Category: Men

“Faith and Mental Health: Navigating the Complexities of Resilience and Hope”

Faith is a multifaceted force that intricately intertwines with mental health, manifesting in various forms. The search for faith often involves exploring different belief systems, whether within the structured confines of a church or synagogue or through a more personal journey of spirituality and meditation. The feeling derived from faith serves as a positive reinforcement, offering solace in times of mental distress. This quest for something greater than oneself becomes crucial, especially during states of depression and other mental health conditions.

However, the pursuit of faith is not without its challenges. While faith can be a source of strength, those who lack it may face additional hardships. The yearning for positive reinforcements and meaningful words during difficult times underscores the universal human need for hope and connection. The struggle to find faith can be intensely personal, prompting introspection on when, or if, things will improve.

In contemplating the role of faith in mental health, one must acknowledge that it extends beyond the walls of traditional religious institutions. For many, spirituality is about finding a place within oneself, a sanctuary where meditation and self-reflection provide the sought-after reinforcements. The journey toward mental well-being involves floating through tears and yearning for a better day, holding onto the belief that there is something more significant at play.

As a black man, the intersection of faith and mental health takes on a unique perspective. In the face of societal challenges and systemic issues, finding solace can be elusive. The struggle to believe in a better future becomes an uphill battle when it seems distant or obscured. Yet, the call to hold on to faith persists as a beacon of hope, a testament to the resilience required to navigate the complexities of mental health in the pursuit of a brighter tomorrow.

Navigating the Depths: A Personal Journey into Black Men’s Mental Health and the Power of Therapy

As a Black man, the journey through the labyrinth of one’s own mind can be a challenging and often solitary path. Society may impose expectations, stereotypes, and systemic pressures that make it difficult to openly discuss the mental health struggles many of us face. In my own experience, therapy has emerged as a beacon of light in the darkness, offering not only a safe space to share my thoughts but also a powerful tool for personal growth.

Breaking the Silence: The Stigma Surrounding Black Men’s Mental Health

For far too long, the stigma surrounding mental health has cast a shadow over the Black community, creating an environment where discussing emotional well-being is perceived as a sign of weakness. This stigma is particularly pronounced for Black men, who may grapple with societal expectations of resilience and stoicism.

However, therapy is not a sign of weakness; it’s a courageous step towards self-awareness and healing. By breaking the silence and embracing the opportunity to speak freely, Black men can dismantle the barriers that have hindered their mental well-being.

The Healing Power of Therapy: A Personal Testament

Entering therapy was a transformative experience for me. It was a space where I could unravel the complexities of my emotions without fear of judgment. The therapeutic relationship became a cornerstone of support, allowing me to explore the roots of my struggles and develop coping mechanisms.

Therapy doesn’t just provide an outlet for discussing immediate concerns; it equips individuals with the tools to navigate life’s challenges. From addressing trauma to managing stress, therapy empowers Black men to build resilience and cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves.

Cultural Competence in Therapy: Fostering Connection and Understanding

One critical aspect of therapy for Black men is the need for cultural competence. Finding a therapist who understands the unique intersection of race, gender, and societal pressures is essential. A culturally competent therapist creates a safe and validating space, acknowledging the nuances of a Black man’s experience and fostering a deeper connection.

Creating Spaces for Authentic Conversations

Society must actively work to create spaces where Black men feel comfortable discussing their mental health. These spaces should not only exist within therapy sessions but also in everyday life. Community initiatives, mentorship programs, and workplace support networks play a crucial role in normalizing conversations around mental health.

The Path Forward: Embracing Vulnerability and Resilience

As a Black man navigating the complexities of mental health, I’ve come to realize that vulnerability is not synonymous with weakness. It is a profound strength that allows for authentic self-expression and genuine connections with others. By embracing vulnerability, Black men can foster resilience and challenge the stereotypes that have constrained our emotional well-being.

In conclusion, therapy is not just a resource; it is a lifeline for Black men seeking to navigate the labyrinth of their own minds. Through breaking the silence, fostering cultural competence, and creating spaces for authentic conversations, we can dismantle the stigma surrounding Black men’s mental health and pave the way for a future where everyone feels empowered to prioritize their well-being.

