The Concerned Citizens Network of Alexandria, in partnership with St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, held a Community Stakeholders breakfast Feb. 13 as part of a Black History Month. The gathering focused on issues affecting Black families in the city.

Held at the church on N. Columbus Street, the theme of the breakfast was Bridging the Gap: Strategies for Advancing Access and Equity in Education, Health and Social Justice for the Black Family.

Coordinated by CCNA executive director Col. James Paige, featured speakers at the event included Hank Van Putten, a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Facilitator/Trainer for the Peace and Justice Institute in Orlando, Natalie Talis of the Alexandria Health Department, and attorney Rawle Andrews Jr.

“As the community celebrates Black History Month, one of the challenges that we don’t often discuss is mental wellbeing,” Andrews said. “So one of things that Col. Paige has asked us to do is get together as a community of leaders to talk about how we can better address the mental health and emotional needs of our community. We need to look at whether we are succeeding because of or in spite of some of the barriers that have been put before us.”

Community leaders in attendance included Sheriff Sean Casey, Ebony Fleming of the City of Alexandria, and Michelle Millben, a leader in the business and ministry communities.

“We have stakeholders here that work in city government, health, employment, Senior Services, and clergy who serve directly in the community supporting mental health services,” Millben said. “We are all coming together to learn about the impact of health, poverty, housing -- all things that are important to our health and happening in our community.”

Announced at the breakfast was a grant of $18,000 from the American Psychiatric Association to CCNA to help community wellness initiatives.

Added Millben, “We’re trying to rally together to see what strategies look like, what resources look like, and make sure that there is more of a coordinated effort so that Alexandria can be a place where everybody lives, works and can raise a family.”

www.ccnalexandria.org