Los Angeles Group Offers Black Men a Safe Space too Prioritize Mental health
LOS ANGELES - A new Los Angeles-based support group is providing Black men with a vital space to address mental health challenges, fostering healing and possibly opening pathways to professional therapy. Founded in 2022,the group addresses a critical need within a community disproportionately impacted by systemic issues like police brutality,gang violence,and mass incarceration.
The initiative comes at a time when conversations around men’s mental health are gaining momentum, yet significant barriers remain, particularly within communities of color. for many Black men in Los Angeles, a history of distrust and a lack of accessible resources contribute to a reluctance to seek help. This group aims to dismantle those barriers by creating a non-judgmental environment where vulnerability is encouraged and shared experiences are validated.
co-moderator Wayne Bennett, 41, explained that many participants share experiences of growing up without strong male role models or facing societal pressures that discourage emotional expression. “A lot of the men talk about being depressed or not having any type of leadership growing up and just kind of having to figure things out on their own,” Bennett said. “A lot of the men may have never been to therapy before, so this is a great gateway to going into therapy.”
The group’s founder, Carter, created the space as a preventative measure, hoping to encourage Black men to consider counseling and therapy. He noted the healing power of simply connecting with others who understand their lived experiences. “I just wanted this to be a space where they could kind of just dump, not only dump, but also celebrate wins as well,” Carter said. “I want this space for people and for our brothers to get their flowers.”
Bennett highlighted the unique challenges faced by Black men in Los Angeles,where interactions are frequently enough perceived as transactional,career-focused,or even aggressive. He emphasized the importance of building trust within the group to counteract this dynamic. “In LA,a region that has a unique history of police brutality,gangs and mass incarceration – all disproportionately affecting Black men,they have to wear a guard,” Bennett said. “I had talked to Black men and they expect their interaction to be transactional,career-driven or aggressive. there is a lack of trust that men must build within each other in LA.”
The group provides a platform for Black men to openly discuss their struggles, celebrate their achievements, and ultimately, prioritize their well-being. Organizers hope the initiative will not only support individual healing but also contribute to a broader cultural shift that destigmatizes mental health care within the Black community.
