Caring for Kings: Centering Men’s Mental Health, Healing, and Community

In recognition of Men’s Health Month, Community Advocates of Northern Indiana (CANI) hosted Caring for Kings, a Community Conversation dedicated to addressing men’s health, mental health stigma, and the disparities impacting Black men in our community. Organized, hosted, and facilitated by CANI, the event brought together community leaders, healthcare providers, faith leaders, and local organizations to create a space rooted in honesty, connection, and care.

Caring for Kings reflected CANI’s ongoing commitment to strengthening community wellness, not only by providing resources, but by creating spaces where meaningful conversations can take place and where men feel supported in prioritizing both their physical and emotional health.

Featured Speaker Khalid B. Scott Addresses the Urgency of Men’s Mental Health

The featured speaker, Khalid B. Scott, BS, MSW, LCSW, CADC, CODP-I, C-SWHC, CWEL, LPHA, brought more than three decades of experience in social work, mental health, and substance use disorder treatment to the conversation.

Scott currently serves as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Substance Use Disorder Specialist at the Department of Veterans Affairs Jesse Brown Medical Center in Chicago, where he provides housing and recovery services to homeless veterans. Throughout his career, he has worked as a therapist, mentor, educator, and motivational speaker, supporting individuals and families while advancing conversations around healing, resilience, and emotional wellness.

During Caring for Kings, Scott spoke candidly about the epidemic of male suicide and the urgent need to confront mental health stigma—particularly among Black men. His message emphasized the importance of early intervention, emotional awareness, and creating environments where men feel safe seeking support without judgment.

His perspective reinforced a central truth of the event: meaningful change begins when men are given the space to speak openly and access the support they need.

Connecting Personal Experience to Policy and Community Resources

The conversation also bridged personal experiences with broader systems of care and advocacy. State Representative Dr. Vernon G. Smith, District 14, provided a legislative update, offering insight into ongoing efforts to address health disparities and expand access to care across Indiana. His presence highlighted the importance of connecting community voices with policy and ensuring that lived experiences inform future solutions.

Additional panelists and partner organizations included:

• Esther Lewis, M.P.A., Holistic Evolution Inc.

• Marram Health Center

• Rev. Thomas Fuller Jr., Holy Bethel Missionary Baptist Church

• NorthShore Health Centers

• The University of Chicago

• SAFE For Lake County, For Life

• Pastor James Phillip Carroll, Greatest Shepherd Missionary Baptist Church

• Minister James Golston, Bibleway Church

• Ben Clement, President/CEO of Media Flex & Gary Housing Authority

• Bella D Nails

Each contributed valuable perspectives, resources, and expertise, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in addressing community health challenges.

Creating Space for Honest and Private Conversation

One of the most impactful aspects of Caring for Kings was the intentional creation of a safe and private space for men to speak openly with one another. Beyond the formal panel, participants engaged in candid conversations about their experiences, challenges, and emotional journeys—conversations that are often difficult to have in public spaces.

These moments reflected the deeper purpose of the event: not only to educate, but to foster trust, vulnerability, and healing through shared understanding.

You may also include DeMarion Newell’s interview as a featured video or written spotlight to further reflect on the importance of creating spaces like Caring for Kings.

Strengthening Community Through Care and Connection

Caring for Kings brought together men from across the community, reinforcing the importance of showing up for one another and prioritizing mental and physical wellness. Through this event, CANI helped foster meaningful dialogue, connect individuals with critical resources, and strengthen relationships between community members, healthcare providers, and leaders.

This work is part of CANI’s broader mission to address health disparities, promote wellness, and ensure that individuals and families have access to the care and support they deserve.

Continuing the Conversation

Caring for Kings was more than a single event—it was a step toward building a healthier, more connected community. CANI remains committed to creating opportunities for open dialogue, education, and support through its Community Conversations and ongoing initiatives.

By continuing to center community voices and create safe spaces for honest conversation, CANI is helping build pathways toward healing, empowerment, and lasting change.

To learn more about CANI’s programs and future events, visit [insert CANI website link].