  • 10:20 AM | Constructive Interference: Neurobiological Adaptation to Intersectional Trauma in Black LGBT Mental Health – Andre Rosario, MD
  • 11:00 AM | Break
  • 11:15 AM | AI, Neuromodulation, and Climate Stress in Psychiatry: Advancing Access through Clinical Efficiency and Research, and Emerging Technologies – Aderonke Omatade, MD; Ifeanyi Olele, DO, MBA, MS, FAPA; Napoleon B. Higgins, Jr. MD; Oluwanifesimi Olu-Lawal MD; Stephanie Robertson; Tracie Hicks DNP MBA
  • 1:45 PM | Closing Remarks

Maps & Activities

Below are PDF links to the UCLA campus maps and additional activities at and around UCLA’s campus.

Accommodation Details

Attendees can book hotel rooms at The NOPSI Hotel, New Orleans by visiting BPA’s conference portal. The BPA room block is limited. Book your room early.

If you have any trouble booking a room, please call reservations at (504) 962-6500 and mention that you will be attending the Black Psychiatrists of America conference.

Room block rates are guaranteed through Monday, February 23, 2026.

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