The African American Male Wellness Agency has been tackling the issue of men’s mental health through their Real Men, Real Talk initiative for many years. Recently, the organization revamped their barbershop talks into a more structured program aimed at motivating Black men to openly discuss their traumas, experiences, and struggles. Suicide has been identified as the third leading cause of death for Black men aged 15-24 by the National Alliance on Mental Health.
Research has shown that individuals from diverse backgrounds are more likely to terminate therapy prematurely due to cultural differences with their therapist. Dr. Rayshawn Wilson, Director of Mental Wellness for the African American Male Wellness Agency, notes that trauma, unforgiveness, racism, and discrimination are significant factors that lead Black men to attend events or seek therapy services. The Real Men, Real Talk initiative provides a safe space for Black men to engage in open dialogue with those who understand their experiences and can be trusted or provide mentorship.
The program encourages open communication among Black men by creating a supportive community where shared experiences can foster a sense of comfort and trust in one another. Through this program, men can offer support and share strategies to help each other overcome challenges they may face. The African American Male Wellness Agency currently serves 18 cities across the United States, including Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Toledo. They will be hosting a national Real Men
