Events
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Winter/Spring 2025
Upcoming Events
Black Mommas & Their Babies: Promoting Infant & Maternal Emotional Health
Tuesday, May 20 · 1pm EDT
In this live, virtual training session, Dr. Cirecie West-Olatunji and Dr. Constance West, Co-Founders of CRESTS-Achieve, will describe the power and pitfalls of Black motherhood, as well as the mental health consequences of stereotype threat. In addition, Drs. West-Olatunji and West will discuss how Black mothers can achieve effective parenting without resorting to being superwomen, martyrs, or drill sergeants. Finally, Drs. West-Olatunji and West will identify culture-centered, trauma-informed interventions that can be used to support Black mothers.
Please JOIN US for this significant training event that should be useful to you personally and professionally --- whether you are a Black mother, an educator or clinician of Black children, a student, a concerned mental health professional (or other professional), and/or a community member!
Don't miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and celebrate Black culture!
Recent Events
Being Unapologetically Black
Tuesday, April 15 · 1 - 2:30pm EDT
Join us for a program filled with empowering discussions, inspiring stories, and a sense of community like no other. Let's unite to uplift and support each other in our journey of supporting Black children in being Unapologetically Black. Dr. Cirecie West-Olatunji, Dr. Constance West, and the CRESTSprogram team will illuminate how Black people have demonstrated resilience and coping despite centuries of cultural marginalization and oppression. The presenters will share narratives of self-love, communal joy, and collective coping throughout generations and across the diaspora. Using evidence from research, Dr. West-Olatunji and Dr. West will share scholarship on what contributes to mental health and overall well-being for Black children and their families.
Don't miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and celebrate Black culture!
Loss, Grief, and Incarceration: Supporting Parents of Incarcerated Youth in the Black Community
Tuesday, March 18th, 2025
In this webinar, Dr. Ebony White delved into the multifaceted experience of loss and grief faced by parents of incarcerated youth in the Black community. Using a culture-centered lens, she and the CRESTSprogram team explored how systemic factors, cultural values, and community dynamics shape the grief process. Participants deepened their understanding of the emotional and social challenges these parents encounter, including stigma, shame, and feelings of isolation. The session also addressed culturally relevant strategies for offering meaningful support, fostering resilience, and encouraging healthy coping mechanisms within the Black community.
The History of Black Love
Tuesday, February 11th, 2025
This event celebrated love, unity, and strength within the Black community. Attendees were inspired and uplifted by the stories and experiences shared during this event. This event was filled with the opportunity to learn, connect, and honor the legacy of Black love.
Unlocking the Power of Partnerships: The Activities, Outcomes, & Lessons Learned from the CRESTSprogram/Global Health Action (GHA) Partnership!
Tuesday, January 21, 2024
This FREE, virtual, training event was co-hosted by CRESTSprogram, LLC and Global Health Action. Panelists for this webinar included representatives from CRESTSprogram, LLC (Dr. Cirecie West-Olatunji, Dr. Constance West, & Dr. Ebony White) and from Global Health Action (Ms. Wendy Jolley-Kabi, Dr. Charsey Cherry, & Mr. Bwalya Mubanga). This panel discussion involved the identification of the key activities, processes, outcomes, and lessons learned from the establishment of the CRESTSprogram/Global Health Action (GHA) partnership.
Emancipatory Research Training Program
December 13 & 14, 2024
We offered a live, in-person, 2-day training in New Orleans, LA, the CREST-Liberate emancipatory research program. This was an excellent time to decolonize research methods and learn how to generate more truthful research about and with community members. Attendees learned how to minimize the bias in research and promote empowerment for those they serve.
Infusing Black History & Culture Into Your Holiday Celebrations (Part IV)
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
In this FREE, virtual, training session, Dr. West-Olatunji & West co-facilitated a "Show & Tell" style training event. We used a meeting format in order to allow participants to verbally and visually share their favorite examples of culture-centered activities that can be incorporated into holiday celebrations in order to enhance Black children's racial identity development, emotional well-being, and academic performance. Examples provided targeted the following areas: culture-centered decorations for the school, home, and/or clinical setting; gift ideas; activities with children (and their families); and resources.
