News Summary
A men’s mental health awareness breakfast took place at Morris Chapel Baptist Church Life Center in Greenwood, emphasizing the importance of mental health support for men, especially young men. The event aimed to initiate discussions around mental health challenges and included a guest speaker who shared personal experiences related to grief. Despite lower attendance, the breakfast facilitated connections between community members and local mentoring organizations, showcasing support for men’s mental health during Men’s Health Month.
Greenwood – A men’s mental health awareness breakfast was held on June 28, 2025, at the Morris Chapel Baptist Church Life Center in Greenwood. This event, which took place from 8 a.m. to noon, aimed to promote mental health awareness among men, particularly targeting young men aged 12 and older along with their fathers.
The breakfast gathered community members under the organization efforts of Leonard Martin, the CEO of Engaging Men of Color and a teacher in Prosperity. Martin expressed his desire to foster discussions about seeking help during difficult times and highlighted the importance of mental health support within the community. Despite a lower than anticipated turnout, the event successfully facilitated connections between young men, fathers, and local mentoring organizations, as well as distributing food to individuals in the surrounding neighborhood.
The program featured Santana Delano Freeman, a licensed professional counselor, as the guest speaker. Freeman spoke on the unique mental health challenges affecting the Black community, sharing his own experiences with grief to underscore the necessity of mental health support. His discussion was aimed at breaking down barriers and fostering open dialogues about mental health issues.
Among the attendees were community members such as Jamal McFadden, John Jones, and representatives from local mentorship groups. The event also recognized the efforts of the kitchen staff and volunteers who prepared a breakfast buffet for participants, showcasing the communal effort involved in organizing the gathering. Martin expressed gratitude for support received through social media and local outreach initiatives, which contributed to the visibility of the event.
This initiative was part of a broader recognition of June as Men’s Health Month and was coordinated in partnership with organizations like Brick by Brick and Brothers Unite. The breakfast served both as a means to raise awareness about mental health and a network-building opportunity for those in attendance. This approach was inspired by a similar event from Texas in 2018 that successfully drew attention to men’s mental health.
Support from local businesses played a significant role in the breakfast’s success. Contributions included a grant from Walmart and food donations from local restaurants, which helped ensure a nutritious meal was provided to all participants. Martin, drawing from his experiences as a teacher, noted concerns regarding young individuals facing peer pressure and anxiety, which he believed increased the relevance of discussing mental health openly.
During the breakfast, counselors including Kervin Searles emphasized the importance of finding the right therapist and navigating mental health issues effectively. An audience member shared a personal story that highlighted both the challenges of seeking counseling and the comfort found in spiritual practices, signifying the varied paths individuals take towards mental well-being.
Jamal McFadden focused on the vital role of mentoring young men in various life skills, including mental health. He advocated for increased opportunities for young men to learn and discuss various aspects of emotional wellness and coping strategies. The event also featured letters of commendation from South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster and Congressman James E. Clyburn, which were read aloud, acknowledging the importance of this mental health initiative.
John Jones reflected on his personal journey through grief and depression, emphasizing the value of sharing personal experiences as a tool for healing and helping others. Additionally, James Jones pointed out the increasing availability of mental health resources and awareness initiatives within the community, reaffirming the necessity for ongoing discussions related to mental health.
This men’s mental health awareness breakfast not only sought to address the pressing need for open dialogue about mental health challenges but also aimed to build a supportive community, promoting positive mental health practices among men of all ages.
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