- FAMU and Black Men’s Mental Health are teaming up Sunday for mental health training to improve the community.
- According to Mental Health America, 16% of Black or African Americans reported having a mental health problem.
- Watch the video above to hear from local barbers and neighbors.
Broadcast transcript
“People need someone to talk to when they have a problem and have a problem and don’t have anyone to talk to. If you don’t have guidance, that’s important.”
Latitas Smith is a barbershop located in southwest Tallahassee. He told me what conversations take place in barbershops.
“A lot of times it’s sports and then it’s mental health issues that are happening in the community. We have anxiety, we have depression, kids are going through these particular things, I need someone to talk to.”
The need for mental health awareness in the Black community is clear.
I saw the evidence. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, Black Americans often have undiagnosed mood-related disorders.
Currently, FAMU and Black Men’s Mental Health host mental health trainings for those who mentor and work with Black boys and men.
“If you’re a coach of black men or someone who coaches black men, barber or whoever, be there.”
Michael Birdsong and Ladarius Gammage are senior associates at Indelible Business Solutions.
I asked them how the training targets black men and barbers like Smith.
“Think about going to the barbershop. You need that confidence. Some people don’t have a mental health professional to talk to, but sometimes you just have to go to the barbershop and talk about sports. But now I’m comfortable and the problem is clear.”
Gammage added, “This is an opportunity to translate to the community and understand the skills that may be needed.”
Training includes QPR training to score mindsets and open conversations on panels.
Smith said this could help him and his neighbors.
“I don’t really know the solution…I’m just trying to be part of the solution.”
Man in the Mirror training will be held this Sunday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM in the FAMU Ballroom. You can sign up at bit.ly/BlackMensMentalHealth.
