There IS A Balm In Gilead

National Healing-Reconciliation Conference and Concert 2026

Join scholars, historians, faith leaders, and community innovators for an energizing lineup of keynotes, panels, and hands-on sessions across multiple days. The conference features five keynote speakers, 30 interactive breakout sessions, a documentary media center, an art exhibit, and guided tours of Birmingham's most celebrated civil rights landmarks.


Hotel Information

For the convenience of conference attendees, hotel reservations may be made directly through the provided booking link. Attendees are free to book, modify, or cancel their reservations through the hotel reservation website at any time.


Hyatt Regency – The Wynfrey Hotel in Birmingham
1000 Riverchase Galleria
Birmingham, Alabama 35244

Book Hotel Here
Hyatt Regency Birmingham Alabama

Program Highlights

5 nationally recognized keynote speakers

30 interactive breakout sessions in individual-speaker, roundtable, panel, and workshop formats

Educational showcases featuring presentations from Master Teacher Institute participants

A documentary media center spotlighting powerful storytelling and film

An art exhibit celebrating history, culture, and community

Community healing circles led by mental health professionals

The Yolanda Adams closing concert

September 19, 2026 at 7:00 P.M. at Samford University.


Featuring:

Alabama A&M University Choir




Birmingham Youth and Young Adult Fellowship Choir

Mary D. Williams

There IS A Balm In Gilead: National Healing Conference and Concert 2026

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

6:00 - 7:00 P.M. Conference Kickoff and Holy Convocation with the Carlton Reese Memorial Unity Choir

Details of our breakout sessions

8:00 A.M. - 9:45 A.M. Breakfast and Keynote Address by Dr. Hasan Jefferies

10:00 A.M. - 11:15 A.M. "WE THE PEOPLE"  by Dr. David Hudson

11:25 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. "What Happened Before Us Still Affects Us: Healing Intergenerational Trauma in Families and Communities" by Dr. Rotasha Madden

12:40 P.M. - 2:15 P.M. Lunch and Keynote Address by Mary Pember

2:25 P.M. - 3:40 P.M Presentations by multiple speakers

4:00 P.M. Afternoon Meet & Greet

Details of our breakout sessions

8:00 A.M. – 9:45 A.M. Breakfast and Keynote Address by Dr. Timothy Tyson

10:00 A.M. - 11:15 A.M. Trauma Discussions with various speakers

12:50 P.M. - 2:15 P.M. Lunch and Keynote Address by Dr. Douglas Blackmon

2:25 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. More presentations

5:00 P.M. Afternoon Meet and Greet

Focus of Breakout Sessions

  • Racial Trauma and Its Effects on Mental Health
  • Healing From Racial Trauma
  • Intersections of Race, Religion, Health, and Healing
  • Intergenerational Trauma
  • Healing Through the Arts
  • We Also Sing America