News Digest: Dr. Edwards speaking in Dublin | 'Bridging the Gap' | Value of exercise for mental health

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A thoughtful leader

The Dublin Chamber of Commerce is launching its inaugural "Thoughtful Leadership Speaker Series" next month, with civil rights activist and educator Harry Edwards, Ph.D., serving as the first keynote speaker.

"Dr. Harry Edwards has a long and storied history of activism focused upon developments in racial equity in America and around the world," chamber officials said. "The combination of his experiences as an African-American, as an athlete; and his training in sociology led Edwards to propose America had become very complacent about the issue of race in sports. He ultimately called for a Black athlete boycott of the United States 1968 Olympic team in large part to dramatize the racial inequities and barriers."

"Views on America's Future" with Dr. Harry Edwards – American Sociologist and Civil Rights Leader" is set to run from 5:30-7 p.m. Oct. 19 at Regal Hacienda Crossings in Dublin.

Go to dublinchamberofcommerce.org for tickets and more information.

'Bridging the Gap'

The Tri-Valley Nonprofit Alliance is hosting the Anti-Poverty Collaborative's "Bridging the Gap" on Oct. 5 at the Bankhead Theater in Livermore.

"'Bridging the Gap' is more than just an event; it's a critical effort to confront and address the community's multifaceted challenges surrounding poverty, health care, education, affordable housing, food security and economic justice," organizers said.

The event will feature panel speakers sharing their experiences in combating poverty, homelessness and food insecurity. Other topics will include the newly revised TVNPA data report, basic income pilot projects, and the recent California homelessness report, organizers said.

For more information or sponsorships, visit tvnpa.org/tvapc.

Editor's note: The alliance announced a venue change on Monday, following the initial story publication. "Bridging the Gap" will be held at the Bankhead Theater on Oct. 5.

Value of exercise

The Alan Hu Foundation, a Pleasanton-based nonprofit, is holding a webinar presentation next week by professor and psychiatrist Dr. John J. Ratey, "The Positive Impact of Exercise on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention", as part of its free public Mental Health Lecture Series.

Foundation reps said Ratey will discuss "the positive effects of incorporating exercise into a comprehensive mental health treatment plan, with help from mental health providers, such as therapists, psychiatrists or counselors."

The webinar will run from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday (Sept. 26) via Zoom, with a 15-minute Q&A session with Ratey to follow. RSVP is required. Learn more at alanhufoundation.org.