Beyond the Alpha: Challenging Cultural Norms to Cultivate Emotional and Mental Well-Being

“According to the American Psychological Association, only 36% of Black men with mental health needs receive treatment, compared to 48% of White men. This disparity highlights the significant barriers Black men face in accessing mental health support, often due to cultural stigmas and traditional perceptions of masculinity.”

Taking a Leap of Faith: Moving to Support My Family

In 2008, when my son was three and my girlfriend was pregnant with our second child, I decided to leap and move to a new city to support my new family. What I did not realize at the time was that I was operating within a societal norm where I was not the macho patriarchal alpha male with aggressive dominance. However, I copied a position I had seen my father play and tried to be the supportive father and peacemaker. I played the situation wrong.

First and foremost, I moved in with my girlfriend; that was mistake #1. As a Black Man, never move in with your girlfriend unless you are married. Cohabitation only works if a plan is in place to build a solid foundation for creating a stable family structure. Given our biblical mandate of being fruitful and multiplying, it's not a bad idea to want to build and support a family. My Mind said family man, but my heart screamed, work…