Kut the Stigma is a web series, featuring mental health professionals in conversation with African American men who both served in the military as well as those who haven't; having real conversations about the struggles, the inequity, the instability, and the stigma surrounding mental health in the historically welcoming set of a barbershop.
The show seeks to create safe spaces for black men to talk shop about a few things:
-Their mental and physical well being
-The state of their mental health and issues they deal with
-The importance of their physical health and why they should be actively engaged with knowing where they stand health wise.
The medical community often faces a challenge of reaching Black men for care. Oftentimes it’s due to lack of equal access, poverty, and medical mistrust. Recognizing the Barbershop, historically, has been a protected space for black men and barbers being a trusted voice, we will take up residency where black men are the barbershops.
Ultimately creating a foundation where people can get information from experts as well as learn from people who have shared lived experiences, in a setting most fitting.
Our areas of focus:
-Spreading awareness
-Destigmatizing mental health challenges
-Encouraging black men and young black men to get help
-Creating a space where it is not only ok but welcomed for black men to talk about mental health
-Introducing Mental Health First Aid
GOALS PROJECT:
*Create a platform where black men are comfortable sharing their stories and be comfortable talking about some of their most vulnerable thoughts; relating to their mental health, physical health , and lived traumas.
*to decrease the effect that health disparities are having on the wellbeing of Black men.
*Provide resources, references, and tools around Mental Health and Men's Health
*Increase awareness about Mental Health First Aid in the black community
*Elevate the role of barbers in our communities - establishing them as Mental Health Advocates
*Bridge the gap between medical professionals and black men
