Men’s Mental Health Takes Center Stage at Community Summit
Community leaders, mental health professionals, and youth came together for the fifth annual Black Mental Health Summit, hosted by the Community Alliance of the Far Eastside (CAFE)
Men’s Mental Health Takes Center Stage at Community Summit
A powerful and much-needed conversation unfolded recently as community leaders, advocates, and residents gathered for the fifth annual Black Mental Health Summit, an event focused on breaking the silence surrounding mental health—particularly among Black men and youth.
Hosted by community partners including the Community Alliance of the Far Eastside (CAFE), the event created a safe and intentional space for dialogue, healing, and connection. “It’s super important to have a room full of Black males discussing something that’s not discussed in our communities—and normalize being okay with not being okay,” said Aaron Green, founder of Struggle University.
This year’s summit placed a strong emphasis on youth, highlighting the unique challenges young Black men face today. Jamarro Johnson, Deputy Director of CAFE, underscored the urgency of the moment. “We’re seeing a constant cry out from our youth…they want to be heard, they want to be affirmed,” he said.
The evening featured a dynamic panel that included mental health professionals, community leaders, and youth voices, all contributing to an open and honest discussion. Bryson Davis, a mental health specialist, spoke candidly about the realities many Black men carry. “A lot of our Black males are broken in different areas…when you hide your brokenness, it shows up in other spaces of your life,” he explained.
Davis emphasized the importance of helping individuals identify and articulate their emotions. “We put titles to feelings…because we feel a certain way but don’t always know how to express it,” he said, noting that understanding those emotions is key to proper treatment and healing.
City-County Councilor Keith Graves highlighted the broader community responsibility. “We have to create spaces where Black men can speak about what’s on their minds…because we don’t have enough of those places,” he said. He also challenged attendees to extend the impact beyond the event, encouraging mentorship and outreach to others who may be struggling.
“We have to create spaces where Black men can speak about what’s on their minds…because we don’t have enough of those places.”
— Keith Graves, City-County Councilor
For young attendees like Zechariah White, the event offered both connection and hope. “I came to connect with more Black men doing positive things and to learn,” he shared. He also spoke honestly about the pressures facing young men today, from safety concerns to the need for consistent support. “Just communicate…stay connected and really understand us,” he added.
Ultimately, the summit aimed to do more than raise awareness—it sought to spark action. “Create safe spaces where people feel comfortable talking,” Green urged.
As the conversations concluded, one message was clear: addressing mental health in the Black community is not a one-night effort, but an ongoing commitment—one that begins with listening, understanding, and showing up for one another.
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