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September 2024 Newsletter10/14/2024 The Black Bear Project The much-anticipated Black Bear Project debuted on National Son’s Day, Saturday, September 28 including a powerful art gallery, mini-documentary, and Q & A panel discussion. My People Community is proud to announce that the inaugural fundraiser was a great success!  Spearheaded by Dr. Dayeshell Muhammad and inspired by the resilience of the black bear—our symbolic creature representing strength and adaptability—the project illuminated the unique challenges faced by those in our community.  The initiative truly elevated the voices of mothers raising Black and Brown sons, with more than 30 mothers and 40 sons participating, and approximately 100 showcased portraits. This contributed to a vibrant tapestry of experiences that fostered meaningful conversations about mental, physical, and emotional wellness. Moreover, by integrating their voices we create a more inclusive narrative that recognizes their critical roles as caregivers. Let’s continue to uplift their voices to create a lasting change in our community. Together, we can pave the way for understanding, support, and empowerment for all. Fatherhood: Next Level 2024 Conference On September 26th My People sponsored the Fatherhood Next Level Conference at Central Connecticut State University. The conference aims to provide men of color a safe place to talk about fatherhood. This two-day event is part of a statewide collaborative effort by the Connecticut Fatherhood Initiative (CFI) in partnership with the Connecticut Commission on Women, Children, Seniors and Opportunity, DCF, and CCSU’s Fatherhood Initiative. Here, our Executive Director Abdul-Rahmaan I. Muhammad delivered a Fatherhood Manologues workshop with attendees. We look forward to continuing these important conversations and supporting our community's fathers as they navigate their journeys.  Hartford Book Festival On Saturday, September 21st My People attended the Hartford Book Festival at the Hartford Public Library. Here, My People hosted a table among other local vendors. Later in the afternoon, Abdul held his Fatherhood Manologues writing workshop and presented the Jamilah “Honey Wata” Muhammad award to honor his late sister who, like many in attendance, was a published poet. This award celebrates her life and highlights creative artists who carry a fire like hers. Abdul was accompanied by his mother Sahirah Muhammad and brother Kareem Rasheed Muhammad  "It is always an honor to recognize someone in the community in the name of my sister, Jamilah “Honey Wata” Muhammad. I appreciate the women from Hartford LIT for keeping her memory and legacy alive." -Abdul-Rahmaan I. Muhammad Fox 61 Features My People Community Service Fox 61 featured My People’s Director of Operations Dr. Dayeshell P. Muhammad in a morning segment on September 26th to promote My People Community Services and The Black Bear Project. In the interview, Dayeshell explains that My People is dedicated to creating safe spaces for Black and Brown men and boys and that The Black Bear Project aims to add the mother’s perspective without disrupting their established safe spaces. Dayeshell says that The Black Bear Project and fundraiser will raise money towards offering services and supports to our community without having them be diagnosed or involved in a traditional system.  "When we think about how the community sees our Black and Brown boys as threats, it impacts the overall mental, emotional, and social well-being of mothers. We wanted to give them [mothers] an opportunity to talk about raising these sons. What we found is that there’s a need for community support."-Dayeshell Muhammad What's in Your Neighborhood?In the morning and early afternoon on September 28th, My People and other local organizations participated in the What’s in Your Neighborhood sidewalk fair, which aims to celebrate and raise awareness within the Hartford community about local businesses and resources to help people live healthier lives. My People supplied valuable resources about our community programs and initiatives along with 100 complimentary hamburgers from the Beast Kitchen food truck! 
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August 2024 Newsletter10/14/2024 The Fatherhood Manologues Show The Fatherhood Manologues Show was a great success! Held on Saturday, August 24 at the Sea Tea Theatre, the show featured eight speakers and one impromptu who delivered powerful monologues about their experiences being a father or fathered. The show was followed up with a panel discussion where the audience had the opportunity to ask the men further questions about their monologues and experiences. Thank you to all who participated and attended!  Summer Youth Employment: My People Panel Discussion On August 20, My People facilitated a panel on Youth Mental Health and Transitioning for the Capital Workforce Partners Summer Youth Employment Celebration at the State Capital. Led by our youth leader Amir Muhammad, the discussion featured four additional youth leaders from various organizations, sharing their insights on navigating vocational changes & any mental health challenges accompanying those transitions.  DCF Fatherhood Conference From August 8th through the 9th DCF hosted a Fatherhood Conference at Central Connecticut State University in Alumni Hall. At the conference, My People hosted a table while our Executive Director Abdul-Rahmaan I. Muhammad led a moving Fatherhood Manologues Workshop. Participants exercised crafting their own monologues about being a father or being fathered and discussed the importance of professionals strengthening their relationships with fathers, both internally and externally.  What’s in your hood? Community Conversation: Black Men and Boys My People and The Manhood Tree had a successful turnout at the What’s In Your Hood? Community Conversation: Black Men and Boys event. Held at Eco Space and led by Abdul-Rahmaan, those in attendance had an open discussion exploring six “hoods”: brotherhood, boyhood, young adulthood, manhood, fatherhood, and neighborhood. Supportive Housing Field Trip On Friday, August 16, My People staff and supportive housing clients had a blast at Lake Compounce Theme Park! The outing blended thrilling rides, refreshing water attractions, and tasty treats. The trip aimed to promote mental well-being, uplifting all—literally and figuratively!
