By By Irina Perry
On June 9, 2026, community members gathered at Heart of Ohio Family Health’s James B. Feibel Center in Columbus for an important and often-overlooked conversation about men’s mental health, trauma, domestic violence, and emotional wellness.
Hosted by Sophia Pierrelus, Executive Director of the New American Cultural Center (NACC), the event, “Breaking the Silence: Men’s Edition on Domestic Violence & Trauma,”brought together community leaders, mental health professionals, advocates, and residents committed to addressing the challenges many men face in silence.
Organized through a partnership between the New American Cultural Center, Heart of Ohio Family Health, and the City of Columbus, the forum encouraged participants to begin conversations that are often avoided but desperately needed.
The evening’s message was simple yet powerful:
“Start the Conversation. End the Silence. Heal Together.”
The discussion was moderated by Emmanuel Olawale, attorney, speaker, author, and divorce coach. Panelists included Dr. Bartholomew (Barth) Shepkong, public policy scholar, educator, and community leader, and Dr. Jimmy Henry, MD, nationally recognized mental wellness leader, executive coach, and founder of Kingdom MD.
Opening remarks were delivered by Dr. Buhari Mohamed, Chief Executive Director of Heart of Ohio Family Health and Chairman of the New American Cultural Center, while special remarks were presented by Abdikhayr Soofe, New American Program Coordinator for the City of Columbus Department of Neighborhoods.
Throughout the evening, speakers explored the realities many men experience but rarely discuss publicly—loneliness, emotional pain, relationship struggles, trauma, and the pressure to appear strong even when they are suffering.
One of the most impactful discussions centered on loneliness.
Panelists noted that many men are conditioned from an early age to suppress emotions, solve problems alone, and avoid asking for help. As a result, they often suffer in silence while carrying significant emotional burdens.
Emmanuel Olawale spoke about the importance of creating safe spaces where men can openly discuss their experiences.
He explained that many men will readily seek maintenance for their vehicles or careers but hesitate when it comes to caring for their emotional well-being.
Rather than simply asking, “Are you okay?” he encouraged friends, family members, and community leaders to engage men with genuine curiosity and compassion.
“Ask about their children. Ask about their work. Ask about their relationships,” he explained. “Sometimes men need someone to show that they truly care enough to listen.”
Dr. Jimmy Henry expanded on the topic by discussing the connection between loneliness and mental health.
He noted that isolation is often misunderstood.
Many men withdraw not because they want to be left alone, but because they are struggling with shame, fear, disappointment, or emotional pain. Beneath that withdrawal is often a desire to be seen, heard, and understood.
The conversation also explored domestic violence and the many forms conflict can take within relationships.
While physical violence is often the most visible form of abuse, panelists discussed the impact of emotional and psychological harm. They spoke about how words, manipulation, humiliation, intimidation, and emotional control can leave deep and lasting wounds.
One participant reflected on the power of language, noting that words spoken by someone who knows your deepest vulnerabilities can be incredibly damaging.
The panel also examined why some men hesitate to report emotional abuse or seek support. Concerns about reputation, family stability, finances, and social standing often prevent individuals from speaking openly about their experiences.
Throughout the discussion, panelists emphasized that recognizing men’s experiences with trauma and abuse does not diminish the experiences of women or other survivors. Instead, it broadens the conversation and creates a more inclusive understanding of how trauma affects individuals and families.
A particularly memorable moment came when a participant openly acknowledged how his perspective had changed after seeing a man publicly share details about his divorce.
Initially, he admitted, he judged the decision to share personal struggles on social media. However, after listening to the discussion, he recognized that public sharing can be part of an individual’s healing process.
His reflection served as a reminder that understanding often begins when people are willing to listen before judging.
The forum demonstrated the importance of empathy, compassion, and community support in addressing mental health challenges.
As the evening concluded, attendees left with a renewed understanding that vulnerability is not weakness. Rather, it is often the first step toward healing.
The success of the event reflected the vision and leadership of Sophia Pierrelus and the collaborative efforts of community organizations dedicated to improving the well-being of immigrant, refugee, and multicultural communities throughout Central Ohio.
In a world where many men continue to suffer quietly, “Breaking the Silence: Men’s Edition” offered something powerful—a reminder that healing begins when people feel safe enough to tell their stories and communities are willing to listen.
Sometimes the strongest thing a person can do is simply speak.
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