By Tashi McQueen
AFRO Staff Writer
tmcqueen@afro.com
Across the nation, male-centered organizations are expanding services to ensure Black men and boys have access to resources that help them confront mental health challenges and prevent suicide.
From national to local initiatives, these groups are integrating mental health awareness into their missions, seeing it as key to Black male wellness.
At the national level, Tasnim Sulaiman, founder and CEO of Black Men Heal, and Zakia Williams, its co-founder and chief operating officer, provide Black men with culturally informed mental health care.
“Black Men Heal was created to be a disruption to an already broken mental healthcare system,” said Sulaiman. “Intergenerational trauma and systemic racism have taken a toll on the mental health and well-being of the Black community.”
According to “Deconstructing Stigma: Changing Attitudes About Mental Health,” only 25 percent of Black Americans seek mental health care, compared to 40 percent of White Americans. Williams said this disparity stems from a lack of tailored resources, stigma and high costs.
Black Men Heal bridges the gap by offering free therapy sessions with licensed and pre-licensed clinicians of color who often share similar experiences. The organization also provides safe spaces for Black men to address struggles and heal from trauma. Virtual groups, such as King’s Corner and Gun Violence Group therapy, allow men to share struggles and encourage one another.
“The healing power of connection, without judgment, can transform perspectives, enhance relationships and profoundly impact lives,” said Williams.
Locally, the G.R.O.W. Program, a Baltimore-based nonprofit led by CEO Diwee Sewell, supports youth ages 9-17 in health, wellness, emotional intelligence and workforce training. The G.R.O.W. Program includes initiatives such as Cash App Classroom, which teaches financial literacy, and Learn to Earn, which provides paid occupational skill development.
“We provide male counselors who are culturally aligned – from the same community that’s tapped in with the culture,” said Sewell. “We also figure out the interests of participants and shape programming around those interests as a way to develop strong bonds.”
Ahkeem Fretman, 31, who benefited from the G.R.O.W. Program, describes it as a brotherhood.
“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,” said Fretman. “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 man with attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Fretman knows first hand how Sewell and the G.R.O.W. Program can help young men navigate mental health.
“He helped me calm down, listen and pay attention,” said Fretman. “I’ve seen him work with kids with different disorders and from what I see, he’s very patient with them and communicates well.”
Sewell said G.R.O.W. uses cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy.
Fretman added that Sewell often makes sure to speak with youth, give incentives and show them how to correct mistakes.
“We teach them the power of thought,” said Sewell. “To replace negative thought patterns and replace them with positive thoughts. We help them to develop problem solving and coping skills.”
For parents seeking a safe place for their child to learn and grow, Fretman recommends the G.R.O.W. Program.