Invest in Your Mind.

The 2025 Planning Committee is excited to announce the Building B.R.A.I.N. Wealth - Detroit event on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Through free food and health screenings, round table discussions on brain health and engaging activities, we hope to reduce Black males’ disproportionate burden of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia.

FREE Registration
Click below to register on Eventbrite for free:
https://buildingbrainwealth.short.gy/event

Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025
Time: 9:00 am - 12:30 pm (EST)
Location: Faith Citadel (1419 W Warren Ave, Detroit, MI 48208)

Our mission is to inspire proactive health management among Black males by uniting individuals in Detroit for 
(1) free food, 
(2) free health screenings,
(3) round table discussions on brain health and 
(4) physical activity.

Schedule
9:00 am - 9:15 am, Welcome
9:15 am - 10:00 am, Spiritual and Social Health Round Table Discussion
10:00 am - 10:45 am, Financial and Occupational Health Round Table Discussion
10:45 am - 11: 30 am, Mental and Emotional Health Round Table Discussion ***Please note, there will be two sessions during this time. One session will be exclusively for Black males. The other session everyone else is welcomed.**** 
11:30 am - 12:15 pm, Physical and Environmental Health Round Table Discussion & Physical Activity
12:15 pm - 12:30 pm, Closing

Practical Tips on How to Invest in Your Mind

Spiritual and Social Health

(1) Discover Your Purpose: Reflect on what gives your life meaning and pursue activities that align with it. (2) Practice Meditation and Mindfulness: Engage in meditation and mindfulness to enhance self-awareness and achieve mental clarity. (3) Join a Community: Become part of a group that shares your interests and values to build supportive connections. (4) Strengthen Relationships: Cultivate strong social bonds with friends and family to create a reliable support network. (5) Get Involved: Participate in community activities to connect with others and contribute positively.

Financial and Occupational Health

(1) Achieve Financial Stability: Work towards managing your finances effectively. (2) Plan for the Future: Develop a financial plan that includes retirement savings and insurance. (3) Boost Financial Literacy: Educate yourself about personal finance to make informed decisions. (4) Balance Work and Life: Reduce work-related stress through effective time management and balance. (5) Seek Fulfillment at Work: Find ways to make your work meaningful and rewarding.

Mental and Emotional Health

(1) Challenge Your Mind: Keep your brain active with puzzles, learning new skills, or practicing memory exercises. (2) Practice Mindfulness: Use mindfulness techniques to reduce stress and stay present in the moment. (3) Seek Support: Consider therapy or counseling to manage anxiety and depression effectively. (4) Boost Emotional Intelligence: Develop skills to understand and manage your emotions better.

Physical and Environmental Health

(1) Get Moving: Engage in regular physical activity to improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and protect against memory loss. (2) Eat Smart: Include foods rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, such as leafy greens, fatty fish, nuts, and berries, to nourish your brain. (3) Prioritize Sleep: Aim for quality sleep each night to help your brain recharge and maintain mental clarity. (4) Schedule Regular Check-Ups: Keep up with health screenings to catch any issues early and maintain overall wellness. (5) Create a Safe Home Environment: Ensure your home is stable and secure to support both your physical and mental health. (6) Embrace Nature: Spend time outdoors in natural settings regularly to enhance your mood and cognitive function.

2025 Building B.R.A.I.N. Wealth Planning Committee

Merci N. Best, PhD

University of Michigan

Florence Johnson, Ph.D., MHA, MSN, CDP

University of Michigan

Steve Vinson

University of Michigan

Andre Criswell

Black Male Educators Alliance

Paula Duren, PhD

Universal Dementia

Brandon Bond, LLMSW-Macro, MPH, CHES, CNP

University of Michigan

Abigail Bretzin, PhD

University of Michigan

Nichole Burnside, MBA

University of Michigan

Jean Barnas

Alzheimer's Association

Priscilla Agnew-Hines

Healthy 2 Connections

Ashly Tutwiler

Alzheimer's Association

Mariana Sierra

University of Michigan

Praise Joel

University of Michigan

George Pitchford

Community Member

Treena Horton

Alzheimer's Association

Fernanda Ryan, BSN

University of Michigan

Reginald Wilburn

Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Center

Savannah Pearson

University of Michigan

Nayomi Cawthorne

University of Michigan

  • 1419 W Warren Ave, Detroit, MI 48208, USA
  • Free parking in the parking lot and grass area next door