Truly Getting on Their Nerves: The Neuroscience of Trauma in Black Youth
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
In this provocative virtual training event, Dr. Constance West and the CRESTSprogram, LLC team provided an overview of current research on the neuroscience of trauma in Black youth. Dr. West et al. incorporated case studies from their work across settings (e.g., academia, clinical practice, juvenile justice, etc.) to infuse the research findings with real-life examples.
Collateral Damage: Grief, Loss, & Incarceration
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
Grief is a process that has primarily been associated with death and dying. However, grief occurs in response to any significant loss experienced by an individual, family, or community. Because grief is not always associated with all significant losses, it can be missed, minimized, or even misunderstood. One significant event resulting in grief is the loss related to incarceration and the process thereof.
The CRESTS-Achieve Program hosted a FREE virtual training session featuring Dr. Ebony White, CRESTSprogram Research Fellow. At the end of this webinar, participants described the grief process concerning loss, identify signs of grief and grieving through a culture-centered, trauma-informed lens, and understand incarceration through an ecological framework. Finally, ways to support individuals and families experiencing loss due to incarceration were discussed.
CRESTS-Liberate Training for Non-Profits Sponsored by BERA
Tuesday, September 20-23, 2024
In September 2024, the Co-Founders of CRESTSprogram, LLC (Drs. West-Olatunji & West) facilitated the CRESTS-Liberate credential program training (in collaboration with the Broward Education Research Alliance, BERA), sponsored by the Kellogg Foundation. This 3-day, live, in-person training was offered to a wide range of professionals working within government agencies, grassroots organizations, and major non-profit groups.
Held at Moofy's Farmhouse (in Maple Oak, Maryland), the training included lectures, workshops, coaching, and group activities. Additionally, participants could network and discuss how they plan to apply their knowledge of emancipatory research methods in their work with community stakeholders.
The Impact of Colorism on Black Youth
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Our panel of experts discussed the challenges Black youth face due to colorism and shared strategies for self-actualization, self-love, and self-determination. The panelists offered solutions, including evidence-based strategies based on current research. Emphasis was placed on strengthening Black children's racial-cultural identity, socio-emotional well-being, and academic excellence.
Singing the Song of Black Fatherhood: Restoration to Their Rightful Places
Tues, June 18, 2024
In Honor of Father's Day and the Juneteenth holiday, CRESTS-Achieve hosted a FREE VIRTUAL TRAINING SESSION focused on the importance of Black fathers in their children's lives, their communities, and society in general. This training session featured a panel discussion co-facilitated by Dr. Cirecie-West-Olatunji and Dr. Constance West (Co-Founders of CRESTS-Achieve).
Black Moms: Parenting Without Being a Superwoman, Martyr, or Drill Sargeant
Tues, May 21, 2024
In this training session, Dr. Cirecie West-Olatunji and Dr. Constance West (Co-Founders of CRESTS-Achieve) will discuss the prevalence of mental health conditions in Black mothers and highlight their unique needs. In addition, Drs. West-Olatunji and West will discuss the relationship between mothers' mental health status and their children's academic achievement and emotional well-being.
Your Grief Ain’t Like Mine -Part 2: Black Children’s Grief and Loss Issues
Tues, April 16, 2024
Join us for an insightful online event focusing on the unique experiences of Black children dealing with grief and loss. Our panel of experts will discuss the historical challenges and the structural issues that impact the growth and development of Black youth and other children of color. Strategies for supporting Black youth through difficult times will be covered to help parents, educators, and mental health professionals enhance their service delivery. Don't miss this important conversation!
Structural Racism as a Detriment to the Mental and Physical Health of Young Children
Thurs, Feb 22, 2024
This webinar provided evidence of how structural racism influences the physical and mental health of culturally and socially minoritized young children. Dr. Cirecie West-Olatunji helped parents, caregivers, and professionals to identify signs of race-based stress among young children and offered culture-centered solutions to promote healthy development and overall wellbeing.
Historical Resilience in the Black Community: Back to our Roots
Tues, February 20, 2024
In this FREE webinar, Dr. Cirecie West-Olatunji and Dr. Constance West incorporated an understanding of transgenerational resilience among people of African descent. The presenters also spoke about cultural coping mechanisms that are evidence-based (tried and true) for Black people in the diaspora.
2024 ESEA Conference
Feb 7 - 10, 2024 | Portland Oregon & Online
The CRESTSprogram team attended the 2024 National ESEA conference in February. Our team headed to Portland to attend this conference for our third time!
