Marquette, MPS host mental health event for Black & Latino Men

Marquette University and Milwaukee Public Schools are joining forces to host the third annual BLMA Mental Health Awareness Symposium on April 22. This half-day event aims to support the mental well-being of approximately 200 Black and Latino young men from 12 local high schools.

The symposium will feature a keynote address by Harry Evans, founder of Heal Black Man. This Milwaukee-based organization provides a supportive space for Black men to focus on healing, self-discovery, and healthy coping mechanisms. Evans’ message will likely resonate with the young attendees as he works to build a community of strong Black men who uplift one another.

Following the keynote, the students will participate in workshops led by community partners, fostering dialogue and providing tools to navigate life’s challenges. The event’s organizers hope to break down stigmas surrounding mental health and promote resilience among the young men.

This collaboration between Marquette’s BLEST Hub and MPS’ Department of Black and Latino Male Achievement (BLMA) underscores the importance of addressing mental health disparities. Studies have shown that Black and Latino communities often face barriers to accessing mental health services, including stigma, lack of culturally competent care, and socioeconomic factors.

By creating a safe space for open discussion and providing resources, the symposium takes a proactive approach to supporting the mental well-being of Milwaukee’s Black and Latino youth. As the students prepare to lead and excel in their future endeavors, events like this can help equip them with the tools to prioritize their mental health and build a strong support network.

The BLMA Mental Health Awareness Symposium serves as a model for community-driven initiatives that address the unique challenges faced by young men of color. By fostering partnerships between educational institutions and local organizations, Milwaukee is taking steps to ensure that all students can thrive academically and emotionally.