October awareness

October was a month to remember as Run Boy Run Productions of CultureTrust Greater Philadelphia had projects running in not one but two parts of Pennsylvania but also how both projects stand tall to be about social issues within communities of today and that is domestic violence and abuse.

Starting off with Boomerang as it previewed works from the performance piece at the Koresh Dance Showcase. With a story that has never been told, Boomerang is one to bring focus to how children are affected by abuse of in a family specifically African American male as it can often be something that molds them in belief that these actions are how you are suppose to be or want to treat someone even into adulthood. Truth is this story is not limiting and is real in many communities and whit every piece as they unfold many will watch and see someone in this maybe even themselves and understand the need of raising a family under a positive roof can be the true focus for a positive youth.

Our other play Mississippi Smiles has been making a move since its birth from paper a year ago. With a focus on domestic violence and abuse as it effects women that transition from heterosexual to the lgbtq community it brings a big focus as to how it’s often about what baggage we choose to keep in our lives then recognizing how to heal first.

With an all star cast and director to match, Mississippi Smiles was a sold out show and had many wanting more. The understanding of domestic violence and abuse awareness is to see that it’s effects can be felt in many ways, shapes and forms and for us we are glad to bring stories to life that generate not just thought but conversation.

It’s okay….

Last week I had a reminder that what I was doing was ok. As I was having a bad day and feeling down about the direction I was taking. I was at a gathering when someone said to me “man you are busy Run Boy Run Productions is everywhere!” I paused Smiled and said thank you. The funny part is that when I walked into the building I had been in my feelings and felt like I was doing things wrong and that looking out for others was setting myself up for failure. It was in that moment when she said those words it helped me to understand what I was doing was ok and looking out for others was ok too. I felt so good about that moment then other things started popping up on my time line that also leaned into helping me to understand what I was doing was ok. After awhile I made sure I got on my messenger and let the UE family know about this as I look at the moments as a reflection of them and what we all have made. In my mind I am no more then a person that allows others to bring strength and life into a creation and when they do it is noticed. With that being said I told them how proud I am of them and all they have done throughout the years. For me so many deserve the praise that comes with this and through the years many and I’m not talking about just the actors but the collaborators, the team members, and the volunteers without any this feeling of strength is because of them. And with that moment I sat down to understand and feel ok.

Boomerang Beginnings


This weekend was a new beginning that I must say I was overjoyed with. A few weeks ago in my emails I sent an opportunity to work on a creation in one of the best places I have seen artistry FringeArts on Delaware Ave. now as a back story goes I didn't hesitate to fill out the application and a few weeks later we got an email back congratulating us for being apart of Camp Fringe.
Now how does Boomerang fit into this well that's the easy part. In 2015 I knew I wanted to perform at this venue but I also knew the works that we would have to bring g would have to truly be different and outside the box of any creation we have ever and would ever do. I told Hendi about the idea and story of two kids stories and how they both came from abusive up bringing but the real test would be how they turn out as adults. Hendi liked the idea and the day I talked to him about it I finished the first piece while riding home on the train that night.

So here we are two years later and the opportunity and moment came were we are about to present our project. I stood up in front of the crowd looked out and immediately when I look at them I smile. To me crowns on the symbolism of my happiness because not all honesty I still can't believe that you to watch something that I'm doing. So I address them tell them who I am what I represent in our story and then we let it begin. And from the door watching this was beautiful seeing the toxic movement of how love can be damaging.

Each piece came to life allowed the performers to Paul at parts of themselves that they didn't even know exist showing the pain that each child went through as well as how from such pain they can be light at the end. For us this ending with a new beginning and also wake up call that there was so much more we had to do as ours we are now about to go into the studio and work on the rest of the show and I must say we are all looking forward to see what boomerangs bring.

How will you stand up to Bullying? 

