Photo provided by Harry Evans. Digital Artwork by David A. Paul, MD. Copyright Bold & Gritty, LLC 2023. All rights reserved.

From personal struggles to building a supportive community for Black men, Harry Evans’ journey is a testament to the power of resilience, community and self-discovery.

The importance of mental health has come to the forefront of our society's conversations, and the need for healing among Black men is no exception. Milwaukee native Harry Evans, a 33-year-old entrepreneur, has made it his mission to build community and raise awareness for Black men's mental health. With his Heal Black Man movement, he creates spaces for vulnerability, fosters healthy coping mechanisms, and tears down walls built by stigma. In this article, we delve into Harry's inspiring journey, his experiences in the judicial system, and how his unwavering commitment to mental health has touched the lives of many Black men.

The Picture-Perfect Life with Hidden Struggles

On the surface, Harry Evans' life seemed picture-perfect. He had fallen in love with his high school sweetheart, Amanda, and married her at the age of 23. Together, they traveled the world, exploring cities like Istanbul, Johannesburg, Tokyo, and Rome. Both Harry and Amanda worked in sales for a national telecommunications company, and by the age of 27, they had welcomed their first son and purchased their first home. By most standards, Harry's life was a success story: a loving marriage, a stable job, and a growing family.

But beneath the surface, Harry struggled with internal demons. The pressure to maintain appearances took a mental toll on him, and he found it increasingly difficult to feel fulfilled. Despite the financial security and travel perks his job provided, Harry's happiness continued to wane. It wasn't until he became a father that he started acknowledging his feelings of unhappiness. "I can't be a parent and work this job because I don't want my son to see me unhappy," he recalls thinking.

Frustrated, Harry decided to quit his job to stay at home with his son and build a personal training business while Amanda continued to work. However, he quickly discovered that juggling the time demands of being a primary caregiver and an entrepreneur was more challenging than he anticipated. Harry found himself sinking into a deep depression, spending most of his days "stuck in his own head," feeling overwhelmed and paralyzed by his fears and insecurities.

"I would look up, and the day would be over, and I couldn't believe that those days turned into weeks, and into months," Harry recalls. Six months passed without any momentum towards fulfilling his purpose or achieving the goal of standing on his own. He describes feeling "scared of feeling or looking goofy, worried about what other people would think, and afraid of failing." In hindsight, Harry realized he didn't have the proper tools and mindset to navigate his situation. "I had no idea how to map things out into small goals and to chip away at those goals to accomplish big projects – that wasn't even in my toolbox, so I couldn't move forward and wasted a lot of time."

“I had no idea how to map things out into small goals and to chip away at those goals to accomplish big projects – that wasn’t even in my toolbox, so I couldn’t move forward and wasted a lot of time.”

— Harry Evans

Facing Injustice and Disparities in the Judicial System

Feeling lost and unsure of what to do next, Harry made the decision to re-enter the workforce and pursue his childhood dream of becoming a sheriff. As a corrections officer, he observed several alarming disparities that disproportionately affected Black men:

1. A lack of representation by public defenders: Many Black men were forced into decisions that were not in their best interest due to unfamiliar legal jargon and inadequate representation. Without proper guidance, these men faced greater difficulties navigating the judicial system.

2. Poor mental health and lack of resources: Harry noticed an overwhelming number of Black men experiencing poor mental health, with little access to proper treatment. For many, this was a determining factor in their incarceration when they genuinely needed help.

3. Disproportionate charges: Black men faced "dealing charges" more often than their white counterparts, who were more likely to be charged with "possession." This distinction unfairly stigmatized Black men and limited their opportunities for rehabilitation.

Harry's observations of the judicial system revealed the systemic barriers that trapped many Black men in a vicious cycle of injustice. This realization deeply resonated with him, despite having grown up in a stable, middle-class family with access to resources. He saw the need for change, especially when it came to mental health and support systems within the Black community – possibly, due to his own experience with depression and facing discrimination. He realized that Black men need more help than anyone could imagine, with the only others who truly understand being fellow Black men.

The first Heal Black Man Event. Photo provided by Harry Evans.

Finding Purpose

Determined to find his purpose, Harry abandoned his dream of becoming a sheriff and pivoted back to personal training – working with everyday young professionals and high performing athletes, both college and NBA players. However, the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered gyms, forcing him to adapt almost immediately after he started gaining traction. Harry began to fall back into the same patterns of depression and self-doubt that derailed his first attempt to build a successful business. A client noticed his struggle and encouraged him to continue, prompting him to transition to virtual workouts. Many of the athletes he worked with were also struggling. They needed help and a place to work out and continue to perfect their craft, so Harry organized open runs at a local high school and offered creative outdoor workouts to help them maintain performance levels.

During this time, Harry watched "The Bigger Picture Conversation" on YouTube, featuring Cam Newton and Odell Beckham Jr. discussing racial issues and COVID. Their emotional transparency inspired him to create a space for everyday Black men to express their feelings. He also drew inspiration from the "I Am Athlete" podcast, which provided a space for Black pro-athletes to share their emotions.

