Year 5 of the Melanin Minds Mental Health Conference

July 25 - 27, 2025

On the fifth anniversary of LaGina and Mel running around from one meeting room to the next holding laptops, juggling Zoom windows, and meeting in person for the first time, 200+ community members, advocates, doctors, leaders, and family members gathered on the tenth floor of downtown Houston’s greenest hub, GreenStreet for the 5th annual Melanin Minds Mental Health Conference.

Curating unique schedules from over 35 interactive sessions, panels, & workshops, attendees networked with and shopped small business vendors, connected with local resources, contributed to an interactive art piece, and received sound baths, all while feeling seen and supported on their mental health journeys.

After receiving dual proclamations from Councilmember Joaquin Martinez and Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, session choices included:

Presentations on the impact of friendship on mental health, the power of human connection in preventing suicide, training the mind to empower the body, and using methods like the PERMA model and Reality Therapy to transform and realign your life.
Interactive panels highlighting emotional suppression and vulnerability, conquering your inner critic, breaking stigmas in mental health, and healing through art and expression.
Workshops on topics like navigating conflict without the drama, impact over productivity, identity and self-worth, navigating conflict and strengthening relationships.
Activations including an interactive Healing Art Garden, an affirmation wall and a gratitude wall, a photobooth, a Slow Sip Sanctuary with fresh coffee & tea, and an all-ages healing circle.

Conference Playlist

Curated by

Reviews

“The Melanin Minds Mental Health Conference 2025 wasn’t just another conference—it was a whole healing vibe. The energy, the speakers, the way they made space for us to be real about our mental health? 10/10. I loved how it brought different generations together and centered our community in a way that felt safe, intentional, and powerful.”

– Shawnti R, 3-time speaker

“I enjoyed the sound bath presentation with Coco and the Storyboarding breakout session with Shelly Malveaux. The sound bath was relaxing for me and the Storyboarding session allowed me to dive deeper and take a look into my current life and goals for the future.”

– Demetria H, 1st-time attendee

“The sessions where you’re doing the work. Not going to lie it does kind of put things in perspective and makes you really think about who you are and what you’re going through and why you feel the way you feel and think the way you think but those sessions are really helpful because you’re actually putting in the work and you’re getting something out of it. You’re not just listening to someone speak at you. They’re actually speaking life into you!”

– Jasmine B, 3-time volunteer