April’s Brother Strong Black Men’s Empowerment Conference served as a powerful reminder of why events like this are necessary, especially amid the rise in femicide cases often referred to as the “silent epidemic.” Cases such as the April 1st killing of Nancy Metayer Bowen, the vice mayor of Coral Springs, Florida, who was killed by her husband, followed by the April 6th murder of North Carolina pastor Tammy McCullum during a domestic dispute with her husband, are examples of femicide cases have made national headlines.
I learned about the event at the last minute after seeing the event promoted on Facebook. My mind was already reflecting on the recent femicide cases and my growing desire to better understand the emotional struggles men struggle with yet often conceal.
Growing up and being around many men, I was often exposed to the idea that men were not supposed to express emotions and instead relied heavily on pride and ego. Over time, that perspective made me believe, in my ignorance, that emotional pain and hurtful words don’t affect them at all. At times, I would see men react with anger and yelling, but I didn’t understand that these reactions were cries for help, stemming from emotional wounds. For a long time, many men have been taught that showing their feelings is a sign of weakness. As a result, many suppress their pain, often masking their emotional struggles through anger, pride, false sense of power, financial status, alcohol, substance abuse, promiscuous behavior, and other unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Even though I discovered the event late, my immediate interest prompted me to reach out for more information. In addition, my excitement about the event had me sending out last-minute invitations to family and friends. Out of the invitations I sent out, my friend decided to come and bring her two sons, which I thought was a beautiful experience for them to witness this event.
What is Brother Strong?
Brother Strong operates on three core principles: Self, Family, and Community. The organization believes true empowerment begins in oneself and extends outward into families and communities. Its mission is to help Black men heal from personal struggles, societal challenges, and generational trauma while building stronger families and healthier communities.
“Our goal is not just to help Black men survive. It is to help them become whole. A healthy Black man thinks clearly, lives intentionally, leads spiritually, cares for his body, and builds generational stability,” founder Jeremy Wright stated.
The organization’s motto, “Black Men Have Feelings,” along with the apparel they sell featuring the phrase, helps reinforce the message that Black men experience emotions too. The statement also speaks to appreciation, shared experiences, and brotherhood within the Black community.
Wright, who founded the organization in 2017, is also known throughout the community for organizing the annual AsONE Prayer Walk and other outreach initiatives aimed at uplifting and strengthening the Fayetteville community.
Conference Highlights
The two-day conference, held at J.W. Seabrook Auditorium on the campus of Fayetteville State University, featured impactful speakers and activities, including Dr. Joel Tudman (actor, spiritual leader, coach, author) who spoke during Friday’s April 10th session that welcomed men, women, and youth.
Also, during Friday’s event, entrepreneur Peter T. Ezok received the 2026 Community Inspiration Award. Saturday’s programming included workshops centered on Black men’s empowerment, financial literacy sessions led by Financial Educator and #1 national best-selling author of Take Your Seat at The Table, Anthony O’Neal, and the stage play Father Figure.
L-R: Speakers of Brother Strong Black Men Empowerment Two-Day Conference (left to right) Joel A. Tudman and Anthony O’Neal, Images of black men in tune with the message as they listen to the speaker; Courtesy of Joel A. Tudman/Facebook and Anthony O’Neal/Instagram
Tudman’s message, “The Man You Are Meant to Be,” focused on how many men are conditioned to suppress their emotions and sacrifice their dreams while operating in survival mode. He also spoke about overcoming stereotypes and distancing oneself from people or environments that prevent personal growth and healing.
He challenged men to look beyond material success, revisit their dreams they may have abandoned, and instead embrace the purpose and identity God intended for them.
O’Neal’s session focused on financial empowerment and the importance of becoming debt-free to build long-term financial stability and generational wealth. He highlighted disparities in household wealth while also emphasizing the growing financial progress among younger Black investors and entrepreneurs.
Publicized Femicide Cases
Following the conference, additional highly publicized femicide cases continued to make headlines throughout April. One involved former Virginia Lieutenant Governor, Justin Fairfax, who killed his estranged wife, Cerina Fairfax, before taking his own life while their children were inside the home.
Another tragic case occurred in Shreveport, Louisiana, where a man by the name of Shamar Elkins, killed eight children (seven to be his own), and critically injured his estranged wife, Shaneiqua Pugh, and others before a scheduled divorce hearing.
These tragedies, along with other domestic violence cases, reinforce the importance of addressing emotional healing, accountability, mental health, and support systems for Black men.
Keeping the Mission Alive
Life can be challenging, but healing and becoming the man God intended them to be is essential not only for themselves, but also for their families, friendships, communities, and future generations. The conference was an example of a healthy outlet that brought Black men together in a safe space designed to uplift, encourage, and empower them while also creating an environment where vulnerability and emotional honesty were welcomed.
“Creating healthier Black men means addressing the whole man mentally, spiritually, and financially. When Black men are healthy in every area of life, families become stronger and communities begin to thrive,” Wright shared with The Exclusive Press (EP).
In a society that often encourages men to prioritize pride and ego over emotional expression, events like this help normalize healthy conversations around mental health, healing, mentorship, therapy, and community support.
Kudos to Wright for using his platform to create programs and conferences that provide men with the tools, resources, and safe spaces needed to heal, grow, and become the men they were created to be.
