The “Real Talk, Real Strength” summit address Black men’s mental wellness and systemic health challenges.
For sports fans, the ultimate skill isn’t avoiding a tough loss—it is mastering the art of the rebuild.
Atlanta Hawks, Kaiser Permanente Host Second Annual Men of Color Health Summit: Black Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month is being highlighted by the Atlanta Hawks and Kaiser Permanente at a health summit for men of color. Read more: https://t.co/2eINI7bXkc pic.twitter.com/Ko2yIbNLMC— The Atlanta Voice (@theatlantavoice) June 7, 2026
This event concluded a three-part community wellness series launched by the NBA franchise and Kaiser Permanente. Each installment was designed to address persistent health disparities.
For a community historically underserved by healthcare and affected by systemwide challenges, a summit of this scale commands significant cultural value. Issues such as racial profiling, economic barriers, and societal expectations that equate vulnerability with weakness demonstrate the need for these occasions. By providing a dedicated, culturally relevant space at a prominent venue, organizers aimed to reduce the stigma around mental healthcare.
Keynote speaker Onaje Henderson, co-owner of Zucot Gallery, stressed that real change needs action.
“It is doing things like this, showing up for one another, in community,” Henderson said. “But it’s also providing and looking out and taking care of people.”
The summit addressed what Henderson described as “the invisible weight that men carry,” prompting attendees to consider separating their personal identity from career achievements, per a report in the Atlanta Voice.
Overcoming the “L’s” of Life
Psychologist Dr. Curtis D. Jasper described losing his mother, divorcing, and facing financial collapse in four years. Traditional coping failed him.
“I couldn’t achieve my way out,” Jasper said. “I couldn’t thug my way out.”
Jasper credited physical training and dietary changes with saving his life and encouraged the audience to reconsider how they approach adversity.
“Don’t avoid falling and taking L’s,” Jasper told the crowd. “Just get good at recovery.”
“There are things that I’ve put my body through that are now starting to catch up to me,” Powell said. “So it’s just really keeping mindful and making sure that I’m doing the proper things.”
A Playbook for Holistic Health
Alexis Roe, vice president of Community Impact for the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena, said the team’s mission goes beyond basketball.
“By teaming up with Kaiser Permanente, we can provide truly integrated support to our neighbors across the city,” Roe said.
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Source: Black Enterprise
