Leadership Support for the Mental Health of Black Male Student Athletes

by Henry A. Stanford As a society, we celebrate the success of the most popular Black male student-athletes (BMSA). Their success deserves our attention. Similarly, the Black male student-athletes who are not successful need our full attention as well. We have seen in research that there are fewer triumphs and more downfalls with our young men. Our Black male student-athletes have fought multiple battles throughout life. Systematic racism, socio-economic differences, unexplained emotions of frustration, unfulfilled promises, and feelings of not belonging are just the beginning. Their mental health journey has multiple paths. As Black male student-athletes, they have been encouraged in our society not to show genuine emotions unless it is celebrating a championship, award, or significant accomplishment. We have taught them to be protected. We tend to tell our young men not to seek out help when they need it. As a result, they think they do not have to see someone. They feel like they can figure this out. These words are in the minds of our Black male student-athletes from an early age. The transition from high school to college brings additional pressure on their mental health. They bring with them frustration, anger, disappointment, and confusion about...