Nova Scotia Black Men’s Health Conference focuses on strengthening community

The Nova Scotia Black Men’s Health Conference was held at NSCC’s Akerley Campus. (Hafsa Arif/CTV News)

The Nova Scotia Black Men’s Health Conference returned this month, bringing more than 150 people to NSCC’s Akerley Campus to talk about mental health, wellness, and the power of vulnerability.

Hosted by the Nova Scotia Brotherhood initiative, the event created a space for black men to discuss not just physical health, but emotional, financial and social well-being through sessions on topics like redefining masculinity, financial literacy, nutrition, and addiction.

Keynote speaker Trayvone Clayton says his message centered on being open and honest about the challenges men face and learning to redefine strength.

“It really did lift up the room to tell people and let each other know, especially as men, that it’s okay to cry as a man,” Clayton said. “It’s okay to feel down or go through your emotions as a man and to be able to share that with everyone here was perfect. It’s needed.”

Clayton says he was nervous at first speaking about vulnerability to a room full of elders and community leaders, but the response was powerful.

“When I was done, others came to me to speak about their problems, their personal lives, and the things that they’ve been through,” he said. “It just shows me that I accomplished what I came here for – to get more of us to talk to one another, reach out to one another and share experiences.”

The conference emphasized open communication as a key to strengthening community bonds.

“If I don’t know how you feel, that how’s that going to make me feel?” Clayton explained. “The love you give is the respect you get. We have to give strong love to one another, especially in the world of men in our community.”

Organizers say the conference continues to grow each year, with conversations that highlight the strength, resilience, and unity of Nova Scotia’s Black men and the communities they uplift.

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