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The Joy of the Disinherited
The Joy of the Disinherited:
Essays on Trauma, Oppression, and Black Mental Health
by Kevin Dedner, MPH
THROUGH HONEST, CAPTIVATING and humane stories of his past and eye-opening research into the effects of racism on mental health, Dedner articulates a call for urgent change: Knocking down the invisible barriers that make it harder for Black people to get the mental health care they need and deserve.
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Dedner has encountered these invisible
barriers along his own mental health journey. As a public health professional who has spent his career working on high-profile issues, Dedner uses his autobiographical essays to highlight the latest mental health research. This layer of fact-based information combined with personal storytelling gives Dedner a unique voice in conversations that are shaping the future of mental health care for the Black community and other underserved groups.
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BOOKS ARE SOLD
Reflections on the book
Honorable Patrick Kennedy
Kennedy-Satcher Center for Mental Health Equity
There is finally a movement to understand and reckon with the systemic racism in this country – but the way in which information is delivered makes all the difference. Kevin is able to reach all of us by weaving his own human experience and insight into these monumental issues. Empathy is a powerful tool. As my uncle, President John F. Kennedy said in his national address on civil rights, 'who among us would be content to have the color of his skin changed and stand in his place? Who among us would then be content with the counsels of patience and delay?
Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III
Senior Pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ
Chicago, Illinois
Dedner’s noble endeavor to resurrect [Howard] Thurman’s teachings within a poetic and articulate discourse on Black self-esteem and mental health – recurring themes in Thurman’s books – will be a blessing for years to come. I know this book will not only challenge you, but put you on the path to find your own growing edge, and centering moment within the hectic and noisy world of today.
Sounds of Joy
Curated to commemorate the launch of The Joy of the Disinherited. These songs are songs that have inspired Kevin and carried him through the most difficult moments of his life. Some of the songs also bring memories of joy. The pieces represent many genres and periods.
The Joy of the Disinherited
kevindedner
The Story of the Disinherited
Holding space for conversations on mental health
If you’re planning an event and looking for a powerful and authentic speaker to address mental health and the need to rethink America's broken mental health system, look no further. Invite Kevin to speak at your virtual or in-person event today.