SHREVEPORT, La. – Community leaders, mental health professionals and concerned citizens gathered Thursday night for the inaugural Black Men’s Mental Health Forum in Shreveport.
The weekend-long event focuses on addressing the mental, emotional and social well-being of black men.
Organizers say the goal is to create a space where men feel comfortable discussing issues often shaped by stigma and cultural expectations.
“It’s good to have this conversation and start trying to address these issues. Conversations predate action, and action helps all of us. On the domestic violence front, there’s been a lot of conversations and now we have seen some fruition come out of those conversations. We’re hoping out of this discussion, the same thing will happen,” said Caddo District Attorney James Stewart.
Speakers emphasized meaningful change begins with conversation, which can lead to tangible action.
“Women will talk and share amongst one another; men are being told to suck it up and be a man or be strong. Well if a man cannot handle his emotions, he cannot be strong. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength,” said Roland Martin, host of #RolandMartinUnfiltered.
Organizers also highlighted the importance of meeting men in familiar, comfortable environments to foster honest conversations.
“Men, we naturally do not share because there’s this whole thing about vulnerability. So we have to meet men where they are, in safe spaces where they typically have conversations. Whenever you can go to relax and be in a more intimate but comforting environment, you can share your thoughts and feelings,” said organizer Derrick Henderson.
The event continues through the weekend at safe spaces like vinyl record shops, barber shops and cigar lounges.
Friday, 6–8 p.m. — Speak Brutha Speak: A Man Talk Series — “Power, Peace, and Prosperity” at Vine Books & Vinyl, 620 Texas St., Suite 100.Saturday, 7–9 a.m. — Fitness for the Mind, Body & Soul Bootcamp with Tarrant Graham at TNT. 900 Quail Creek Road Saturday, 12–2 p.m. — Boys and Men: Conversations on Black Manhood, Relationships, and Legacy Building at Vine Books & Vinyl.Saturday, 3–5 p.m. — Elevating the Crown: Barbershop Talk — Personal Motivation and Topics Important to Men at Bos-Man Barber College, 2724 West 70th St.Saturday, (time to be announced) — When the Smoke Clears: Gas Station Cigars and Conversation — Deep and Healing Man Talk at Royalty Cigar & Hookah Lounge, 211 Texas St.
