May 14th 2024.
Actor Courtney B. Vance and psychologist Dr. Robin L. Smith have joined forces to create a groundbreaking guidebook that aims to help Black men on their journey towards healing. The book, titled "The Invisible Ache: Black Men Identifying Their Pain and Reclaiming Their Power," was released in November 2023 and has already garnered widespread attention for its unique approach to addressing mental health within the Black community. By combining personal stories, psychological insights, and practical tools, Vance and Smith offer a powerful resource for Black men to reclaim their mental health and well-being.
As Mental Health Awareness Month approaches, Vance and Smith are on a promotional tour to spread the message of their book and, hopefully, save lives. One of the key themes of "The Invisible Ache" is the idea that Black men must take control of their own narratives and reclaim their stories. As Smith eloquently puts it, "The lion's story will never be known as long as the hunter is the one to tell it." This book serves as an invitation for Black men and boys to tell their own stories and heal from the invisible ache that often goes unnoticed.
In a recent interview with Essence, Smith shared, "We want to get to a point where it is normalized to not only ask, 'Do you hurt?' but also 'Where does it hurt?' 'The Invisible Ache' is a personal invitation to every Black boy and man to heal, declare, and proclaim their divine birthright to be fully human, whole, and free." This powerful message is at the heart of the book and is a reminder to Black men that they are deserving of happiness, peace, love, and support.
Vance and Smith recently sat down for an intimate conversation with Give Black Alliance, where Vance opened up about a tragic event from his past. In 1990, he received the devastating news that his father had taken his own life. At the time, Vance was performing in the Broadway play "Six Degrees of Separation" and had to take time off to be with his family. It was during this difficult time that his mother encouraged him to seek therapy as a way to cope with the sudden loss.
Reflecting on this experience, Vance shared, "Thank God I got the mandate from her. Finding a therapist can be fraught with so many reasons to say, 'Ah, it's too much work.' When you're on the outside looking in, it can feel overwhelming. But the payoff is you." Vance credits therapy for helping him navigate through his grief and find a sense of peace.
With "The Invisible Ache," Vance and Smith are on a mission to remind Black men of their inherent worth and their right to live fully and happily. As Vance shares, "The Invisible Ache grew out of my desire to provide a resource and safe space for Black men of all ages to explore, discuss, restore, and heal when it comes to our mental health." This book serves as a powerful reminder that Black men are worthy of happiness, peace, love, and support.
In addition to their book, Vance and Smith are also using their platform to amplify the voices of other Black men who have struggled with mental health issues. As part of their promotional tour, they recently spoke with Give Black Alliance about the importance of seeking help and the impact it can have. This conversation was a reminder that no one is immune to mental health struggles and that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing effects of the pandemic, the message of "The Invisible Ache" is more relevant than ever. It serves as a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health and that Black men deserve access to resources and support to help them heal and thrive. Through their book and their advocacy work, Vance and Smith are making a powerful impact and inspiring others to do the same.
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