Based on recent community demand, the EEC Facilitators of Rochester are launching Rochester’s first Emotional Emancipation Circles (EECs) program this Thursday, May 14, 2020, beginning at 6:00 PM. This is a free virtual program offered bi-weekly through Thursday, September 17, 2020 via Zoom Meetings (you will only need to register once). Each circle lasts between 1.5 to 2 hours in length. The entire program runs 7 to 10 sessions covering The Seven Keys to Emotional Emancipation. However, you are not required to attend all sessions and can join at any point. EEC participation is open to all people of African descent. Given the virtual format, you are welcome to share the registration link with friends and family out of town. We hope you’ll join us!

Last Summer, nearly 20 people of African descent received initial training to administer EECs in Rochester, with the majority completing the certification process by the end of January 2020. EECs are evidence-informed, psychologically sound, culturally grounded, and community-defined self-help support groups designed by Community Healing Network in partnership with the Association of Black Psychologists to help heal the trauma caused by anti-Black racism. Rochester-based EECs are a part of the work of The Black Agenda, originally published in 2015 by the Greater Rochester Black Agenda Group (refer to the “Health Pillar” of the attached file for details). Participation in EECs is reserved for people of African descent.