Houston District 1 Council Member Joaquin Martinez Declares Last Weekend in July Annually as Melanin Minds Mental Health Conference Weekend

PRESENTED TO MELANIN MINDS MENTAL HEALTH CONFERENCE WEEKEND

WHEREAS, mental health is a critical component of overall well-being, particularly in communities of color where access to culturally relevant and affirming care remains limited; and

WHEREAS, Melanin Minds, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2021 by LaGina R. Harris and Melissa “Mel” Matos and based in Houston, Texas, has made it its mission to center BIPOC mental health through year-round programming, signature events, and grassroots advocacy; and

WHEREAS, through its annual Melanin Minds Mental Health Conference, now in its fifth year, the organization has welcomed hundreds of attendees for a multiday experience rooted in community care, intergenerational mental health journeys, and holistic wellness; and

WHEREAS, Melanin Minds’ mission is to educate, amplify, and provide accessible mental health resources aligns with its broader vision of activating 30,000 global mental health advocates by 2030 through its five pillars of wellness: Mindset Shifting, Aligning, Holistic Healing, Relationships, and Nutrition; and

WHEREAS, Melanin Minds continues to be a powerful and necessary voice in the pursuit of equitable mental health outcomes, fostering healing and resilience across communities;

NOW, THEREFORE, I Joaquin Martinex, City of Houston Council Member of District I, hereby proclaim the last weekend of July annually, July 25 through July 27, 2025, as:

Melanin Minds Mental Health Conference Weekend