Breaking down the Stigma: Milwaukee Schools Host BLMA Mental Health Awareness Symposium for Black and Latino High School Boys”.

On Monday, April 22, Marquette University and Milwaukee Public Schools co-hosted the third annual Black and Latino Male Achievement (BLMA) Mental Health Awareness Symposium. The event focused on breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and providing resources to support Black and Latino high school boys.

Keynote speaker Harry Evans emphasized the importance of feeling comfortable enough to ask for help and not being ashamed to admit when you’re struggling. He reminded participants that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

About 150 Black and Latino high school boys from 13 Milwaukee public schools participated in workshops focused on spreading awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. Roshaun Price and Rudolph Baker, ambassadors of MPS’ Department of BLMA, shared their experiences of learning to be more in-tune with their mental health as they’ve gotten older. Price emphasized that societal expectations of being tough can prevent people from seeking help, while Baker shared that he’s been thinking more about his future and wanting to make his family proud by making thoughtful decisions.

Gabriel Velez, faculty director of the Black and Latino Male Transition & Dual Enrollment hub at Marquette University, stressed the importance of teaching youth that they are not alone in their struggles with mental health. He highlighted various factors in Milwaukee communities, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and community violence, that can contribute to trauma.