“To bring about change, you must not be afraid to take the first step “- Rosa Parks. That quote embodies what it means to be a Brentwood Nupe. We thrive on being on the front lines of change in our communities. We are always willing to take that first step.

 ~B Rob, Polemarch

Saturday June14th 2025, the Clyde E. Poag Mental Health Symposium on the campus of the historical Meharry Medical College we honor it's namesake our late brother Clyde E. Poag! Our guest speaker for this awesome event will be Dr. Ryan Mire (Beta Mu) Past President of the American College of Physicians, along with other special guest! Dont Miss This!!! Brother Poag we honor you good Brother & you are forever in our hearts! Brentwood for Life! yo!

The Brentwood Alumni Chapter's Senior Kappa Affairs Committee (SKAC) has been very active in community activities throughout the Nashville area. The SKAC is led by Senior Kappa (60+) Brothers, but Brothers of all ages participate in assisting senior citizens around the community. All Brentwood Alumni Brothers are encouraged to support senior citizen programs at Senior Centers, Churches, Health Centers and Community Centers. The SKAC also provides volunteers at other other institutions, such as the Nashville Rescue Mission and Metro Nashville Public Schools.

Kaduceus' Korner

Brother Ryan D. Mire, MD

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

This month is an opportunity time to shed light on the often-overlooked struggles within our communities and specifically for Black men.  Mental health is a topic that has long been silenced by cultural stigma, systemic barriers, and generational trauma.  However, awareness is a powerful first step toward healing. Mental health awareness can empower Black men to name what they feel—stress, anxiety, depression, or trauma—without shame.  Awareness creates space for vulnerability in a culture

where strength is too often equated with silence. 

When we recognize that asking for help is not a weakness, but a courageous act of self-care, we begin to shift the narrative not only for

ourselves, but for our families and the next generation that are watching us.

Mental health resources are not only available to emotional crisis, but can offer tools to navigate daily stressors—from the weathering of racism and discrimination to financial and family pressures.  Increased awareness also allows to broaden our support networks and peer

conversations, which may assist to prevent a mental health crisis.

By breaking the stigma and promoting mental well-being, we help reduce preventable criseslike substance abuse, violence, or suicide, which disproportionately affect Black men and our community at large. 

Awareness isn't just about treatment; it's about prevention, community

support, and holistic health.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, my call to action is to break the silence and uplift the voices of Black men, seek assistance if in need, encourage open dialogue with one another, and check-in with those who may assume are “strong.”  Brentwood will continue to uplift

awareness of mental health in our community in honor of Brother Poag with hosting the men’s mental health conference.