Urban League: My People Volunteers My People enjoyed volunteering for the Urban League of Greater Hartford’s back-to-school event. In preparation for their event, we helped by packing bags and creating first-day encouragement cards for recipients to receive with their bags. Thanks Urban League! Back to School Extravaganza The Angel of Edgewood Back to School Extravaganza was back and better than ever! Thousands flocked to the annual event, including My People staff, on August 23 at Dunkin Park. The extravaganza offered free resources, supplies, food, and fun. My People are proud to collaborate with such a dedicated, impactful organization. 
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July 2024 Newsletter10/14/2024 Community Impact 2024 Award Celebration On Wednesday, July 3 My People celebrated the Abdul-Rahmaan Abd-Raheem Muhammad Community Impact Award recipients, Andre Rochester and Alonzo Beckett, at My People Clinical and Community Services. This award is in collaboration with the Greater Hartford Alliance of Black Social Workers and is named after the late Abdul-Rahmaan Abd-Raheem Muhammad. Congratulations Andre and Alonzo and thank you for your contributions to the community!  Abdul-Rahmaan I. Muhammad Named Finalist for the ImpaCT AwardMy People is thrilled to announce that our Executive Director Abdul-Rahmaan I. Muhammad has been named a finalist for the ImpaCT award presented by Fox 61 and the United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut! The ImpaCT award recognizes outstanding contributions by Connecticut individuals and organizations. Abdul is a finalist in the Impactful Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion category. This accolade reflects his unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive environments and driving meaningful change in our community. We are so proud of him and recognition of his work!  My People Attends Children’s Mental Health Fair On Tuesday, July 23, My People Community Services participated in the Children’s Mental Health Fair at Hartford Yard Goats Stadium. At our table, we were joined by Darcy, the owner of TeachArt2Me, who provided free face painting to visitors. This was part of our effort to promote our initiative, Happy Faces, Happy Hearts.  Wellness Empowerment: Brotherhood Yoga My People and The Manhood Tree hosted a Brotherhood Yoga session at Workout Harder Fitness in Manchester on Saturday, July 13. This free opportunity allows participants to explore yoga's physical and mental benefits in a supportive environment. The next session will occur at the same location on Saturday, August 3, at 1 PM. We hope you can join us! 
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June 2024 Newsletter10/14/2024 Juneteenth Scholarship BreakfastMy People’s Executive Director Abdul-Rahmaan I. Muhammad hosted the GHABSW Juneteenth Scholarship Breakfast on the 19 at the Hartford Club. This special ceremony recognized the powerful impact of community support on education. My People was honored to present this year’s Rahmaan Abd-Raheem Muhammad Community Impact Award to Andre Rochester and Alonzo Beckett! Congratulations!
Community Impact 2024 Award Recipients Andre Rochester is a fine artist, curator, and arts advocate based in Greater Hartford. With a background in illustration and studio art, he uses his artwork to explore emotions and promote healing. Andre manages exhibitions at 224 EcoSpace, oversees a large art collection at UConn Health Center, and coaches emerging artists, emphasizing professionalism and business skills in their craft development. Alonzo Beckett, a Hartford native and graduate of FHS and ECSU, used sports and education from "Project Concern" to build leadership skills. After successful careers at ESPN, Channel 30, and VH1, he founded NE Video Entertainment in 2003, known for producing thousands of videos. Alonzo's commitment to the community includes free workshops and event filming, showcasing his belief in education and hard work as pillars of success and inspiration for future generations in Hartford Men's Wellness Retreat To commemorate Men’s Health Month, My People and The Manhood Tree hosted a Men’s Wellness retreat the weekend of the 22nd through the 24th at Jay Peak Resort in Vermont. The retreat was transformational and a great success! The group, comprising 25 men of color, took time to rest, build, encourage, and inspire each other as they embraced self-care and relaxation. We wish them continued growth, connection, and renewed vitality.  My People Community LunchMy People hosted the first 2024 summer lunch of the series June 27. The Community Lunch welcomed Friends of My People—community, collaborators, and staff. Everyone enjoyed delicious options from the Burger Way food truck!