What was new about our 2024 conference participation? Dr. West-Olatunji (CRESTSprogram CEO) gave an invited lecture, "Hidden in Plain Sight": Giving Voice to the Experiences of Minoritized Children" on 02/07/2024 at 4:15 p.m. Immediately after her lecture, Dr. West-Olatunji hosted a "Meet the Author" session.
“Promoting Academic Success in Black Children: Pre-K to H.S. Graduation”
Tues, Jan 9, 2024
In this FREE webinar, Dr. Cirecie West-Olatunji and Dr. Constance West shared research findings on the cultural factors associated with academic excellence in Black children and other youth of color. In addition, the presenters identified culture-centered, trauma-informed interventions to promote academic excellence in Black children.
Infusing Black History & Culture into Your Holiday Celebrations (Part III)
Tues, Dec 12, 2023
This year marked our 3rd annual holiday training event (yes, it was BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND)!!!! As before, this was a FREE, virtual, training session in which Dr. Cirecie West-Olatunji and Dr. Constance West taught simple, fun, and evidence-based interventions aimed at enhancing Black children's racial identity development, emotional well-being, and academic performance.
"Locs, Wigs, & Everything Between": Black Women/Girls & Emotional Wellness
Tues, Nov 14, 2023
In this FREE training event, the Co-Founders of CRESTS-Achieve (Dr. Cirecie West-Olatunji and Dr. Constance West) provided an overview of the race-based trauma that Black women and girls often experience related to their hair. In addition, these presenters identified culture-centered, trauma-informed interventions to be used by educators, parents, partners, and mental health professionals in order to promote resilience in Black women and girls.
Conversations with Grandma Polly: Identifying & Addressing Trauma in Black Children
Thurs, Oct 19, 2023
On Thursday, October 19th, 2023, CRESTSprogram co-Founders, Dr. Cirecie West-Olatunji and Dr. Constance West, were guests on the podcast, “Conversations with Grandma Polly.” A lively conversation with Ms. Renee Brown ensured as they talked about the various traumatic events that impact Black children’s wellbeing.
Left out, Held Back, and Invisible: Amplifying the Voices of Afro-Latino Youth
Tue, Oct 17, 2023
In honor of 2023 Hispanic Heritage Month, CRESTSprogram, LLC hosted an insightful online event that aimed to give voice to Afro-Latino youth! Through engaging discussion and inspiring talks by an expert group of panelists, we explored the unique intersection of Afro and Latino cultures. This event was an opportunity to foster increased knowledge, promote academic excellence, and augment skills among educators, parents, and mental health professionals.
Part 1: Your Grief Ain't Like Mine: Addressing the Unique Needs of Black Children
Tues, Sept 19, 2023
This gathering provided a safe space to discuss the unique challenges faced by Black children when dealing with grief and loss. Through an interactive lecture and digital discussions, Dr. Cirecie West-Olatunji and Dr. Constance West (Co-Founders of CRESTS-Achieve) explorde strategies and resources to help them navigate their emotions and heal using culture-centered tools.
Emancipatory Research Symposium
Fri, July 7, 2023
Dr. Cirecie West-Olatunji hosted this program and featured two emancipatory scholars from New Zealand, Fiona Cram and Tepora Emery, as keynote speakers. The keynote session was followed by concurrent seminars where presenters shared their recent emancipatory research projects.
Harnessing the Power of Black Fatherhood to Promote Excellence in Children
Tues, June 13, 2023
This training session featured a panel discussion that was co-facilitated by Dr. Cirecie-West-Olatunji and Dr. Constance West (Co-Founders of CRESTS-Achieve). In this discussion, panelists summarized current data about Black fathers (identifying truths and dispelling myths), highlighting the important role that fathers play in promoting academic success and emotional well-being in their children, and identifying culture-centered interventions that can be used to maximize engagement and outcomes related to Black fathers (and their children).
Countering Race-based Stress for Young Children
Thurs, May 25, 2023
This was a live in-person training in partnership with Be Strong Families that will be held in New Orleans, LA. The training focused on race-based stress for young children. Dr. Cirecie West-Olatunji discussed what is known about race-based stress and how to identify the symptoms among young children. More importantly, Dr. West-Olatunji offered solutions and interventions that can be implemented to arm children against threats to their self-esteem, self-actualization, and self-identity to promote healthy emotional and psychological well-being and lifelong success.
