We are living in unprecedented times. The pandemic has shifted all of us to value life and home. For some, being quarantined at home triggered undiagnosed traumas. As a journalist, I report on the rise of mental health issues as a result of the pandemic daily. Guess who's been impacted the most? Men. Black men in particular are experiencing an increased amount of depression and anxiety. When we look at homicides, the blood of men, especially young men, are staining our streets. Lives are being slashed by senseless violence almost daily. Cleveland is the second poorest big city in the country, and we know poverty breeds a spirit of hopelessness.

As a woman who loves and serves God, I truly believe it is the perfect time for a vehicle like SHINE Men of Integrity to be born. It's a vehicle driven by God with the intention to  remedy the ills men face by addressing issues that affect their mind, body and soul. These quarterly meetings will be a safe space for men to feel free to be their authentic selves. It's a place where men can fellowship with other men from all walks of life and feel a sense of unity and empowerment.

There will be prayer, praise, and strong messages emphasizing the need for self-work. Self-work is the process of reflection and introspection that helps us to better understand our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. At these quarterly meetings, SHINE Men of Integrity will donate to charitable organizations that are helping men and boys to live productive and healthy lives.

My prayer is that with the help of God, the men will help each other face fears, heal from pain in their souls, open up and be transparent about where they are spiritually and not be ashamed to say, "I need more". Men tend to stay in their own corners and never share the experiences that placed scars on their heart and soul. It's time for men to come out and speak their truths...even if it's raw!

A closed mouth never gets fed and one will never conquer what they choose not to confess. Men, it is your time to S.H.I.N.E.!

SHINE Men of Integrity will give resources, faith principles, community outreach, and practical tools to enhance the light and power within men to STAND AND SHINE...TOGETHER!