Let’s be honest, many men don’t have a primary care Physician (PCP) and don’t like going to the doctors. It’s a new year, and men must get serious about their health.
Having a PCP and routine doctor visits can lead to the detection of preventable diseases and conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and certain cancers.
Last month, the Emerging 100 ATL hosted a powerful and insightful event in partnership with VIIV Healthcare at Atlanta’s Girls Driver Restaurant, creating a safe space for Black men to address critical mental and physical health challenges in a judgment-free environment.
The event, titled State of the Union: Black Men’s Brunch, brought together a group of healthcare professionals, community leaders, and attendees to engage in conversations about wellness and self-care.
The brunch fostered full transparency, allowing attendees to be vulnerable, with some sharing their personal experiences and concerns. Guests had the opportunity to ask real questions, gaining a better understanding of issues affecting their health and well-being.
“It felt like sitting down with brothers who truly understand where I’m coming from. We could talk openly without feeling judged or dismissed. It was empowering,” one attendee shared.
There’s a significant difference when someone who looks like you and shares similar experiences speaks about their journey. Their advice and knowledge often resonate more deeply because of the trust and understanding that comes from a shared background.
Healthcare professionals in attendance had three key topics for Black men to focus on: increase awareness of their health, take control of their mental health journeys, and become advocates for other men in their communities.
“Competent education, informed options, and equitable access together lead to healthy lifestyles,” Ramses Fredrick, ViiV Healthcare Community Liaison, shared. “This formula drives our commitment to ensuring that Black men have the tools and knowledge to lead healthier lives.”
“The brunch wasn’t just about providing information; it was about creating a safe space for men to be vulnerable, to ask the questions they’ve been hesitant to ask and to leave with the confidence to take control of their health. With The Emerging 100 ATL, we’ve built a community where these conversations can happen without judgment or stigma,” Frederick added.
Beyond the discussions, the event fostered a sense of community and fellowship. Attendees connected over shared experiences, creating a supportive environment where they could openly discuss their health journeys.
The Emerging 100 ATL’s commitment to creating safe spaces for Black men, including fostering conversations around their health, is vital for our community‘s continued growth and progress. Through initiatives like the State of the Union: Black Men’s Brunch, they work to break down stigmas, promote health awareness, and inspire meaningful change.
