Navigating Emotional Health & ADHD in Marginalized Communities: A Meaningful Afternoon of Awareness and Connection
- Tanya Murphy
- Nov 4
- 3 min read
On October 28th, we gathered for an inspiring and heartfelt event, Navigating Emotional Health and ADHD in Marginalized Communities, part of The Society for ADHD and Co-Occurring Conditions’ new quarterly series Embracing ADHD & Co-Occurring Conditions: A Path to Better Health & Awareness Luncheon Series.
Hosted at the beautiful Kingdom Cares Center in Calverton, Maryland, the luncheon brought together professionals, families, faith leaders, and community members for an engaging conversation about the emotional landscape of living with ADHD, especially within historically under-resourced communities.
A Spirit of Gratitude and Partnership
We are deeply grateful to our event sponsor, Noven Pharmaceuticals, Inc., for their generous support and partnership. Their commitment to advancing awareness and resources for those living with ADHD helps make gatherings like this possible.
We also extend heartfelt thanks to our community partners, Kingdom Global CDC, VOICE for Neurodiversity, and the National Hispanic Medical Association for their collaboration and shared mission to promote equity in mental health education and access. Special appreciation goes to Rev. Kendra Smith, Executive Director of the Kingdom Cares Center, and Rev. Dr. Matthew L. Watley, Senior Pastor of Kingdom Fellowship AME Church, for opening their doors and their hearts to our community.
And, as always, a sincere thank you to T.C. Carter, our Vice President of Education & Awareness, for her vision and leadership in bringing these vital conversations to life.
Powerful Voices at the Table
Our luncheon featured two remarkable speakers who offered deep insight and compassion as they explored how emotional health and ADHD intersect within marginalized populations:
Dr. Brandi Walker, Ph.D. — Licensed Clinical and Research Psychologist, CEO of Marie Pauline Consulting, LLC, and Founder of VOICE for Neurodiversity. Dr. Walker shared wisdom drawn from years of clinical, research, and military experience, illuminating how cultural humility and understanding play an essential role in reducing stigma and promoting resilience.
Dr. Carlos A. Rico, Ph.D., M.D. — Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Dr. Rico offered valuable insights into the emotional and psychological complexities that accompany ADHD, particularly in communities where access to care and understanding remain limited.
At the heart of the luncheon was Tanya Murphy, Founder and CEO of The Society for ADHD and Co-Occurring Conditions, Tanya shared her ten-year journey to receiving a late ADHD diagnosis at age 53, a journey marked by years of being unheard, misdiagnosed, and under-diagnosed. Her story of perseverance and faith reminded attendees why awareness and advocacy matter so deeply. It was through this lived experience that The Society for ADHD and Co-Occurring Conditions was born, a mission-driven organization dedicated to ensuring that no one else walks the ADHD journey unseen or unsupported.
A Room Filled with Hope and Connection
The room was filled with meaningful conversation, shared stories, and moments of recognition that reminded us we’re not alone in this journey. Attendees explored practical ways to reduce stigma, deepen understanding, and strengthen emotional well-being, not just for themselves, but for their families and communities.
The energy was both informative and uplifting. As one attendee shared, “It felt like a safe space, one where I could learn, connect, and breathe.”
Moving Forward Together
Events like this remind us that awareness and advocacy are most powerful when rooted in community. Together, we can continue to create spaces that affirm every story, every struggle, and every step toward healing.
If you believe in this mission and want to help us expand our reach, we invite you to support the work of The Society for ADHD and Co-Occurring Conditions. Your donations help us host educational events, develop culturally responsive resources, and empower communities nationwide.
Donate today at www.societyforadhd.org
Together, we’re building awareness, strengthening resilience, and ensuring that no one faces ADHD alone.
Comments