VITALS & VISION - THE WEIGHT WE CARRY: TRAUMA, PTSD & MENTAL HEALTH
Join us for a real, culturally grounded conversation on trauma, PTSD, and healing in our communities.
Join Complete Health Ventures, Heart, Body & Soul & Gentlemen's Factory for The Weight We Carry: Trauma, PTSD & Mental Health, a Vitals & Vision health conversation designed to provide clear, accessible information in a welcoming, culturally responsive space.
What does it mean to be “strong” when you’re carrying stress, trauma, or pain that no one else can see?
Too often, trauma goes unspoken, especially in Black communities where strength is expected and vulnerability is misunderstood. But unaddressed trauma doesn’t disappear. It shows up in our bodies, our relationships, our decisions, and our health.
This isn’t a lecture. It’s a space for truth, reflection, and connection.
Panelists:
Derby St. Fort, Retired NYPD Captain, Author & Community Leader
Kwesi Blackman, MD, MBA, & United States Army Veteran
Vladimire Calixte, MA, CRC, LMHC, Licensed Therapist & CoFounder, Therapy for Black Men
Moderated by Christopher Williams - Founder & CEO of Heart, Body & Soul
Together, we’ll explore:
What trauma and PTSD actually look like in everyday life
How unprocessed trauma impacts mental and physical health
Why so many people suffer in silence—and how we can change that
Practical tools, resources, and approaches to begin healing
How we can better support the people we love
Whether you’ve experienced trauma, are supporting someone who has, or simply want to better understand mental health in our communities—this conversation is for you.
No stigma. No pressure. Just real, necessary dialogue.
Who Should Attend:
Men and women seeking to better understand trauma and mental health
Individuals navigating stress, anxiety, or past experiences
Partners, friends, and family members supporting loved ones
Community members, advocates, and professionals committed to healing
Come as you are. Leave with insight, connection, and tools for the journey forward.
Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: The Gentlemen's Factory - 1082 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY
Admission: Free with RSVP | Seating is limited. RSVP today— ALL are welcome
Come for the conversation. Stay for the community. Leave with tools for transformation.
COMPLIMENTARY FOOD & REFRESHMENTS AVAILABLE