Thursday

07-17-2025 Vol 2024

3rd Annual Black Men’s Mental Health Conference Focuses on Healing and Empowerment

The justUs MH Foundation recently hosted its 3rd Annual Black Men’s Mental Health Conference at the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs in Atlanta. This event aimed to draw attention to the pressing mental health issues affecting Black men, while also providing a supportive environment for open discussions, healing, and resource sharing.

Statistics underscore the importance of addressing mental health in the Black community. According to the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, severe physical violence perpetrated by intimate partners impacts about 23.2% of women and 13.9% of men in their lives. Victims of relational violence, including children exposed to such environments, are at an increased risk for mental health conditions such as anxiety, PTSD, and depressive disorders.

The conference brought together a diverse group of panelists and experts, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Myrone Fountaine, known as “The Prison Dr.” He shared insights on his transformative journey following two decades of incarceration, reflecting on the shifts he observed upon re-entering society.

Dr. Fountaine highlighted how societal dynamics have changed over the years, particularly in family structures. “I came home to a world where fathers were not in a home,” he said. He expressed concern over the current cultural climate, where music and media often portray negative images of Black men and women.

The Black Men’s Mental Health Conference was designed to create awareness surrounding mental health in the African American community, focusing specifically on Black men. The event aimed to foster a sense of unity, love, and fellowship among attendees while equipping them with vital mental wellness tools.

Camillia Harris, the founder of the justUs MH Foundation, is dedicated to addressing and bringing to light the long-standing mental health issues often overlooked in the Black community. Following the loss of her father to suicide in 2019, she has been a passionate advocate for mental health awareness among Black men. “We must have discussions around intervention and preventative measures that work,” she stated. “We must ignite trust back into our communities, within our physicians, and in our very own households.”

The conference featured thought-provoking discussions focusing on the unique challenges Black men face regarding mental health. Panelists included mental health professionals and community advocates who encouraged attendees to embrace vulnerability and seek help.

“Find a community of people, or a person, that you can speak with who are wise, and that’s not going to push you the wrong way but help you move in a positive direction,” advised Corey Baker, founder of Skillsets for Life Consulting LLC.

Omar Ali, President of a global and domestic company, emphasized the necessity of shared healing. “We’re not damaged in isolation, so we can’t heal in isolation. We must heal in community,” he stated. Ali further discussed how trauma and sadness often affect young Black boys, highlighting an urgent need for community intervention.

Dr. Curtis Jasper, a psychologist, encouraged attendees to prioritize purpose over profit in their lives and businesses. He warned against the mental toll that can come from chasing financial success at the expense of personal well-being, suggesting that purpose-driven pursuits tend to yield more sustainable returns.

Amari Morton, owner of Greater Change, reminded the audience of the importance of sharing knowledge. “When we teach people things, we have to better understand those things ourselves,” he stated. Morton urged attendees to take lessons about mental health back to their communities, reinforcing the significance of mentorship.

“Black men, we do need you in our households, and we need to have a representation of fatherhood in our communities again,” Camillia Harris emphasized. She acknowledged the barriers many Black men face when it comes to trusting others with their mental health struggles. “How do we get back to those places and spaces where being open and honest isn’t weaponized or shared with outside sources?” she asked.

The conference concluded with a commitment to continue the conversation and expand the network of support for Black men in their mental health journeys. Discussions surrounding intervention and prevention strategies were collectively seen as vital steps toward healing not just individuals, but the community as a whole. By fostering open dialogue and creating safe spaces, it is hoped that Black men can find the support they need to navigate their mental health experiences, ultimately contributing to the overall well-being of the African American community.

image source from:theatlantavoice

Benjamin Clarke