I am proud to see that the work is being done to prioritize the expression of Black men, from ongoing conversations with community leader Fred Cox bringing awareness to men’s mental health, to healing through creativity exemplified by visual artist Jamaal Durr, to poet and writer Leroy Bean. Everywhere you turn, Black men in our community are breaking down the walls built to trap them in a certain image. It takes a lot of work to step outside of the norm, to go against decades of suppression and a traditional form of expression.
As we continue to celebrate Black excellence, Black history, and Black future, I’d like to encourage the community to continue to support Black men healing — because this work affects us all.
Te’Jal Cartwright is a media personality whose goal is to build community and bring healing through truth and transparency.
Black Excellence in the Miami Valley
To conclude Black History Month, we reached out for examples of Black excellence in the Miami Valley as told by members of our communities. Hear from contributors tell the stories of these individuals and organizations, past and present, that exemplify some of the best qualities our region has to offer.
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