Vascular dementia slowly took pieces of my mother’s mind, but never touched her heart. Even in silence, her hands, her eyes, and her presence held the power to comfort and connect. In this reflection, writer Joanna Johnson shares a story of grief, memory, and finding strength through the waves of loss and the quiet grace of a mother’s love.

As a Registered Nurse and mother of Black sons, the author shares heartfelt insights into the unique challenges faced by Black men in a world filled with trauma and negativity. From forging connections with supportive individuals to transforming feelings of hopelessness into advocacy, this article provides a comprehensive guide tailored to the specific needs of Black men, offering practical tips for self-care and empowerment in the face of societal expectations and challenges.

Where you’re born, live, work, and play can determine how long you live. In this article, you’ll learn more about the health inequities surrounding the southern black community and how you can tackle them by practicing self-care.