We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Camillia Harris. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Camillia below.
Camillia , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Losing my father to suicide was an unfathomable tragedy that shook me to my core, leaving me lost and grappling with a profound sense of grief and purposelessness. In the wake of his passing, I found myself consumed by questions and an overwhelming desire to understand the factors that led to his decision. Through my own journey of processing this intense pain, I discovered a glaring void in the mental health support systems, especially for Black men who often face unique cultural and societal pressures. This realization ignited a spark within me; it became clear that I needed to transform my grief into a purposeful mission to prevent others from enduring similar heartache.
From this deeply personal place, I founded the Black Men’s Mental Health Conference, a platform dedicated to addressing the mental health needs of Black men. The initiative aims to dismantle the stigmas surrounding mental health within our community by fostering open dialogue, providing access to resources, and promoting a supportive and understanding environment. Each step I took in organizing this conference felt like a way to honor my father’s memory while contributing to a cause that could save lives and foster healing. This mission has given me a renewed sense of purpose, a way to channel my sorrow into meaningful action, and a profound drive to make a difference in the world.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Losing my father to suicide was the most heartbreaking experience of my life. His sudden departure left a void that words can scarcely capture, but it also ignited a fervent drive within me to address the concerning lack of mental health resources catered specifically to Black men. This adversity turned me into a mental health advocate, pushing me to create the Black Men’s Mental Health Conference. The conference serves as a beacon of hope, offering a safe space for Black men to share their stories, seek professional help, and break the lingering stigmas around mental health. By pulling together experts, community leaders, and those who have walked similar paths, the conference is designed to uplift and empower, fostering a deeper understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by Black men.
What excites me most about being a mental health advocate is witnessing the transformation that occurs when we break the silence and dismantle stigma. Each conference is a step toward changing narratives and saving lives, and there’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing someone realize they are not alone. This year, we are expanding our efforts with a series of workshops and support groups that will take place across various cities. Additionally, we are launching a new digital platform that includes mental health resources, professional counseling services, and peer support networks. Our mission is to make mental health resources more accessible, ensuring that even those who cannot attend our events in person can still receive the support they need. By bringing these initiatives online, we aim to provide continuous, round-the-clock assistance to Black men across the globe, reinforcing the idea that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Through our ongoing work, we hope to foster a community that values mental well-being as much as physical health. It is crucial for our readers to understand that mental health struggles do not have to be fought alone; there is strength in community and healing in sharing our burdens. We are tirelessly working to dismantle the barriers that prevent Black men from receiving the care they deserve, and with each new event, service, and resource, we move closer to a future where mental health care is embraced and accessible to all. Visit our website to see where whaat city/state we will be in next because the goal is GLOBAL.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on this journey, three key qualities stood out: resilience, empathy, and leadership. Resilience was essential; it enabled me to persist through the personal anguish and societal resistance I encountered. Empathy allowed me to connect deeply with others who shared similar struggles, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. Leadership was crucial in mobilizing resources, facilitating conversations, and driving the mission forward. For those embarking on a similar path, I would advise cultivating resilience through mind-body practices such as mindfulness and physical exercise. Develop empathy by actively listening and engaging in discussions with a diverse range of individuals. Lastly, refine your leadership skills by seeking mentorship, participating in community projects, and learning from leaders who inspire you. These qualities, together with a commitment to continuous personal growth, will equip you to make a meaningful impact in the realm of mental health advocacy or any other field you choose to pursue.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I am actively seeking partners and collaborators who are passionate about mental health, particularly those who have a vested interest in the wellbeing of Black men. Therapists, mental health advocates, educators, community leaders, and organizations dedicated to mental health are all invaluable to this cause. Together, we can create a network of resources and support that reaches those in need. If you are interested in collaborating, please reach out via email at [Your Email]. Your expertise, resources, and dedication can make a significant impact, and I am eager to explore how we can work together to expand the reach and effectiveness of the Black Men’s Mental Health Conference. By joining forces, we can ensure that more Black men receive the help and support they need, ultimately preventing tragedies like the one my family endured. Let’s work together to break the silence and build a community that values mental wellness for all.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bmmhc.com
- Instagram: bmmhc1, camillia_milly
- Facebook: justUs, MH Foundation
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camillia-harris-apc-ma-10a30213/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBuTBzKyxEktjdP5IKMUB4A
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