Innovative initiative empowers young Black men to combat mental health stigma and save lives in their community
The Spark Fund, a groundbreaking youth-led initiative from Global Fund for Children and The Imperative, has allocated $200,000 in grants to support organizations focused on Black male mental health in Atlanta. This unique program empowers young Black men aged 18-30 to drive meaningful change by conducting the entire grantmaking process, from selection of potential recipient organizations to awarding grants.
This initiative is made possible by funding from TOMS, Fund for Southern Communities, Texel Foundation and Global Fund for Children.
In Georgia, access to mental health services is a significant challenge, with the state ranking 49th out of 50 in mental health support access, according to a Forbes study on mental health care access in US states. For Black males, the barriers are even greater, with only 2 percent of psychiatrists and 4 percent of psychologists identifying as Black (American Psychiatric Association APA). Suicide has become the third leading cause of death among Black Americans aged 15-24, with the rate for Black men more than four times higher than that of Black women (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health).
Kenneth Jones, 21, a Spark Fund participant, emphasized the importance of the initiative: “As a 21-year-old Black man, I feel it is important to support the mental health of young Black men and boys because they face unique challenges related to systemic racism and societal expectations. By supporting mental health, we can help break the stigma around seeking help and promote emotional well-being within our community.”
“The Spark Fund represents a transformative approach to grantmaking, showcasing the remarkable potential of youth to effect positive change in their communities,” said Geoff Streat, Chief Catalyst, The Imperative. “This project stands as a powerful testament to the benefits of creating space for young voices and their contributions.”
John Hecklinger, Co-CEO of Global Fund for Children, added, “At Global Fund for Children, we’ve learned from Spark Fund participants around the world that mental health is a top concern. We’re thrilled to partner with The Imperative on this groundbreaking work in Atlanta, and we look forward to forging global links between these Atlanta-based young leaders and their peers globally.”
The initiative involved a cohort of young Black men who underwent capacity-building experiences, including a visit to the Equal Justice Initiative, racial equity training, and a healing circle. They then researched and selected five organizations to receive $40,000 grants each:
- Black Male Initiative Georgia
- Close Ties Leadership Program
- Creative Connections (Black Boys Better)
- Silence the Shame
- The Counseling Brothers of Atlanta
Julien McDaniels, 22, another participant, added: “From birth, we aren’t really told how to evaluate and express our emotions as men, but especially as Black men. We learn to cope and not solve the deep-rooted issues and it isn’t healthy.”
Brandon Martin, Founder & CEO of Close Ties Leadership Program, one of the grantees, stated: “This experience was unique with its intentional focus on participatory grantmaking from start to finish. I appreciated that the young men asked questions that clearly demonstrated their knowledge of and personal experiences with the very problems our organizations were created to solve.”
Jewell Gooding, Executive Director of Silence the Shame, expressed: “Being awarded these funds by young men is incredibly inspiring. It underscores the importance of elevating voices within our community and recognizing the perspectives of those who are most affected by mental health challenges.”
Dr. Avery Rosser, President and CEO of The Counseling Brothers of Atlanta, Inc., emphasized: “We are deeply honored to be awarded this grant, especially from a group of young men who recognize the importance of our work. As a Black male-led organization dedicated to Black male mental health, we are committed to breaking down barriers and addressing the stigma surrounding mental health in our community.”
Dr. Rosser further elaborated on the impact of the grant: “These funds will allow us to provide reduced and free counseling services to Black boys and men in Atlanta, ensuring they have access to the support they deserve. Additionally, we will be able to offer specialized training for mental health professionals, helping them to better understand and address the unique experiences of Black men in counseling. Furthermore, the grant will support our Black male master’s level counseling students by providing financial assistance and professional development opportunities, empowering the next generation of Black male counselors.”
The Spark Fund’s innovative approach not only addresses the critical mental health needs of Black males in Atlanta but also empowers young Black men to be decision-makers in their community. This youth-led initiative serves as a model for addressing complex social issues by directly involving those most affected.
