SHREVEPORT, La. — Shreveport native Kevin Washington and community organizer Derrick L. Henderson are launching the city’s first Black Men’s Health Weekend, a three-day series of events focused on mental health, wellness, leadership and community connection.
The inaugural weekend is scheduled for Thursday through Saturday in Shreveport and will feature public discussions, fitness activities and conversations centered on the health and well-being of Black men and boys.
Henderson says the event was created to provide safe spaces for honest dialogue while connecting men with practical tools for healing, growth and long-term success.
A highlight of the weekend will be the Black Men’s Mental Health Forum, which is open to the public and will be livestreamed globally. Syndicated columnist, podcaster and television commentator Roland S. Martin and licensed African-centered psychologist Mwata Sankara are scheduled to lead the discussion.
Panelists are expected to include Caddo Parish District Attorney James Stewart, educator Grady Smith, mental health counselor and fitness trainer Tarrant Graham, and Henderson, a former domestic-violence nonprofit executive.
The forum will be held at the Norma J. Blake Center at Mt. Caanan Baptist Church. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Additional invited guests include Caddo Parish Sheriff Henry Whitehorn, Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux, Caddo Schools Superintendent Keith Burton and Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith.
Other public events planned for the weekend include “Speak Brutha Speak: A Man Talk Series — Power, Peace, and Prosperity” on Friday at Vine Books & Vinyl in downtown Shreveport.
On Saturday, organizers will host a morning bootcamp titled “Fitness for the Mind, Body & Soul” with Graham, followed by “Boys and Men: Conversations on Black Manhood, Relationships, and Legacy Building” at Vine Books & Vinyl.
Later that day, “Elevating the Crown: Barbershop Talk” will take place at Bos-Man Barber College, followed by an evening gathering titled “When the Smoke Clears: Gas Station Cigars and Conversation” at Royalty Cigar & Hookah Lounge.
Henderson said he hopes the weekend becomes an annual event and inspires similar efforts across the region.
For more information, organizers ask the public to text “BMMH” to (318) 401-1891.
