Kizzle, founder of Express Yourself Black Men, shares his journey of starting the platform and the top three themes that come up in conversations about black men's mental health: masculinity, emotional expression, and finances. He emphasizes the importance of breaking stereotypes and having positive conversations between black men and women. Dr. Raquel Martin discusses the limitations of societal expectations on black men and the need for them to prioritize their own well-being and personal growth. The conversation explores the importance of creating space for black men to try new things, find their passions, and prioritize their own enjoyment. It also discusses the need for men to actively seek and cultivate friendships, just as they would in dating. The conversation emphasizes the importance of putting effort into building and maintaining relationships, whether they are romantic or platonic. It challenges the misconception that taking the first step in a relationship means one person will have to carry all the responsibility. Both men and women face challenges in approaching and connecting with others, but it is essential to overcome fear and rejection to find meaningful connections. In this part of the conversation, Kizzle discusses the importance of being sociable and having interpersonal skills. He shares his experience as an introvert who has learned to be extroverted in order to connect with others. He emphasizes the need for people to be able to have conversations and express themselves respectfully. Dr. Raquel Martin adds that it's important to respect boundaries and not seek external validation. They also discuss the concept of wishing someone the best and the importance of focusing on personal growth rather than seeking validation from others.

Takeaways

• Express Yourself Black Men is a platform that aims to address the mental health needs of black men and break stereotypes.
• The top three themes that come up in conversations about black men's mental health are masculinity, emotional expression, and finances.
• It is important to have positive conversations between black men and women to uplift and support each other.
• Societal expectations can limit black men's self-expression and personal growth, and it is crucial for them to prioritize their own well-being. Creating space for black men to explore new things and find their passions is essential for their personal growth and well-being.

You can check out Kizzle on Instagram as well as his podcast Express Yourself Black Man and if you are interested in his online Community, A Black Man's Safe Haven, check out the website https://expressyourselfblackman.com/safe-haven