The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will host a community conversation that will shine light on adverse experiences African-American girls face in childhood on Thursday, Aug. 8. 

The event, sponsored by the UA Little Rock Anderson Institute on Race and Ethnicity and the Arkansas Minority Health Commission, will take place from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Donaghey Student Center Ledbetter Hall A and B.

The all-female panel is headed by Tara Shephard, an author, education and mental health advocate, suicide-prevention trainer, and youth program consultant with nearly two decades of professional experience in juvenile justice, education, substance abuse, and social justice.

The additional five panelists include Tjuana Byrd, a juvenile judge candidate; Sharhonda Love, director of the Arkansas Minority Health Commission; Dr. Johanna Thomas, assistant professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville; Dr. Sara Jones, assistant professor in the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Nursing; and Keesa Smith, deputy director of the Arkansas Department of Human Services.

The event is free and open to the public. Those interested in attending can register at this website.