This Veteran’s Day (Wed, Nov. 11), thought-leaders, Hollywood A-listers and American heroes came together to participate in a conference and gala hosted by The Kennedy Forum – a campaign to break the silence and end the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use disorders.
The forum, which took place at The Hilton Chicago, included captivating panels and workshops from more than 50 speakers from around the nation, covering various important topics about mental health and addiction. Nearly every panel included speakers in recovery themselves, with personal stories as well as expert perspectives for the greater goal of expanding treatment and awareness.
The day ended with a dinner and gala, featuring keynotes from former US Representative Patrick Kennedy and ESPY award winner and army veteran, Danielle Green, followed by a surprise appearance from the cast of the hit show, Empire. Please see below some highlights of the event, as well as top photos attached:
- To close the event, attendees were surprised with guest appearances by Jussie Smollett and Terrence Howard from the hit TV show, Empire. Those who know the show are often captivated by the emotional storyline of a character who suffers from bipolar disorder, and how he and his family are impacted by the disease. Equally as passionate about breaking the silence of mental illness, Howard introduced Smollett, who then sang a touching performance of an original song that will premiere in an upcoming Empire episode to conclude the evening.
- Former US Representative, Patrick Kennedy, spoke about his personal battle with mental illness and how The Kennedy Forum works toward a lasting change in the way mental health and addiction are viewed and treated. Guests at the gala also received a copy of Kennedy’s recently released autobiography, A Common Struggle, which further addresses his personal battle with mental illness and the struggles numerous families face in the nation.
- Danielle Green, acclaimed veteran and former Division I women’s basketball player who recently was honored the Pat Tillman Award at the 2015 ESPYs, shared an inspiring speech about her time in Iraq and journey to receiving a Master’s in counseling in an effort to help and serve other military veterans in need.
- Co-founder of the Illinois branch of the Kennedy Forum and owner of O’Briens Restaurant and Bar, Peter O’Brien, also took to the stage to share the touching story of his late son who was diagnosed with schizophrenia at the age of 20, and whose recent passing ignited O’Brien’s mission to change the stigmas associated with mental illness.
*Photo Credit: Christopher Andrew @stoptime341