Since our beginning RunBoyRunProduction has believed that art is the best way to tell not only stories but how reality is affected daily but the average person. One of our most impactful stories has been “Bully” (performed here by Ra Wilson) which is a story about a young man that got expelled from school but as he tells it they thought he was the bully but it turns out that he was the one being bullied. 

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For many of us the story is relatable especially if you come from the 80s and 90s when it was always those of us that were nerds that were being bullied. I tell you from experience being bullied as a kid was not a happy moment for me. Whether it was done by high school jocks or just someone who though I was an easy target my terror as a child was often followed by rage and regrets. However as an artist I had an outlet and that was being able to write, act, dance or draw the need to have an outlet was important In getting through such pain. 

Because art was my outlet as a child for so many things, I make it my duty to do such for others after all we all need someone to listen to our stories. As I said before Ra has been doing bully since its incarnation and has since grown as an actor doing films and becoming a playwright himself. So now as we go into our forth year Ra has decided to pay it forward and give the role to a young up and coming Quashawn White as he makes his stage debut. 


Bullying is not a laughing matter and in this day in time it has taken on a new form with the days of social media that it’s panic and terror has been one that many of us can’t turn our eyes from. However what we can do is stand up and fight for those that that need a voice those that need and outlet that in the end will look to you and say thank you for showing me how to stand.. How will you stand up to bullying? 

It Begins 

  The cast made it down after a long haul 4hrs drive in a van and Nic in a car but they made it. I really wanted to get them settled in but because of time we had to get ready for the show. Everyone flipped around flopped around but changed into characters as fast as they got here and it was showtime.

  
The crowd was thin but this was with the right people to get more out. With journalist, photographs,vlogers and blogers on hand all this meant was Friday was going to be the turn up show. In the end all that came enjoyed and event shed tears. Last words said I can’t wait to see this again. Let’s get ready people more to come..

  

A Womans Rythm 

In a place that was once the Women’s Kensington Hospital the ancestry of women speak. Drum like a lady Latrice and Jamillah allowed the sounds of the drum to bring in the spirits as the crowd couldn’t help but participate as the heard the drum of the mothers like it was the heart beat of our beginning of rhythm. Showing us rhythm through beat boxing bring the people together through life of rhythm.  

But song can be created through woven rhythm as well as Lynda Grace shows in her she utilizes fiber woven vessels to create a medium ancestry speaking from a past life of mothers wombs to life’s moments of meeting individuals from scrap metal collectors to the black lives matters experience. Beginning from the grandmother showing her and watching her knit, her knitting was a form of community seeing that words can build a shield.
 
Although they have meet in conjunction with this project the art that speaks through Lynda’s has has extended into the photography of Sheenas.

Sheena Garcia speaks through pictures with stories ranging from single mothers protecting their sons and seeing the need to hold on to a sons life with a black and white imagery that leaves you understanding why these lives matter. 
  
The owner of this building Betsey Casanas maybe short in stature but her calling as an artist speaks to a higher level as she opens the doorway into her culture with demential artistry that looks as alive as the the cock story tale that began the piece.  Engulfed in enjoyment roots energy and culture the people came in the building getting a story fluid with diversity but in the end containing a wholeness that only these women could spin.

Sisters United

If you didn’t know runboyrunprod is involved in everything. Last night was about the stage play #mysisterskeeper part of the #thinkcreateinspire festival with director writer Jody ‘Tru Story’ Austin assistant directors Tiffani Dean and Antoine K D Stroman. With an all woman cast covering powerful and emotional subjects, these women proved that #poetictheater is here to stay.
  
For Jody this was a dream come true as she took the moments of pain noticed in all women’s lives and made it a journey of sisterhood that could not be denied. 

  
 
Covering matters of mental, physical and emotional abuse, self perseverance, body images, social awareness, equal rights and many more this play has answered the called that women have been waiting for and is the beginning of a journey that will go beyond the stage. 

  
Take a bow ladies for the night is yours and the road has just begun.

Rehearsal in a new year


We start the new year off the right way. Rehearsal is a scorcher and the UE actors showed that they came prepared with words as there weapons each members held their own. We also introduced new members to the core that showed this opportunity was one they could stand.