Milwaukee Public Schools, Marquette host mental health day for Black and Latino students

About 200 Black and Latino young men from 10 Milwaukee Public high schools spent Monday morning doing what many people don’t expect of them.  The students practiced breathing techniques. They learned about generational trauma. And they talked about addressing mental health stigma for men of color.  The exercises were part of a third annual mental health symposium hosted by Marquette University’s  Black and Latino/a Ecosystem and Support Transition — or BLEST — Hub and MPS’ Department of Black and Latino Male Achievement. Stay informed on the latest news Sign up for WPR’s email newsletter. Gabriel Velez, faculty director for BLEST Hub, said the event is a way to address the youth mental health crisis.  “This is something that is being run out of the office of Black and Latino Male Achievement, recognizing there is a stigma there,” Velez said. “They are a racial and ethnic minority, where mental health often isn’t talked about. And they are also males. And that’s a different sort of beast to tackle.” After the pandemic, MPS realized the need for mental health support. That’s when this symposium was created, said Paul Moga, a coordinator with the district’s Black and Latino Male Black Achievement office. “It...