Workshop helps Black fathers support the mental health of their children

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) — While many people enjoyed a gorgeous Saturday outdoors, nearly a dozen men spent hours indoors. They were fathers, father figures, and caregivers who attended a workshop focused on the protection of Black children. Organized by the local non-profit Empowered Parents in Community (EPIC), the free workshop allowed the men to have candid conversations about the challenges they face as Black men and the community’s expectations of them. “Nationwide, mental health has been a huge issue, particularly coming out of the pandemic. We have seen an uptick in suicide in Black males,” said EPIC program director Toyia Williams. “So we find it incredibly important to make sure that we make space for men just to be able to unpack the experience that they’re having in a safe space. It can be very difficult for men to be vulnerable in front of women. So it was very important for us to give them their own safe space and unpack these issues, but more importantly, to build resilience, to be able to cope through these different traumas that we may experience on a day-to-day basis.” Durham mayor Leonardo Williams praised the men who are already actively involved in the...