Addressing Mental Health: Empowering Black Men and Boys
Across the nation, male-centered organizations are expanding their services to ensure Black men and boys have access to resources that help confront mental health challenges and prevent suicide. From national initiatives to local programs, these groups are integrating mental health awareness into their missions, viewing it as a key component of Black male wellness.
National Efforts in Mental Health Care
At the national level, initiatives like Black Men Heal are making significant strides. Founded by Tasnim Sulaiman and co-founded by Zakia Williams, the organization provides culturally informed mental health care tailored specifically for Black men. Sulaiman articulates the purpose behind Black Men Heal in stark terms: “Black Men Heal was created to be a disruption to an already-broken mental healthcare system.”
Both founders emphasize the damaging effects of intergenerational trauma and systemic racism on mental health within the Black community. A troubling statistic from “Deconstructing Stigma: Changing Attitudes About Mental Health” reveals that only 25 percent of Black Americans seek mental healthcare compared to 40 percent of White Americans. Williams attributes this disparity to a lack of tailored resources, lingering stigma, and prohibitive costs.
Bridging the Gap with Free Therapy
To counter these issues, Black Men Heal offers free therapy sessions with licensed and pre-licensed clinicians of color who often share similar experiences with their clients. The organization creates safe spaces where Black men can candidly address their struggles and begin healing from trauma. Notable virtual group initiatives include King’s Corner and Gun Violence Group therapy, facilitating connection and encouragement among participants.
“The healing power of connection, without judgment, can transform perspectives, enhance relationships, and profoundly impact lives,” Williams adds, emphasizing the importance of community support.
Local Initiatives: The G.R.O.W. Program
On a local level, initiatives like the G.R.O.W. Program in Baltimore, led by CEO Diwee Sewell, offer invaluable resources for youth aged 9–17. The program focuses on health, wellness, emotional intelligence, and workforce training. Notable initiatives include Cash App Classroom, which teaches financial literacy, and Learn to Earn, providing paid occupational skill development.
Sewell highlights the importance of alignment and community: “We provide male counselors who are culturally aligned — from the same community that’s tapped in with the culture.” This approach allows programming to resonate deeply with participants, fostering strong, lasting connections.
Real Stories of Impact
Ahkeem Fretman, 31, is a G.R.O.W. Program beneficiary who describes it as more than just a program: “The G.R.O.W. program is basically like a mentorship and big brother program, where you can learn skills that you need in the real world.” He emphasizes the familial atmosphere, noting, “It’s like a family. Nobody is bigger than the next person. We’re all still students; we’re still learning from each other.”
As a young man with attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Fretman’s personal journey exemplifies the program’s effect. “He [Sewell] helped me calm down, listen, and pay attention,” he reflects. “I’ve seen him work with kids with different disorders, and he’s very patient with them and communicates well.”
Therapeutic Techniques and Skills Development
Sewell emphasizes that G.R.O.W. incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). “We teach them the power of thought — to replace negative thought patterns with positive ones,” he explains, detailing how they instill problem-solving and coping skills in the youth participants. Fretman appreciates this approach, noting how Sewell encourages youth through conversations and incentives, always focusing on learning and growth.
Recommendations for Parents
For parents looking for a nurturing environment for their children, Fretman encourages considering the G.R.O.W. Program. “It’s a great space to learn and grow,” he asserts, understanding the unique challenges young men face in today’s world.
Conclusion
As Black-centered mental health initiatives continue to expand and evolve, the efforts of organizations like Black Men Heal and the G.R.O.W. Program highlight the transformative power of culturally relevant mental health resources. By fostering connection and support, these initiatives are paving the way for healthier futures for Black men and boys.
