Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Michigan (BBBSSEM) is showing that it cares about the health of Detroit-area Black men by launching their inaugural Men’s Wellness Day event, aiming to encourage Black men to prioritize their mental health.
The event is in partnership with other nonprofits including The HUG Haven, Enjoy Detroit, and Detroit Dads Group, to foster community solidarity around this necessary topic.
The Men’s Wellness Day, in honor of the upcoming National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in July, is scheduled for 3-5 p.m., on Saturday, June 29, at the Durfee Innovation Society, 2470 Collingwood St. in Detroit.
This important initiative is a free event open to the public and originated from a heartfelt conversation among men in the community grappling with mental health challenges. Recognizing the need for a supportive space to discuss mental health and self-care, the idea for Men’s Wellness Day was born.
“Men’s Wellness Day is a significant step in addressing the mental health needs of Black men in our community,” said DK Williams, Director of Operations & Innovation at BBBSSEM. “We aim to create a safe and supportive environment where men can openly discuss their struggles and learn practical strategies for self-care.”
According to Hutchins Center for African & African American Research, from 2010 to 2020, Black communities dealt with suicide at a larger percentage increase of suicide death rates with Black men “at particular risk.”
“It started during a conversation between a few men in the community who were struggling with their mental health,” Williams said. “We want to create a space to discuss the importance of mental and physical wellness, including self-care to better support our overall health. As we look forward to the upcoming month and beyond, our goal is to curate this pivotal event.”
The event will feature:
– Workshops and Discussions: Focused on mental, emotional, and physical health.
– Community Support: Opportunities to connect with local nonprofits.
– Networking: A chance for attendees to connect and support one another.
BBBSSEM is dedicated to helping children realize their potential and build their futures by fostering a culture of health and wellness. We nurture children and strengthen communities through mentorship and supportive programs. This event aligns with our mission to support the holistic well-being of the individuals the agency serves.
We invite members of the media to attend and cover this impactful event. Your presence and support can help amplify the message of mental health awareness and the importance of self-care within our community.
For more information, please contact Community Relations Manager Sherri Kolade at 313.626.5181 or email her at [email protected].
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