4th Annual Inland Empire Black Parent Summit Returns To CSUSB

SAN BERNARDINO, CA — The 4th Annual Inland Empire Black Parent Summit will return to California State University, San Bernardino next month to address youth mental health, educational navigation, and the impact of artificial intelligence on students, organizers announced.

The full-day event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Santos Manuel Student Union on the Cal State San Bernardino campus, located at 5500 University Pkwy. Advance registration is required.

Hosted by the Clay Counseling Foundation in partnership with university and county education officials, the summit brings together community organizations, mental health professionals, and regional school leaders.

“Schools are stronger when educators, families and the community come together to support students,” said Dr. April Clay, founder of the Clay Counseling Foundation. “More than ever before, we need to stand together and make sure our families have the information, relationships and resources our children need to thrive.”

Dr. William A. Smith, a professor at the University of Utah known for developing the psychological framework of Racial Battle Fatigue, will deliver the keynote address focusing on mental health and resilience among Black scholars.

The event will also examine technological shifts in the classroom. Donnell Layne, STEM innovation director at Moreno Valley College, will present on how artificial intelligence is shaping modern education and the future workforce.

Additional programming includes a regional superintendents panel moderated by retired Riverside County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Judy D. White, along with workshop sessions led by university researchers, educators, and mental health clinicians.

“The summit is about access,” Clay said in a statement. “We want parents connected to educators, mental health providers, community partners and other parents. Our families should leave knowing where to go, who to call and that they do not have to navigate these systems alone.”

The event is supported by Cal State San Bernardino alongside the San Bernardino and Riverside County Offices of Education.

Event registration and additional details are available online at blackparentsummit.org or through the Clay Counseling Foundation.