Putting the R(ace) into ACES -Part II: Focusing on Early Childhood
Tue, April 25, 2023
In this virtual training event, the presenters justified the importance of including race-based trauma as key ACEs for Black children; used case studies to illustrate evidence-based information; and provided practical tools to educators, parents, and clinicians to intervene and mitigate the consequences of race-based trauma for Black children.
Culture-Centered Strategies to Enhance Support for LGBTQ Black Youth
Tue, March 21, 2023
This FREE webinar featured a panel discussion that summarized the experiences of Black LGBTQ youth, challenged notions of tolerance versus acceptance, and equipped attendees with culture-centered, trauma-informed skills and interventions to be used to best support Black LGBTQ youth in their identity development and overall well-being.
Counteracting the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Black Youth
Tue, Feb 28, 2023
This panel discussion focused on identifying evidence-based strategies to be used by educators, parents/guardians, juvenile justice professionals, and clinicians to excise racism across settings. In addition, panelists identified strategies that can effectively promote resilience in Black youth (and other minoritized youth) who are at elevated risk for (or are experiencing) juvenile justice involvement.
2023 National ESEA Conference
Feb 1- Feb 4, 2023
The National ESEA Conference is intentionally aimed at coordination among federal education programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and other federal programs.
The CRESTS team attended the ESEA (Elementary and Secondary Education Act) conference from February 1-4, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana to interact with educational leaders, policymakers, and educators from all over the U.S. We had a booth in the exhibit hall to share information about our programs and services, which focus on culture-centered trauma-informed care for Black children.
The Necessity of Culture-Centered, Trauma-Informed Care in Juvenile Justice
Tue, January 24, 2023
This virtual training event focused on the identification of evidence-based strategies to be used by educators, parents/guardians, and/or clinicians to excise racism across settings, and to promote resilience in Black youth (and other minoritized youth) who are at elevated risk for (or are experiencing) juvenile justice involvement.
Infusing Black History & Culture into Your Holiday Celebrations (Part II)
Tue, December 13, 2022
For educators, parents, and clinicians of Black children, this was a perfect time to engage in activities to enhance Black children's racial identity by infusing Black history and culture into their holiday plans! In this FREE virtual training session; Dr. Cirecie West-Olatunji and Dr. Constance West taught simple, fun, and evidence-based interventions to enhance Black children's racial identity development, emotional well-being, and academic performance.
These interventions targeted the following areas: culture-centered decorations for the school, home, and/or clinical setting; gift ideas; activities with children (and their families); and resources. Like last year's version of this innovative training session, it was designed to be HIGHLY INTERACTIVE (with a limited number of participants so they could SHARE their favorite examples in a meeting format). In addition, this session included musical selections by a guest artist.
Preventing Suicide and Homicide Among Black Men and Boys
Tue, November 15, 2022
Suicide rates among Black males have increased over the last two decades. The onset of the COVID pandemic has aggravated this trend. For adolescent males, depression and anxiety, coupled with a tendency not to seek help, have exacerbated this issue. For adult males, issues of identity and self-worth have been cited as influential in their sense of hopelessness.
The panelists for this webinar highlighted the factors that influence the overall wellbeing of Black men and boys to contextualize their everyday challenges, including race-based stress. Additionally, the presenters shared elements of clinically effective programs with Black boys and men. Key aspects of this presentation focused on the role of family members, friends, and community resources ins supporting emotional and psychological wellness among Black males.
LGBTQ Black Youth: Acceptance, Protection, & Support
Tue, October 4, 2022
This webinar brought together Black youth to form a panel to talk about their exposure to race-based stress, the social-justice interventions and outreach they have performed, and their research activities related to historical trauma within the Black experience. This webinar brought their voices to center stage.
Black Children Speaking Up & Out on Experiences With Race-Based Trauma
Sun, September 18, 2022
This webinar brought together Black youth to form a panel to talk about their exposure to race-based stress, the social-justice interventions and outreach they have performed, and their research activities related to historical trauma within the Black experience. This webinar brought their voices to center stage.
Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Black Mothers: Even the Strong Get Weary
Tue, May 24, 2022
This session identified the mental health needs of Black mothers, and culture-centered interventions to be used to address their needs.