May 22 | Mental Health Awareness Month Conversation

Join VAAC on May 22 at 12:30 PM for a second Friday meeting in May, featuring special guest Hakim Crampton.

Hakim Crampton is a Lyrical Educator, Hip Hopologist, Justice Advocate, Author, Consultant, Healing Centered Practitioner, Government Relations Liaison at Citizens for Prison Reform, and Founder of The Academic Mentoring & Education Network.

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, this conversation will focus on the connection between mental health, policy, and access, including discussion of legislation impacting communities across Michigan.

Hakim will discuss a Therapeutic Spaces proposal focused on alternatives to solitary confinement and broader advocacy efforts in Michigan addressing the harms caused by prolonged isolation in prisons.

The proposal includes therapeutic spaces intended to support mental health through increased out-of-cell time, expanded visitation access, sensory activities such as art and music, outdoor activity, exercise opportunities, and trauma-informed mental health policies.

The conversation will also explore ongoing advocacy around solitary confinement in Michigan and the push for more humane, healing-centered approaches within correctional settings.

🗓️ May 22 🕒 12:30 – 1:30 PM EST 💻 Virtual (Zoom) ➡️ Join: bit.ly/VAACFridays