When Survival Becomes a Lifestyle: The Hidden Mental Health Crisis Affecting Black Men

by JoAnna Fernandez Fernandez | Jun 30, 2026 | Mental Health, Thought Leadership

For some, turning 21 is a milestone celebrated with dinner, a night out, or a gathering of family and friends. For others, it is a life goal. Not because of college plans, career ambitions, or excitement about the next chapter of life. It is because, somewhere along...

The Challenge Is Not Motivation: The Barriers Keeping Black Men Out of Mental Health Careers

by JoAnna Fernandez Fernandez | Jun 18, 2026 | Mental Health, Research, Thought Leadership

  In one room, a Black man sits in a waiting room preparing for a therapy appointment he almost canceled. He needs support, but he is questioning whether the system he is about to enter will understand what he has carried to get there. In another room, a young...

New Research Reveals Hidden Workforce Crisis Limiting Access to Mental Health Care in Black Communities

by JoAnna Fernandez Fernandez | Jun 15, 2026 | News Release

Study Finds Black Men Are Highly Motivated to Enter Mental Health Careers, but Systemic Barriers Continue to Block Entry into a Critical Workforce Pipeline   Chicago, IL — June 15, 2026 — America’s mental health workforce shortage may be deeper than...

GRO Community Hosts Cross-Sector Conversation on Juvenile Justice and Mental Health

by Aaron Mallory | Jun 3, 2026 | Mental Health, Thought Leadership

Youth impacted by the justice system often face far more than legal challenges. Many young men are navigating trauma, community violence, disrupted support systems, and limited access to culturally responsive care.  That’s why GRO Community, in partnership with the...