Creating and Sustaining Healthy Relationships

In the Age of

Barack and Michelle Obama

 PLEASE NOTE: SEATING FOR THIS EVENT IS ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS

As one of the most visible couples on the planet, Barack and Michelle Obama’s lives are about as public as you can get. The Obamas’ relationship–from the fist bump seen around the world, to pictures of their “date nights”, and verbal proclamations of their solid love–has been highlighted frequently in the media. Publications such as Ebony magazine have recognized the Obamas’ relationship, proclaiming “real Black love is no longer a fairy tale in the public eye…it now lives at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.” With such a high percentage of black people unmarried the Obamas’ provide to individuals, who have read their story and observed their acts of affection and appreciation, a positive role model for “black love” and a healthy relationship. 

Despite the positive role model provided by The President and his wife, the Black Male and Female struggle has historically been, and continues to be, the focus of countless newspaper and magazine articles, books, symposiums, television talk shows, etc. NExT Philadelphia invites you to engage in a thought provoking discussion on Creating and Sustaining Healthy Relationships in the Age of Barack and Michelle Obama. This unique discussion feature a diverse panel of married and single participants as well as experts who will address a broad range of issues related to creating and sustaining healthy relationships. Discussion topics may include, but are not limited to the following: How career choices impact our options; Black Singles; Dating (including interracial dating); Communication: What We Say to Each Other; Trust and Honesty; Finding and Keeping a Mate; Finances; Game Playing; Exploring Black male/female Stereotypes and Myths; Marriage.

The purpose of this panel is to provide a shared learning experience where black males and females can learn from each other. Whether you are married, single or in a relationship everyone can benefit from this event. The moderator and panelists for this event are as follows:

Moderator: Dr. Rosalyn Pitts (Dr. Roz) is a licensed psychologist and school certified psychologist and the sole proprietor of Pitts Psychological Services, where she specializes in childhood diagnostic services. Dr. Roz has appeared on Fox 29, NBC’s 10! Show and CBS 3/UPN 57’s community affairs program, Speak UP!, where she provided on-air insight into various individual, family and child related topics including marital/dating relationships, blended families, sex and sexuality, anger management and conflict management.

Alexander Evans is a professional motivational and inspirational keynote speaker and the founder of 4 Mankind. The goal of 4 Mankind is to make people aware of the decisions they make daily and there consequences. Alex is a straight-forward “tell-it-like-it-is” presenter. His goal in speaking to each group is to integrate four elements to educate the mind, to empower your emotions, to inspire your soul and to transform your life.

Algernong Allen is an entrepreneur in Real Estate, nightlife marketing, as well as the owner of Elena's Soul Lounge, who has been married to his wife, television reporter, Anne-Marie Green since 2009. Together the couple have one daughter Ailey Lynn, who is 1 year old.

Carmen Lennon is a Communications Manager at the second largest pharmaceutical company in the world. Her responsibilities take her all over the globe - and while she gets to see new sites, it leaves her with little time to get to know new people. A Philly girl, born and raised, she loves her city but wonders if she will have to settle somewhere else to find her mate

Donavan West is the Director of Social Services at People For People Inc. (www.peopleforpeople.org), a major Non-Profit located in North Philadelphia, with almost 200 employees. People For People’s Employment Advancement and Retention Center is the largest EARN Center in the state and services over 2,500 families. In 2009, Donavan formed Avery-West Consulting; a relationship consulting practice for individuals in various stages of personal and spiritual development.

Erica Atwood is known by many as a Community Engagement Catalyst. She currently serves as Specialist of External Affairs and Community Engagement to the Mayor. In this role, she conducts public awareness activities through grass roots community interaction and working with Legislative Affairs and the Mayor’s Office of Communications she serves as a conduit to services and information to cross segments of the Philadelphia community. In her spare time Erica is an active blogger and recently wrote Top 10 Qualities You Need to Be My Man.

Malik Gadsden and Karima Roepel have been married for 8 years. After almost two years of separation, the two are back to living and growing together. Together the couple have two children - daughter, Malaika and son, Xen. Malik Gadsden works as a consultant to schools and organizations that focus on the youth. He specializes in African American and Latina boys. Karima is a Visual Life Coach for teenagers & young adults and founder of Camp CAYA, a self esteem program for girls.

Come with your partner, friend, or by yourself! We encourage men and women to attend. With refreshments and door prizes, this promises to be a lively, informative and fun evening! For additional information contact Monica Burch at nextphillyul@gmail.com.