Harry questioned why only celebrities had spaces to discover themselves and aimed to create a similar space for everyday Black men and the athletes he was training. He envisioned Heal Black Man, a place where Black men could unpack culturally sensitive topics and gain tools to decompress without resorting to harmful coping mechanisms like substance abuse.

After sitting on the idea for a year, Harry's wife held him accountable for pursuing his dream. She urged him to choose a date for his first event within two weeks, featuring panelists and a Black therapist. With his wife's encouragement, Harry embraced his mission to create a safe space for Black men to explore their emotions, find their purpose, and heal.

Building Connection and Embracing Vulnerability

Harry understood that the first Heal Black Man event needed to resonate with attendees on a personal level. The panel featured successful Black men from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that participants could connect with someone's story, even if they couldn't relate to Harry's experiences. He knew that not everyone had the supportive village he grew up with, and he wanted to extend that sense of community to others.

The event, moderated by a Black therapist, touched on topics rarely discussed among Black men, such as feelings of inadequacy, the definition of trauma, the role of therapy, rejection, personal experiences, self-expression, and self-care. The conversation was open and organic, with the audience joining in and sharing their thoughts. Harry emphasized the vital role of support from others and a spiritual connection in overcoming the obstacles that life throws at us, tools he picked up in the Black Church. Getting that support from other Black men is essential, as they can be the light that keeps the darkness at bay. Some men found solace in simply being present and listening. The event gave them a new perspective on their life journeys and offered strategies for dealing with everyday challenges.

As Harry continued to balance his roles as a husband, father, entrepreneur, and founder of Heal Black Man, he discovered the transformative power of routine. For Harry, this routine took the form of yoga. "It's not just some soccer mom thing to do, or your older parents saying it's anti-Christian. There's something to be said about having values, a support system, and someone or something to help guide you through life," says Evans. He wanted Black men to experience the liberation and empowerment that comes from adopting a healthy regimen, such as yoga, which offered physical, mental, and spiritual benefits.

With the goal of introducing Black men to the healing potential of yoga and other positive practices, Harry sought to replace the harmful tendency to rely on substances as coping mechanisms. In collaboration with the county executive, he organized yoga sessions in the park to promote its benefits within the Black community. Harry dispelled misconceptions that yoga was exclusive to certain demographics, emphasizing its value as a powerful tool for self-discovery and support. Through these events, Heal Black Man has gained national support and become a viral social media sensation, inspiring a wave of mental health practices for Black men across the country.

Driven by the authentic self-expression showcased in LeBron James' "The Shop," Harry endeavored to create an environment where Black men could be themselves without feeling the pressure to code-switch or alter their appearance. He encouraged Black men to embrace their unique talents and creativity, often forged in the face of adversity. In doing so, he aimed to empower them to take ownership of their ideas and cultural contributions, rather than allowing others to benefit from their ingenuity. Even more powerful is that Harry's movement has made it possible for Black men to log onto social media and see a representation of themselves focused on self-care. Beyond mere representation, an entire community is being created, providing easily accessible resources and support.

Heal Black Man: Expanding its Reach and Championing Authenticity

Heal Black Man is becoming more than just a viral Instagram reel. Harry recently secured a partnership with UC Davis to develop an online platform promoting healthy aging. The Mind, Body, and Spirit Program will offer free resources to the Black community, highlighting the significance of mental health and spiritual growth. Heal Black also has partnerships with the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), The University of Kansas, and The Good Life Path Org.

The importance of seeking help cannot be emphasized enough. No one should have to face their mental health struggles alone. By reaching out for help, whether through therapy or support groups, individuals can begin to understand their emotions, heal from past traumas, and learn healthy coping mechanisms. Harry's work through Heal Black Man emphasizes the power of vulnerability, showcasing that the act of opening up is a sign of strength, not weakness.

The Heal Black Man movement continues to make a positive impact, providing vital support, resources, and connection for Black men navigating life's complexities. Finding community is crucial in the journey towards mental well-being. A supportive network of like-minded individuals who share similar experiences can offer encouragement, understanding, and guidance during difficult times. The spaces created by Heal Black Man allow Black men to connect with others who truly understand their struggles and provide mutual support as they navigate their unique challenges.

Harry Evans' journey with Heal Black Man is a testament to the power of resilience, community, and self-discovery. By prioritizing Black men's mental health, we can create a more just, equitable, and compassionate society for all. Let us continue to support and uplift the important work that Harry and others are doing to ensure that every Black man has the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive.

About Bold and Gritty - Black Coffee. Black Culture. Black Stories.

We have this crazy idea that we can rewrite the narrative on what it means to be a BIPOC Adventurer through coffee and culture. We’re normalizing BIPOC stories and shaping an evolving culture that defies boundaries. Our Steeped Coffee packs honor these stories using vivid imagery and eco-friendly packaging that gives people both the freedom and fuel to explore.

We highlight successful Black Men ages 18-40, who embody what it means to be Bold and Gritty. Black coffee is the vehicle for sharing these stories. If you or someone you know embodies these core values and would like to use our platform to shine a light on #Blackmale excellence and encourage future Bold and Gritty men, please fill out our feature application.

Heal Black Man