Black History Month Symposium

Reflect on the 2025 Black History Month Symposium, where we explored resilience, advanced health equity, and gained valuable insights on elderly care and support.

HIghlights

Event Overview

Black Men's Health Matters

Black History Month is a time to reflect on the challenges and achievements of Black communities. At the Walnut Foundation, we are dedicated to addressing health disparities and empowering Black men to take charge of their well-being. Explore critical issues affecting Black men’s health, share knowledge, and strengthen our community through dialogue and action.

Saturday, 9 February 2025

Navigating the Health Care System to Long Term Care and Beyond

Featuring expert speakers, a lived experience advocate, and physicians specializing in elderly care, this symposium covered essential topics, including transitioning from hospital to long-term care (LTC), the roles of care managers and social workers, patient rights, advocacy, and the cost of care.

Attendees gained insights into the critical role of caregivers at home versus LTC, self-care strategies for caregivers, and end-of-life planning. This event provided a comprehensive understanding of elderly health, healthcare navigation, and planning for the future, with a focus on advocacy and support for those caring for the elderly in the Black community.

Symposium Agenda

See our Speakers

Speakers

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

Olu Muili

Olu Muili is a former Senior Corporate Law Clerk turned Certified Motivational Life Coach, Keynote Speaker, and Small Business Start-up Consultant based in Whitby, Ontario.

Full bio

Jenifer Oteng

Jennifer Oteng, RN, MN, with 18+ years of nursing experience, specializes in geriatric care, senior transitions, and advocacy for elderly dignity and well-being.

Full bio

Loretta Karikari

Loretta Karikari, Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist, supports caregivers and individuals with mental health, care transitions, and emotional well-being.

Full bio

Dianna Klisanin

Dianna Klisanin, with 8+ years in the funeral industry, helps families navigate end-of-life planning with empathy, expertise, and cultural sensitivity.

Full bio

Dr. Elsie Osagie

Dr. Elsie Osagie is a family physician based in St Thomas Ontario, with community, Long-Term Care and hospital experience.

Full bio

Celebrating Our Success

Highlights

We were thrilled to have over 200 participants join us for the Black History Month Symposium, where we explored resilience, health equity, and the challenges of elderly care. This hybrid event was free to attend, with lunch provided. The impressive turnout, both in person and online, highlighted the significance of the topics discussed and the value of the insights shared.