Milwaukee students are embracing the journey of taking control of their mental health, confronting the issue head-on at a summit held on Monday.
“I’ve been learning a lot of new things,” shared Brighton Mosley, a student, reflecting on the experience.
“I felt really connected. I was in a safe space with everyone here,” echoed Federico Navarro, another participant.
The 3rd annual Black and Latino Awareness Symposium, hosted at Marquette University, unfolded as a day-long event dedicated to education and raising awareness about mental health.
“One of the things I learned is to feel confident in yourself and not be afraid to express your emotions in who you are,” Mosley elaborated.
Throughout the symposium, experts equipped attendees with essential tools for fostering healthy coping habits, such as breathing techniques and sharing feelings with others. Moreover, they provided invaluable support and resources to assist the students in navigating life’s challenges.
“Our Black and Latino males don’t have safe spaces. We need to be able to create safe spaces in order for awareness to happen,” emphasized Harry Evans, founder of the Heal Black Man movement.
“We wanted to provide avenues for them and have access to the different resources available to them here in the city,” added Paul Moga, coordinator of the Department of Black and Latino Male Achievement (BLMA).
The impact of these resources has been profound, leaving a lasting impression on the students.
“I feel like now, in this current time, I feel more able to open up more about how I feel,” expressed Navarro, speaking to the positive shift he experienced.
“It’s been a great experience. It’s helped me meet people like me,” shared Wilson, echoing the sentiment of camaraderie and support fostered at the summit.
This summit not only educates but also empowers Milwaukee students to prioritize their mental health and embrace their journey toward well-being.
