As a previously homeless, African American veteran, I have a deep passion for inspiring communities who are apt to shy away from mental health support to side-step the stigma and accept the services they need. In 2019, Columbia University identified my community of African American Men as being 20% more likely to experience serious mental health problems, such as major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder.  As a motivational speaker, musician and spoken word artist, I have created a new initiative designed to open the conversation between mental health professionals and my community.