Empowering Black Boys Through Literacy & Holistic Black Men Healing
By Lana Reid | January 10, 2024
As part of the Black Men Matter Series, Lana Reid sits down with Pastor W. Eric Croomes, Executive Director of the Kusoma Project, author, and faith influencer, to discuss empowering Black boys through literacy and holistic Black men healing. Pastor Croomes reflects on how literacy, emotional wellness, faith, and community support intersect to help Black boys and men heal from the inside out. The conversation highlights the importance of addressing education, identity, and well-being together rather than in isolation.
In this episode of The Male Perspective, Pastor W. Eric Croomes offers a deeply intentional conversation on literacy, healing, and faith-based community work.
Pastor Croomes explains how the Kusoma Project uses literacy as a gateway to empowerment, confidence, and self-worth for Black boys. He discusses how reading, comprehension, and storytelling help young people better understand themselves and the world around them, while also strengthening critical thinking and communication skills.
Throughout the conversation, Lana Reid and Pastor Croomes explore the concept of holistic healing. Pastor Croomes emphasizes that healing Black men requires addressing emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being alongside education. He reflects on how unaddressed trauma, stress, and identity struggles can limit potential if left untreated.
The discussion also highlights faith and mentorship as stabilizing forces. Pastor Croomes shares how faith-rooted mentorship creates safe spaces for Black boys and men to ask questions, express vulnerability, and grow with accountability. He underscores that healing work must be intentional, consistent, and community-driven to create lasting impact.
This episode reinforces the importance of literacy, faith, and holistic care as interconnected tools for empowering Black boys and supporting Black men’s healing journeys.
About the Guest
Pastor W. Eric Croomes is the Executive Director of the Kusoma Project, an author, and a faith-based leader committed to empowering Black boys through literacy, mentorship, and holistic healing. His work focuses on education, identity development, and community transformation.
For more information on Pastor W. Eric Croomes:
https://www.pastorwericcroomes.com/
https://www.facebook.com/blackboyzread
https://www.instagram.com/the_believers_coach
https://www.linkedin.com/in/pastor-w-eric-croomes-ministries-11423417/
https://www.tiktok.com/@pastorc64
https://www.youtube.com/@thebelieverscoachtelevisio2491
About the Series
This episode is part of the Black Men Matter Series, highlighting Black men who are educators, faith leaders, and advocates working to uplift, heal, and empower their communities.
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.