COLUMBUS, Ohio — Mental health has been an overarching concern among many communities around the nation, but experts have seen some of the most alarming statistics amongst Black men.
Suicide is the third leading cause of death for black men ages 15 to 24, according to the National Alliance on Mental Health. Statistics like these caught the eyes of the African American Male Wellness Agency (AAMWA).
It offers a variety of physical health screenings and host a walk and run every summer to promote movement and healthy living, but they realized physical health had a direct correlation to mental health.
According to the AAMWA, 85% of the men they screen are diagnosed with high blood pressure. This can be due to things like stress, depression and anxiety. After making the connection, it decided to take initiative with the hope of changing the narrative.
“Anytime that we learn about some alarming statistics impacting the lives of Black men in our community, our organization responds,” said Kenny Hampton, who serves as the president of the African American Male Wellness Agency.
People of color are more likely to end therapy prematurely because of a cultural divide with their therapist according to the National Institute of Health. Leaders of the agency repurposed their decades old “barbershop talks” initiative into “Real Men, Real Talk," which gives Black men a safe space to come together and share their traumas, experiences and struggles with one another.
“Tears are shed,” said Hampton. “Lots of hugs are given, lots of men able to tell other men that they love them and that they have their back. That is what we are excited about because men are able to find some liberation in these conversations.”
Their 2024 “Mask Off” started as a partnership with R&B singer Eric Roberson. He wrote a song called “Masks” talking about revealing his true self to the world.
The agency worked with Roberson and was inspired by his vulnerability and transparency. The “Mask Off” campaign encourages men to think about the layers that make them who they are. On the front of the mask, men are asked to write down how they feel they present to the world and how they want to be perceived, but on the inside, men are encouraged to write things that they might be hiding or masking.
The AAMWA serves 18 cities across the country including Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Toledo. Their overarching goal is to help Black men find strength in vulnerability and power of community.
“Men are really able to really break free some something has been holding them bondage for a very long time and all year we're going to talk about the power of taking off our mask and introducing our authentic selves to ourselves and then being comfortable enough, introducing our authentic selves to the rest of the world,” said Hampton.
The next “Real Men, Real Talk” will take place on Feb. 15 in Columbus. The agency has one to two Black male licensed therapists at the event for those who want or need further help. If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health, you can call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.