Baptist’s ‘Heart & Soul’ men’s wellness event centers healing for men in Memphis
In a city where exhibiting strength is a way of life and tenacity is passed down through generations, vulnerability can be a harder language for men to speak.
That language found a voice during a series of workshops and events June 21 at Agricenter International Expo Center.
Baptist Memorial Health Care hosted its Heart & Soul: A Men’s Wellness Collective, where men from across the Mid‑South came together, free from the weight of silence and stigma, to take an honest look at their health, both inside and outside.
Here, they weren’t asked to “man up” or “stay strong” but encouraged to slow down, listen and recognize that their well‑being is worth nurturing.
The morning began with a “Special Tribute to Men” from Memphian and actress Elise Neal, reminding the men present that their lives and health matter.
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“I’m not a man, but I know that we need them,” she said passionately. “We need them in our lives. We need them to feel strong and healthy. We need them to get their prostate exams. Overall, we want them to be their best,” said Neal, whose words set the tone for a day of promoting wellness.
For the Rev. Dr. Keith Norman, vice president of government relations at Baptist Memorial Health Care, creating a space like this was not just a priority, it was a calling. “The decision for Baptist Memorial to create this men’s wellness event was simple — because the men deserve it,” he said. “That’s our commitment here at Baptist, to foster care and provide wellness for all. Men deserve spaces like this, spaces created exclusively for them, and this is the heart of our mission.”
Throughout the day, the men participated in breakout sessions focusing on mental and physical health, and they learned how to respond to adverse childhood experiences. They also learned ways to foster deeper connections and resilience within themselves and their families. They were met by health care professionals, mental health advocates and volunteers who spoke openly about stigmas that too often silence men and prevent them from seeking help.
Attendees also took part in free health screenings for high blood pressure and diabetes, learned life‑saving CPR techniques and connected with community organizations.
The collective included some fun as well, with various vendor booths and a performance by the Grizzlies cheerleaders.
Special guest Da’Vinchi, star of Starz’s hit television series “BMF,” encouraged men to recognize that caring for their health is an investment, one that can uplift families and communities.
A highlight of the day came from husband and wife actors Michael Jai White and Gillian White, who discussed the roles that connection and support play in mental and emotional well‑being.
“With the mental health part, it’s just checking in,” said Gillian, who has had roles on “NCIS” and “The Oval.”
“We’re each other’s therapist. We constantly check in with each other, making sure we’re doing okay. It’s about supporting one another every step of the way.”
Michael, who was the first African American to portray a comic book superhero, starring as Al Simmons in “Spawn,” echoed his wife’s sentiment.
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He also further addressed a reality many men understand all too well. “There’s so little space in television and in media that’s devoted to men and men’s health,” said Michael, who is also a martial artist with a black belt in seven different karate styles.
“This is a very important thing for men to step into who they’re intended to be. That’s why events like this are needed because it’s nonexistent otherwise,” he added.
For attendee Tedarius Anderson, the day was deeply personal. “Being a man, I’ve done a lot and seen a lot, and it gets stressful at times, and I don’t know where to turn,” he shared. “Here, I was able to get some things off my chest to men that get it.
“I even took away that I sometimes get in my own way. I’m going to work on that.”
Heart & Soul: A Men’s Wellness Collective was a reminder that every man no matter where he comes from or what he has been through is worthy of belonging, healing and support.
For more information on men’s wellness initiatives provided by Baptist, visit www.baptistonline.org.
