Mental Health, Autism and the Power of Youth Advocacy | Lawrence C. Harris
By Lana Reid | August 19, 2026
Publication Information
| Interviewee | Lawrence C. Harris |
|---|---|
| Interviewer | Lana Reid |
| Collection | The Male Perspective: Black Men Matter Oral History Collection |
| Interview No. | 228 |
| Publisher | Conversations in Color |
| Rights Holder | Conversations in Color (501(c)(3)) |
| Original Format | Recorded Video Interview |
| Language | English |
| Original Air Date | August 19, 2026 |
| Publication Date | August 2026 |
| Location | Virtual Interview |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22018663 |
As part of the Black Men Matter Series, Lana Reid sits down with Lawrence C. Harris, author and youth empowerment speaker, to discuss mental health, autism, and the importance of creating safe spaces where young people can honestly express when they are struggling. At just 20 years old, Lawrence has transformed his experiences with childhood trauma, bullying, autism, and mental health challenges into a commitment to helping other young people navigate life. He shares why building trust matters, why adults should not force young people to open up before they are ready, and how his own experiences taught him that asking for help can be an important part of growth.
In this episode of The Male Perspective, Lawrence C. Harris offers a thoughtful perspective on what young people need from the adults and communities around them when navigating difficult experiences.
Lawrence reflects on childhood trauma, bullying, and mental health challenges and explains how these experiences eventually shaped his work as an advocate and speaker. Rather than simply telling young people to speak up, he emphasizes the responsibility adults have to create environments where honesty feels safe. Trust, he explains, cannot be demanded. Young people may need time before they are prepared to share what they are experiencing.
Throughout the conversation, Lana Reid and Lawrence explore the importance of recognizing when help is needed. Lawrence discusses lessons from his own journey and why asking for support should be understood as a sign of growth rather than weakness. His experiences have given him a perspective that allows him to speak directly to teens and young adults who may be navigating their own difficult circumstances.
The conversation also addresses Lawrence’s experiences living with C-PTSD and autism. He challenges stereotypes surrounding both and emphasizes the importance of seeing people as individuals rather than reducing them to diagnoses. Lawrence also explains how being autistic has become a strength in his work as a speaker, helping him connect with audiences in ways that are authentic to who he is.
Another important part of Lawrence’s journey has been journaling. He discusses writing as a valuable tool in his healing and reflects on his work as an author. Putting thoughts and experiences into words has provided another avenue for processing difficult emotions while also allowing him to share lessons that may help others.
Lawrence also speaks directly to teens and young adults about changing limiting beliefs, developing healthier coping skills, and understanding that difficult circumstances do not have to determine what comes next.
This episode highlights the importance of listening to young people, building trust, challenging assumptions about autism and mental health, and creating supportive environments where youth have the space to grow into their own identities.
About the Guest
Lawrence C. Harris is an author and youth empowerment speaker whose advocacy is informed by his experiences with childhood trauma, bullying, autism, and mental health challenges. Through speaking and writing, he works to help young people navigate difficult circumstances, develop healthier coping skills, and recognize possibilities beyond their current challenges.
๐๐ผ๐ฟ ๐บ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ถ๐ป๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐บ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐. ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฟ๐ถ๐:
https://www.lawrencecharris.com
https://www.instagram.com/lawrencec.empowers
https://www.tiktok.com/@lawrencecempowers
https://www.youtube.com/@lawrencecempowers
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrence-harris-8b0177324/
๐Free Journaling E-Book – https://lawrencec-empowers-breh9q.subscribepage.io/
About the Series
This episode is part of the Black Men Matter Series, highlighting Black men across generations whose experiences, insights, and work expand conversations about identity, mental health, personal growth, and community.
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 Colorโs 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.