BrothaTalk

When Men Cry.

The Hidden Cost of Emotional Silence!

 “Men cry. Men struggle” but saying it and living it are two very different things, especially for Black men.

For generations, masculinity has been policed by silence. Men are taught that tears are weakness, breakdowns are failure and vulnerability is something to be feared. Yet the research tells another story.

According to a CDC report, suicide rates among Black men aged 15–24 increased by 47% between 2013 and 2019. And Dr. Wizdom Powell, a leading health disparities researcher and clinical psychologist, warns that “emotional stoicism among Black men is literally killing us.”

Brothas, It’s Time To Check In!

"The cultural expectation to “be strong” or “man up” leads to delayed help-seeking and underreporting of symptoms, especially around depression, anxiety, or chronic pain."

During Men’s Health Week (9–15 June) this is a powerful reminder to pause, check in and take your well-being seriously, not just your physical health, but your emotional, mental and spiritual health too.

Let’s be real, Black men are least likely to seek help but most at risk.

In the UK, Black men are three times more likely to develop prostate cancer and twice as likely to suffer a stroke. High blood pressure runs disproportionately high in BAME communities, often without early warning signs. And while the numbers are alarming, the silence is worse.

REWRITING THE RULES OF STRENGTH

In every corner of culture, men have been told a silent lie, that to feel is to falter. That to struggle is to fail. That to speak up is to show weakness. But here’s what the research and real life tell us, what’s unspoken is often what hurts us most.

Stress doesn’t always look like breaking down.

• Sometimes, it looks like powering through.

When the Truth Comes Late, Who Pays the Price?

We’ve fought for justice in the streets, in the boardrooms and in the courts—but what happens when justice gets murky in the most personal of places: the home, the heart and the family? The question in this image cuts deep: If a man pays child support for years and later finds out the child isn’t biologically his, should the woman repay him? That’s not just a legal issue—that’s a moral one. That’s a question of accountability. Of dignity. Of emotional and financial equity.

Brothas, we’re not talking about walking away from a child who needed love. We’re talking about truth withheld. Science has evolved. DNA doesn’t lie—but people do. And when a man stands up, does what’s right and invests…

Breaking the Silence: Raising Prostate Cancer Awareness in Black Men

Dr Eva McGrowder, Senior Trial Manager, The Institute of Cancer Research, shares insights on the increased risk of prostate cancer for Black men below.

Black men have a higher risk of dying from prostate cancer due to several factors, many of which are interconnected and complex. Firstly, Black men are often diagnosed with prostate cancer at more advanced stages, which limits treatment options and decreases survival rates. This delay can be due to a variety of reasons, including lack of awareness, lower rates of screening, and limited access to healthcare resources.

Many Black men may not also fully understand their risk for prostate cancer or may be misinformed about the importance of early screening. This can lead to delays in seeking medical attention or in receiving regular screenings, both of which are crucial for early detection and better outcomes.

Lastly,…