Mental health series creates safe space for young males
JANS – S.A.F.E. S.P.A.C.E. TheaterTherapy Foundation launched its free three-part Boys Don’t Cry youth and teen mental health discussion series on Saturday, July 25, at Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church in Clinton.
Created for boys and teens ages 12–17, the series provides a supportive environment where participants can speak honestly about emotional pain, recognize the importance of seeking help, and explore healthier ways to understand and express difficult emotions.
The opening discussion featured Fredrick Sterdivant of Macon, Georgia, and Joseph Rogers of Jackson, with Woodie Lawson of Jackson serving as moderator.
Presented in partnership with the Mississippi Humanities Council Storytelling Initiative, the program uses storytelling and guided discussion to help young males examine fear, grief, injustice, belonging, and anger. Mark Oshiro’s acclaimed young-adult novel Anger Is a Gift serves as the featured book and central discussion theme throughout the series.
The next two sessions will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, and Saturday, August 8, at Quisenberry Library in Clinton.
Admission is free, but advance registration is required through Eventbrite. Refreshments will be served. Parents, guardians, youth organizations, churches, and community groups are encouraged to register eligible young males. S.A.F.E. S.P.A.C.E.
TheaterTherapy is a Non-Profit Charitable Organization created to help youth succeed with teen and youth mental health challenges by providing them with the tools and resources through the use of theater scripting as part of a conversation to promote emotional well-being and normalize conversations around mental health. Felicia Kelly Brookins is the executive director.
