In Los Angeles, a bi-monthly group gives Black men a safe space to share, reflect and support each other
Desmond Carter is on a mission to save the lives of Black men.
Carter, founder of Mental Health Is Real Wealth, leads a bi-monthly mental health group in Los Angeles’ Leimert Park neighborhood, and on a recent Thursday, 15 Black men gathered inside a conference room without pressure and without women.
As the men walked in, they dapped each other up and leaned in for an embrace. Many wore LA paraphernalia – LA snapbacks, Crenshaw district street sign shirts and had various hairstyles – some had locs, fades and others had braids. The youngest man was 19 years old. There were several men who were more than twice his age. They were all there because they realized one thing: being vulnerable and taking care of your mental health is important.
Before they started their session, Carter, 37, told them of his best friend who died by suicide following a schizophrenic depression diagnosis. It’s a story he’s told multiple times.
