Black Men & Mental Health: Reginald A. Howard on Healing, Advocacy, and Awareness
By Lana Reid | November 30, 2022
As part of the Black Men Matter Series, Lana Reid sits down with Reginald A. Howard, author, mental health advocate, and host of the Black Mental Health Podcast, to discuss mental wellness, healing, and advocacy within the Black community. Reginald shares his personal story and emphasizes why open conversations about mental health are essential to breaking cycles of silence, stigma, and generational harm. The discussion centers on healing, responsibility, and creating space for honest dialogue.
In this episode of The Male Perspective, Reginald A. Howard offers a powerful conversation focused on mental health awareness, advocacy, and emotional healing.
Reginald explains how personal experiences shaped his commitment to mental health advocacy and storytelling. He discusses the ways silence around mental health has historically impacted Black communities, often leaving individuals to navigate trauma, stress, and emotional pain without support or language.
Throughout the conversation, Lana Reid and Reginald explore the importance of normalizing mental health discussions among Black men. Reginald emphasizes that acknowledging emotional challenges is not a weakness, but a necessary step toward healing and accountability. He highlights how education, shared stories, and community-based dialogue help reduce stigma and encourage healthier coping strategies.
The discussion also addresses generational healing and responsibility. Reginald shares why addressing mental health openly allows individuals to interrupt harmful cycles and create healthier outcomes for families and communities. He underscores the value of advocacy, accessible resources, and safe spaces where Black men can speak honestly without judgment.
This episode reinforces the importance of mental health awareness, advocacy, and community-centered healing as essential components of overall well-being.
About the Guest
Reginald A. Howard is an author, mental health advocate, and host of the Black Mental Health Podcast. His work focuses on expanding access to mental health resources for Black communities, encouraging open dialogue, and using storytelling as a tool for healing and advocacy.
For more information on Reginald A. Howard:
https://reginaldahoward.com/
https://www.instagram.com/reginaldahoward/
https://www.facebook.com/reginaldahoward/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginaldahoward
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-Black-Mental-Health-29945336
https://www.amazon.com/Suffering-Into-Success-Paradigm-Happiness-ebook/dp/B07L1XYHF2/
About the Series
This episode is part of the Black Men Matter Series, highlighting Black men who are advocates, educators, and voices for mental wellness, healing, and emotional accountability.
About the Host & Organization
The Male Perspective is hosted by Lana Reid, founder of Conversations in Color, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) grassroots organization dedicated to providing uplifting and community-building spaces of dialogue for Black voices.
Conversations in Color’s Current Initiatives
THE MALE PERSPECTIVE
The purpose of The Male Perspective is to dispel stereotypes and increase awareness of the experiences of Black men through open discussions, thought-provoking interviews, and the sharing of personal experiences that highlight the diversity and depth of the Black male experience.
SISTAS REBUILDING SISTERHOOD
Sistas Rebuilding Sisterhood is an intergenerational community of Black women who come together for relaxed, non-judgmental gatherings to exchange ideas, share experiences, and collaborate in a collective effort to improve the quality of sisterhood interactions in everyday life.
TAPESTRY OF BLACK VOICES AWARDS
The Tapestry of Black Voices Awards honors local communities and showcases the creativity, brilliance, and lived experiences of Black voices across the United States.