When it comes to mental health in the Black community, the message has historically been pretty straightforward: take it to the altar. But gospel legend Kirk Franklin is gently (and boldly) pushing back on that norm. His message? You can pray and go to therapy.
“I’m a Black man that prays and sees a therapist,” Franklin shared during a recent interview with the Today Show. “A lot of times, if you go to therapy, some communities make you feel like you don’t have faith.”
It’s a layered truth, especially in religious spaces where emotional struggle is often seen as a spiritual weakness. But Franklin isn’t afraid to walk (and talk) through those tensions. And now, he’s bringing others with him.
Introducing ‘Den of Kings’
The Grammy-winning artist has launched a new YouTube series called Den of Kings, which premiered on Father’s Day. The series is designed to create space for Black and brown men to have real, unfiltered conversations about everything from trauma to healing.
“Every episode will feature a different conversation with Black men,” Franklin said. “The next episode will be Tyler Perry and Jeezy. We’re having conversations about everything—suicide, depression, marriage, divorce… just life.”
In a world where vulnerability among men, especially Black men, is often discouraged, Franklin is helping flip the script. The Den of Kings series started as intimate dinner parties he would host at home, but the conversations were so powerful that he decided to share them with the world.
Fatherhood and Faith
In the show’s first episode, Franklin sits down with D.C. Young Fly, Devale Ellis, Kountry Wayne, and Lou Young to talk about fatherhood, masculinity, faith, and what healing looks like. The vibe is relaxed, the convo is real, and the emotions? Yeah—they show up, too.
Some moments hit close to home, like when Franklin reflects on reconnecting with his biological father, a relationship that’s still evolving.
“The truth is, I wasn’t looking for a father, and he wasn’t looking for a son,” he said candidly. “Trying to find a way to make that happen is still a work in progress.”
Growing up adopted and as an only child, Franklin admitted that familial connection doesn’t come naturally. “There are some deficiencies that I realize I have that I still continue to try to work with in therapy.”
That transparency is exactly what makes Franklin’s message resonate. He’s not just talking about healing; he’s doing the work and letting us see the mess and beauty in the process.
Rewriting the Narrative on Black Mental Health
For Franklin, therapy isn’t a trend; it’s been a lifeline. He’s spoken openly in the past about his battles with anxiety and depression, as well as the importance of emotional check-ins.
That radical care and commitment to wellness is what Den of Kings is all about. It’s not just another talk show—it’s a safe space. A place where Black men can let their guard down, challenge outdated beliefs, and remind each other (and us) that strength includes softness.
Photo Credit: Instagram – @KirkFranklin
