Nearly 300 people attended Heart & Soul: A Men’s Wellness Collective on Saturday, June 21 at the Agricenter International Expo Center in Memphis. Presented by Baptist Memorial Health Care in honor of Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, the free event aimed to educate and inspire men to be proactive about their mental health.
Heart & Soul addressed men’s physical, mental and emotional health. Keith Norman, vice president/chief government affairs and community relations officer for Baptist, described Heart & Soul as a potentially life-changing event in which men had the opportunity to connect with each other, build relationships and follow through on their health care needs.
The event brought together expert speakers, health care professionals, mental health providers and community organizations. It featured presentations and breakout discussion sessions on mental health topics and financial well-being, health screenings, CPR demos, vendor booths, breakfast and lunch, door prizes and giveaways.
Heart & Soul also included performances by the Grizz Girls and Grizzlies Grannies & Grandpas, and a tribute to men from actress Elise Neal.
Several state and local leaders gave remarks, including State Rep. Antonio Parkinson, City of Memphis Mayor Paul Young, Shelby County Commissioner Charlie Caswell and Shelby County Deputy Chief of Staff Dorcas Young Griffin.
Celebrity guest speakers Michael Jai and Gillian White participated in “Luv Strong,” a Q&A facilitated by Memphis Allies and moderated by LaDell Beamon with Heal the Hood Foundation of Memphis. Actor Da’Vinchi presented “The Conversation With Da’Vinchi,” a Q&A moderated by Norman.
