Nurturing Strong Minds and Stronger Communities: The Nova Scotian Black Men’s Health Conference

The sixth annual Nova Scotian Black Men’s Health Conference returned last fall in Dartmouth with a powerful message: when Black men have culturally safe spaces to gather, learn, and speak openly, entire communities grow stronger.

Organized by the Nova Scotia Brotherhood, the conference brought together more than 200 participants, vendors, community partners and leaders for a day focused on mental, physical and social well-being.  

For the Brotherhood team, the conference is about creating a space where Black men can feel seen, supported and understood.  

“The Nova Scotia Brotherhood helps Black men who may face barriers in accessing healthcare,” said Preston Trench, team lead for the Nova Scotia Brotherhood. “Our team’s main goal is to bridge the gap for Black men by creating a supportive space that addresses their unique needs and challenges, while empowering them to take charge of their health and well-being. This conference is one way we’re able to do that.”

The sessions covered everything from mental health and redefining masculinity to financial wellness, hypertension and navigating complex health systems. Speakers included filmmaker and activist Tyler Simmonds, Russell Brooks from the Strengthening Black Fathers and Father Figures initiative, keynote speaker Trayvone Clayton and many others.  

“Attendees said these are conversations they don’t often get to have,” said Kyle Fraser, community liaison for the Nova Scotia Brotherhood. “It gave them a collective space to share experiences that affect their mental health.”

Justice Awesagah, wellness navigator for the Nova Scotia Brotherhood, saw the same thing happening throughout the day. “People realized they weren’t alone,” he said. “Even though we may come from different communities, there are shared cultural experiences among Black men. Seeing others like them made it easier to express themselves.”

For many, the conference also offered a sense of trust, something the Brotherhood team says is essential in improving health outcomes. “Some Black men carry mistrust of the system due to past experiences and a long history of racial bias in the healthcare system,” said Awesagah. “This conference helped them see the Brotherhood as a place where they’ll be heard. It helped us reach the community directly.”

This year’s theme was “Nurturing Strong Minds and Stronger Communities,” which guided what participants experienced throughout the day.

Financial literacy sessions helped men understand taxes and planning for the future. Health experts spoke about preventing hypertension and recognizing conditions like amyloidosis, which disproportionately affects people of West African heritage. Leaders like Halifax Regional Police Chief Don MacLean and former municipal councillor Lindell Smith shared stories of perseverance and community leadership.

A few moments, among many, that stood out:  

• Discussions around how men are taught not to express emotions and how that harms mental health.  
• Hearing the police chief talk about his journey.  
• Hearing Trayvone Clayton speak about how racism shaped his life and how he found healing and purpose in activism. 
   

All of these conversations contribute to the larger goal: building healthier and stronger communities.

Looking ahead, the Brotherhood would love to reach even more people at future conferences. With more than 50 historic Black communities in the province, they see a need to expand around the province and to ensure immigrant communities – African, Caribbean and diasporic – are included and represented.

“We’re still building trust and getting our name out there,” said Fraser. “But we want people across Nova Scotia to feel like this is for them.”

Partnerships will play a big role in that growth. The team hopes to see additional ministries, funders, educational institutions and other interest groups join future events.

“It’s a way for people to learn about the services and opportunities that exist around them,” said Fraser.

At its heart, the Nova Scotian Black Men’s Health Conference is about connection and bringing Black men together in a space rooted in shared understanding. It’s about giving men tools to strengthen their mental and physical health. And it’s about building trust in systems that haven’t always served them well.

Most of all, it’s about community.

“We build the mind so the mind can build the community,” said Awesagah. 

Photo of audience at one of the presentations at the Black Men’s Health Conference.