Saturday, February 7, 2026

Black History Month Symposium

The Walnut Foundation proudly hosted its 2026 Annual Black History Month Symposium, bringing together community members, healthcare professionals, and advocates to explore conditions affecting brain health as we age.

Protecting Memory, Mood and Thinking as We Age

Black History Month remains a time to reflect on the resilience, contributions, and lived experiences of Black communities. At The Walnut Foundation, we continued our commitment to advancing health equity by addressing critical health issues affecting Black men and families.

On February 7, 2026, we proudly hosted our Black History Month Symposium, focused on brain health and aging. This year’s powerful conversation explored how memory, mood, and thinking are affected over time, and what we can do to protect and strengthen brain health through knowledge, prevention, and intentional lifestyle choices.

Saturday, February 7, 2026

Event Overview

The Walnut Foundation returned with its annual Black History Month Symposium, focusing this year on conditions that affect brain health as we age.

This engaging and informative symposium explored:

Common conditions that impact memory, mood, and cognitive function
The connection between brain health, lifestyle, and aging
Practical strategies to support long-term brain health
Prevention, early awareness, and advocacy within the Black community

Attendees experienced a powerful day of learning, dialogue, and community connection, with expert speakers sharing insights, research, and real-world guidance to help keep brain power strong throughout life.

Speakers

Watch the videos

Design by FIVELINE Media Production | Creative Conference Services

Symposium Sessions & Conversations

These sessions break down complex topics into clear, relatable conversations, helping you recognize early signs of change, make informed lifestyle choices, and feel more prepared for what lies ahead.

Understanding Your Brain: What it does, early signs of change, and why it matters

Learn how your brain supports memory, mood, and decision-making and how to recognize early signs of change before they become serious concerns. This session helps you understand what is normal, what is not, and when to seek support.

When the Brain Changes: Understanding dementia, stroke, mood, and aging

Hear directly from medical specialists as they break down complex brain conditions in clear, practical language. You’ll learn how these conditions develop, early warning signs to watch for, and what aging really means for brain health.

Keeping Your Mind Strong: Lifestyle choices that support brain health

Discover everyday habits, from nutrition to movement, that can protect and strengthen brain health at any age. Walk away with realistic, evidence-based strategies you can start using immediately.

Planning Ahead for Aging and Caregiving: Legal, financial, and emotional considerations

Gain clarity on planning before health changes occur. This session covers legal tools, financial considerations, and the emotional realities of caregiving, helping you feel more prepared, informed, and confident about the future.

Speakers

Meet our expert speakers, who brought unique insights and experience to help navigate elderly care, health equity, and support for caregivers.

Dr. Joyce C. Okorafor

Geriatric psychiatrist advancing equitable, culturally responsive care for older adults, caregivers, and families navigating dementia, delirium, and complex transitions settings.

Full bio

Dr. Olumide (Emmanuel) Adegunna

Neurology resident advancing brain health equity, stroke care, and cognitive ageing through accessible education and globally informed clinical experience.

Full bio

Ngozi Iroanyah

Health equity leader advancing inclusive dementia policies, access to care, and improved outcomes for racially and culturally diverse seniors and caregivers.

Full bio

Asma Musa

Nutrition researcher and dietitian advancing equitable, prevention-focused strategies linking diet, social determinants, and cognitive health across the life course.

Full bio

Jean Adeyemo

Toronto-based lawyer providing reliable, efficient guidance in family law, real estate transactions, and estate planning tailored to clients’ needs.

Full bio

Loretta Karikari

Registered social worker and psychotherapist supporting caregivers and families with compassionate, evidence-based mental health care across aging, health, and transitions.

Full bio

Olu Muili

Certified life coach and speaker empowering women to navigate caregiving, burnout, and life transitions with balance, purpose, and compassionate self-care.

Full bio

2025 Presentations

If you missed the event or want to revisit the thought-provoking discussions, you can access the recordings of each session below:

Land Acknowledgement and Opening Remarks

Ken Noel, Executive Director of The Walnut Foundation, opened the 2026 Black History Month Symposium with a meaningful land acknowledgement and inspiring remarks. He grounded the day in reflection, purpose, and community responsibility — setting the tone for powerful conversations on brain health, equity, and collective action.

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Understanding Your Brain: What it Does, Early Signs of Change, and Why it Matters”

The morning session brought together medical specialists to explore how the brain supports memory, mood, and decision-making, and what happens when changes begin to occur. Presentations and panel discussion addressed early signs of cognitive decline, stroke risk factors, dementia, mood disorders, and the realities of aging within Black communities.

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Keeping Your Mind Strong: Evidence-Based Lifestyle Choices That Support Brain Health

The early afternoon session shifted the focus from understanding brain conditions to actively protecting brain health through lifestyle and prevention.

Moderated introductions by MC Tonya Reid and Jahaan Thawer set the stage for a practical and empowering discussion.

Ngozi Iroanyah shared insights on dementia awareness, inclusive policies, and improving access to care for racially and culturally diverse communities.

Asma Musa explored the connection between nutrition, social determinants of health, and cognitive well-being across the life course.

The session concluded with a dynamic panel discussion and Q&A, where attendees engaged directly with experts on prevention strategies, everyday habits, and building long-term brain resilience.

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Planning Ahead for Aging and Caregiving: Legal, Financial, and Emotional Considerations

The final session of the day focused on preparing before health changes occur. This practical and empowering discussion explored the legal tools, financial planning strategies, and emotional realities involved in aging and caregiving.

Jean Adeyemo provided guidance on estate planning, powers of attorney, and protecting families through proactive legal preparation.

Loretta Karikari addressed the emotional and mental health dimensions of caregiving, transitions, and family dynamics.

Olu Muili shared practical insights on navigating burnout, balance, and purpose while supporting loved ones.

Moderated discussion and audience Q&A allowed participants to ask real-world questions about planning ahead, reducing stress, and building support systems within the community.

Watch Video