We’re looking forward to introducing you to Pamela James Coleman. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Pamela James, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
the thing that brings me the most joy outside of work and my family, is my men’s mental health journey. two years ago i started a seminar where men come together to talk about mental health and the stigma’s around it. from that i have published two anthologies with 30 different men telling their stories on mental health. Unspoken-“it’s ok not to be ok!” and the second book Unspoken- real talk.
we now have a podcast Unspoken-Real Talk. it is a slow but steady success.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Pamela Coleman is a Charlottesville, Virginia native and mental abuse survivor. Coleman took pen to paper to ease years of abuse, years of lies and secrets. Her book “is this me? Am I her?” reflects on years of abuse. In writing about her life, she hopes to help others who have gone through similar events. Noxious is a book about love, loss and who done it.
From Noxious will be a 6-book series. Coleman is an award-winning author, of the Impact Award, for her support and encouragement of others. She received the Triple Threat awards for writing and releasing three books in a year.
Coleman is passionate about men’s mental health. As a mental abuse survivor, she knows first-hand what it is like to want help and not know how to ask for it, or where to go to find it.
Coleman has hosted two men’s mental awareness seminars, in Virginia and Illinois. Her goal is to have a men’s seminar in every state. She feels that men need support when it comes to mental health. Coleman states “Mental health is not just for one month, its year-round.” On her men’s mental health journey she has published two anthologies that allow men to share their views on mental health. She has also provided a platform for the men to share their views with others on the podcast Unspoken- Real Talk.
When she is not writing, or working with mental health, she enjoys time with her sons, Eric and Evan and grandson Maverick.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
my father Alfred W James Sr. was the one who taught me the most about work, work ethic and the value of a job. as long as i can remember, my father worked two jobs, during the day he was a full-time construction worker. in the afternoons he was a custodian. he was a firm believer that if you are not sick then you should never call in and say you are just to get the day. he always encourage me to push through the bad days. An example of his drive, my dad had a stroke, i was called at work to head to the hospital. when i got there the 1st thing he asked was why was i there. i responded that you just had a stroke. why wouldn’t i be here? my dad responded in a stern way and through slurred voice, don’t use me for an excuse to leave work. i have doctors here, come back when you are done with your shift. that was the start of the way i view my job(s). he also made me realized that if you are not happy when you go into work then you need to change your employment
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
my two biggest fears are thunderstorms and balloons. i will leave a room or head into a panic attack around balloons. if there is a room i need to go into and balloons are in there i will politely decline and walk away. i have been like this since i was 4 years of age. this holds me back from attending parties and events, i don’t want look crazy so i just don’t go in the event.
the thunderstorms has been an issue since 5. my grandmothers house antena was struck by lighting and i have been afraid ever since. i am getting better at trying to drive through a storm. i was driving home one day a lightning strike hit a half mile in front of me. i covered my eye letting go of the steering wheel.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
the project that i most committed to is my men’s mental health program. i believe that all men should feel comfortable talking about mental health and know that it is ok to reach out to someone. when starting this journey i learn that men finds it harder to ask for help that women. the african american men has a higher number than men of another color when it comes to reaching out for help. my goal is to let them know that the stigma of having to be strong and shoulder all of the responsibility is just that a stigma. i am on year three and we are starting to see more and more men finding an avenue that they can talk with someone and be heard.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
for me i feel at peace, when everything that i am working on falls into place. and i can sit back and see my hard work paying ott. to get the feedback that there are men who have purchased the book. or reached out to a support group because of something that we have done through Unspoken makes me happy at peace and accomplished.
Contact Info:
- Youtube: Unspoken – Realtalk
Image Credits
Royce Dixon Sr. Be Blessed Culture
Rachel Pyne Piedmont Photography
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