Join Reggie D. Ford in a heartfelt conversation with Benaias Esayeas, the founder of Black Mental Health Village. They explore the challenges of being Black men in a world marked by systemic racism, and how they've coped with the complexities of mental health, identity, and resilience. Delving into the concept of "Black Boy Joy," they discuss how it serves as a form of resistance against the oppression faced by Black individuals. The conversation touches on historical trauma, family dynamics, and ongoing systemic challenges in Black communities. This conversation highlights the significance of community support and healing from deep-seated wounds. Discover the initiatives and partnerships of Black Mental Health Village, emphasizing the importance of healing justice and access to mental health resources for Black individuals and communities.  

Highlights: 

⭐️ Understanding the significance of Black Boy Joy and Black Joy as a form of resistance. 

⭐️ Exploring the concept of the inner child and its role in personal healing and growth. 

⭐️ Reggie and Benaias reflect on the impact of systemic racism and discrimination on mental health. 

⭐️ Unpacking the interconnections between education, the criminal justice system, and systemic oppression. 

⭐️ Benaias shares his experience with anxiety and how he struggled with poor coping techniques, particularly through alcohol. 

⭐️ Benaias recounts a traumatic encounter with campus police and how it exposed systemic racism. 

⭐️ Benaias reflects on the wedge in his relationship with his family, caused by differences in religious beliefs. 

⭐️ Benaias shares his experience of mending relationships with his family and the importance of setting boundaries. 

⭐️ Benaias discusses the impact of systemic racism on mental health and the need for culturally sensitive healing. 

⭐️ Benaias emphasizes the importance of recognizing how different systems disproportionately affect Black communities, including education, healthcare, and the justice system. 

⭐️ Benaias talks about the initiatives and programs of Black Mental Health Village, including support groups, partnerships, and directories for therapists. 

⭐️ The conversation touches on the need for resources for HBCU students and the challenges faced by elders raising grandchildren. Benaias shares his thoughts on the book "The Body Keeps the Score" and the concept of "rest is resistance."  

📲 Connect with Reggie 

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LI - https://linkedin.com/in/reggiedford 

X - https://twitter.com/reggiedford 

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Website - https://reggiedford.com 

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Podcast - https://reggiedford.com/vulnerabilitymuscle  

Podcast’s IG - https://instagram.com/vulnerabilitymuscle  

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📲 Connect with Benaias 

X - https://twitter.com/bennye7 

X - https://twitter.com/bmhvillage 

IG - https://instagram.com/bmhvillage 

Website - https://www.bmhv.org/ 

Website - https://benaias.com/