Speaker Series

Our Brothers of the Desert Speaker Series presents a variety of relevant topics that interest and impact our community. This program emerged from an expressed need to continue offering educational and emotional support, stemming from feedback from our annual wellness summits, monthly membership meetings, and our Barbershop discussion group.

The series, in both virtual and in-person formats, features respected thought leaders and offers opportunities to interact with participants, engage in discussions, and ask questions of the presenters. Topics have included practicing mindfulness, responding to systemic racism, acknowledging microaggressions, mental health and wellness for Black queer communities, and supporting a holistic, healthy lifestyle.

In November 2025, we hosted the second annual in-person event, Real Talk, Real Health, as a part of the series. It featured Dr. Daniel Driffin. Other event speakers have included mindfulness teacher Christopher Burton, filmmaker Nathan Hale-Williams, author Lorenzo Taylor, CEO of the Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective, Yolo Akili Robinson, founder of Native Son, Emil Wilbekin, international leadership consultant, Gamal J Palmer, and Medical Director for Clinic Services at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Dr. Leo Moore.