Black Boys and Men Mental Health Panel Discussion On June 25 the Pathways to Wellness: Mental Health for Black Boys and Men panel discussion was held, hosted by the Hartford Foundation of Public Giving. My People's Executive Director Abdul-Rahmaan I. Muhammad was one of four panelists in this engaging discussion where he offered invaluable perspectives on racism as a public health crisis, the evolution and progress of our fatherhood services, and the impact of The Manhood Tree program on men's mental health. To catch the full recording to explore these critical topics and gain inspiration for fostering wellness in our black communities click here.  National Chocolate Ice Cream Day My People indulged in National Chocolate Ice Cream Day on June 7, hosting a supportive housing and staff event. Everyone enjoyed the Ben and Jerry’s ice cream truck with choices of chocolate, vanilla, strawberry cheesecake, and milk and cookies ice cream—helping boost mental wellness one scoop at a time!  Fatherhood Manologues Workshop On June 8th, My People and the Manhood Tree hosted the Fatherhood Manolouges at Asylum Hill Congregational Church. The men in attendance shared heartfelt stories and experiences about being a father or being fathered. This event allowed the group to recognize and embrace the impact of fathers on our lives.  Let's Get Real ConferenceAbdul-Rahmaan I. Muhammad conducted his “Going from Fatherhood Engagement to Fatherhood Equality, Inclusion, and Equity” training at the Berkshire County Let’s Get Real Conference in Pittsfield, Massachusetts on the 14th. The LGR conference is a diversity conference aimed to provide support, tools, and knowledge needed to commit best DEIB workplace practices. My People Attends Rock Your FutureMy People attended the RYF Youth Employment and Empowerment event on the 29th at the Artist’s Collective as a DFCYR partner. This event was presented by the city of Hartford and was free to youth ages 14-19. Marquia Davis facilitated a Mental Wellness Workshop while the marketing team, Kededria and Samantha, hosted a resource table.  Smoothie Takeover: Men's Health EventOn Saturday, June 29 the Manhood Tree hosting a smoothie takeover in collaboration with the BSL Foundation and Head Over Berries. Men in attendance received a free smoothie and crucial men’s health information. Happy Men’s Health Month!
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May 2024 Newsletter10/14/2024 Mental Health Awareness MonthMay is Mental Health Awareness Month! This month is dedicated to advocating, destigmatizing, and promoting mental health and mental health resources. Given that My People’s mission is inherently rooted in promoting mental wellness, we would like to provide a mental health checklist that can be used daily to maintain mental well-being The 5th Down ConferenceMy People hosted the 5th Down Conference at Capital Community College on Wednesday, May 29th. This initiative was conceived by Rockville high schoolers Amir Muhammad and Nate Palmer with the intention of supporting male athletes in navigating the various transitions they can encounter. The "5th Down" initiative delved into mental health challenges for young male athletes, including depression, anxiety, athletic identity, and personal growth while emphasizing self-discovery, resilience, and lasting happiness. The conference featured guest speakers including Donaven Tennyson, Coaches Pablo and Julian Ortiz, CEO and COO of Dilligence Personal Training Devonte Dillion and Terrell Huff, as well as Executive Director of the Dream Support Network Mathew Rivera and My People’s Executive Director Abudul-Rahmaan I. Muhammad. Thank you to all the staff and volunteers who supported us in this important initiative
The H.O.N.O.R. ProgramOn May 16th, My People Community Services wrapped up the impactful Manhood Tree Group at Cheshire Correctional Institution, marking a mark in prison programming. Participants expressed gratitude, with two trained to lead future sessions, highlighting collaboration with the H.O.N.O.R. program. Simultaneously, the Fatherhood Manologues Cohort #3, also concluded on May 16th, showcased 14 inmates sharing moving narratives on fatherhood, emphasizing the program's transformative impact and participants' eagerness to mentor future cohorts.  Father Equality, Inclusion, and Equity Training  The FFNSC lunch and learn was presented by Abdul Muhammad on May 22 in Massachusetts in a training that re-imagined equity from a fatherhood lens and discussed what is needed to give fathers the equity they deserve including topics of inclusion and father equality. Guests At Peace Be StillMy People was invited to the Mental Health Book Signing event on May 8 for Peace Be Still: My Son’s Bipolar Disorder written by Medina Jett. The book is about the challenges associated with caring for and getting treatment for a young adult with a mental illness. My People featured the agency at a table before the event during the Mental Health and Resource Segment. That tabling opportunity demonstrated that the Hartford community recognized and valued My People’s work. Keep it up, everyone!
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