We’re excited to present a four-part video series featuring four young Black men openly discussing personal experiences and mental health topics generally not discussed publicly.  Discussion topics in the series include defining success, staying grounded and centered, managing emotions, mental health therapy, self-care, and how finding community with other Black men impacts their mental health.  The men also talk about how building deeper relationships has enabled them to thrive academically, personally, and professionally.

The men in the videos participated in the YBMen Project at the University of Michigan in 2021.  With support from Wolverine Wellness, a unit of the University Health Service at the UM, the YBMen Project delivered its signature mental health education and social support program to Black male UM students during the 2021-2022 academic year.  The men at UM participated in an updated YBMen 2.0 Program model, where the home unit delivers the content and activities and manages the day-to-day operation of the program.  The YBMen Project team provides consultation and training resources.

Listen to what they had to say in the episodes below. Future conversations will be shared via newsletter and on the YBMen Project website.

Episode #1: Defining Success

In this first episode, four young Black men at University of Michigan – Ann Arbor openly discuss how they define success as young Black men.

Episode #2: The Importance of Staying Grounded and Centered

In this second episode, four young Black men at University of Michigan – Ann Arbor openly discuss how they stay grounded and centered during challenges, relying not only the relationships of those around them but remembering the progress they have made.