Mareko Brown, a 35-year-old man from Jackson, lost his brother Marcus Gray to mental illness in 2020. Inspired by his loss, Brown founded MenTalk Growth in 2021, with the mission of addressing the silent suffering of Black men who deal with depression and mental illness. The organization works in partnership with the Department of Mental Health to host seminars, workshops and provide resources for men dealing with these challenges.
Dr. Bryman Williams, a licensed clinical psychologist who works with MenTalk Growth, emphasizes the importance of seeking help for mental health issues. Many African American men avoid seeking help due to a desire to handle problems independently and a fear of lacking support systems. Dr. Williams reassures men that it is okay to seek professional help for mental health concerns and that there is no shame in doing so.
The impact of untreated mental illness on African American men is becoming increasingly apparent, and MenTalk Growth aims to raise awareness about this issue through its second annual gala on April 6th at The Venue By Roseburgh in Jackson. The theme of the event is “Speak Up When You’re Down,” which underscores the importance of addressing mental health issues early and seeking support when needed. To learn more about MenTalk Growth and their initiatives, visit their website at www.mentalkgrowth.org. Stay informed with more WLBT news by subscribing to the newsletter. If you notice any errors in our content, please report them by clicking the link provided and including the headline of the story in your email
