The annual Men’s Health Summit returns for its second run as it aims to center conversations on Black men’s health with an emphasis on mental health this year.
The summit is organized by Aaron Perry, founder of Rebalanced-Life Wellness Association, as he looks to bring more platforms to encourage conversations on Black men’s health. Perry has been a staunch advocate for addressing Black men’s health. He points to outcomes like in Dane County, where the life span for Black men is 51-52-years old, and the dire need to address health disparities.
Interest from all over the state has been seen with registrations pouring in — including rural areas, which Perry draws more attention to.
“We are anticipating participation from a statewide audience of Black men,” Perry said. “We have some guys from more of rural Wisconsin, which we can’t forget about that. A lot of Black men, or rural clients that identify as Black males, are leading in amputations and death, and so that’s why we try not to exclude that group.”
Part of the draw for the summit is to invite a well-known comedian to speak. The previous summit saw legendary comedian DL Hughley as they talked about common health issues faced in aging and stigmas around preventative care to prevent prostate cancer.
This year’s event will feature legendary comedian George Wallace and will focus largely on Black men’s mental health. Other speakers will include Perry, clinical psychologist Dr. Alvin Thomas, and therapist John Triggs.
Mental health has been an increasing area Perry has been pushing over the past few years. He notes that it’s often overlooked, but supporting one another helps overcome stigmas in discussing mental health.
“What we’re trying to do is unite and get together. What I mean by that is let’s extend a hand and lift each other a little more,” Perry said. “If we’re in Madison and we hear that our brother in Racine is struggling, then men from Madison need to be a little more proactive in extending a hand to lift up guys in Racine, or vice versa.”
The summit also intends to be as accessible as possible to reduce barriers. A bus will be provided from the Urban League of Greater Madison, 2222 S. Park St., to the Milwaukee Improv in Brookfield.
“We’re chartering a bus from the Urban League. We do that to make sure that we have a bus with a bathroom, because we want to be conscious of those Black men,” Perry said. “Some of the reasons they don’t travel is because they can’t go an hour and a half without a bathroom, and so we have a bus with a bathroom. It’s those little things that you won’t know unless you sit down and engage with these men.”
The Men’s Health Summit will be held Saturday, June 13, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Milwaukee Improv, 20110 Lower Union St. in Brookfield. It is free to attend; registration is required.
The bus will depart from the Urban League at 9 a.m. and return to Madison at 2:30 p.m. The bus is free for registered attendees.
