Ep. 26 Sherman Webb-Middlebrooks is on a mission to fill a void in his community by creating a safe space for Black men to engage in conversations about mental, physical, and spiritual health. But with a system designed to benefit from their trauma and struggle, Sherman's journey is anything but easy. Will he be able to break the mold and provide a new path for black men?

"Exposure leads to expansion.

If I can expose brothers to different environments, different conversations,

get them to think thoughts and never thought before,

then I can expand their mind." -Sherman Webb-Middlebrooks

This conversation with Pastor George Nicholas brings to light the staggering health disparities faced by African American men, particularly around mental health and suicide prevention.

Public school systems and the criminal justice system often disproportionately affect Black men, contributing to a range of mental health challenges. Recognizing these systemic issues and acknowledging the role they play in the mental health crisis of the black community is essential in driving positive change.

Sherman has taken it upon himself to bridge the gap between black men and community programs designed to improve mental health and wellness as the Program Manager of the Black Men's Health Initiative at the Buffalo Center for Health Equity. He believes that by creating a culture and community of support, black men can find the resources and connections they need to thrive, ultimately changing the narrative and breaking the cycle of trauma that has persisted for far too long. This passion stems from his upbringing surrounded by strong female role models, who taught him the importance of emotional intelligence and communication.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Investigate the presence of stigma tied to mental health in the Black community and its effects.

Evaluate the gaps in provision of culturally appropriate mental health care for the Black community.

Analyze the systemic factors that intensify the mental health crisis affecting the Black community.

Realize the importance of community connections and protected spaces in fostering Black men's mental health.

RESOURCES

Black Men's Health Initiative www.buffalohealthequity.org

Buffalo Fatherhood Initiative Podcast On YouTube

ABOUT THE GUEST

Sherman D. Webb-Middlebrooks is a full-time black man, public intellectual, and lifelong Buffalo resident with a passion for youth development and community building. He holds a BA in Psychology and American History from D'Youville College, and has extensive experience in education and community outreach.

Sherman is an experienced facilitator, and has a proven track record of delivering high-quality educational programs and activities that address identified programming priorities around DEI, anti-racism, nutrition, health, and wellness. He has worked with several organizations and institutions including the NYS Public Health Fellows & both Cornell's 4H Healthy Community Youth Advocates program and Youth Community Action Network as a key contact in the Buffalo community.

OTHER EPISODES YOU'LL ENJOY

What’s Strong with Black Men? With Stan Martin

”He’s My Brother, Not an Inmate”: How to Help a Loved One Re-enter Society After Incarceration

Buffalo May 14 Massacre: Politically or Racially Motivated? with Dr. Henry Taylor

Mother of Buffalo Mass Shooting Victim Speaks Out and Fights Back |

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