Barbershop Talk Series: Black Men and Misconceptions | Black Men and Sports – April 8, 2024 – 6 PM

ABOUT THIS EVENT

In many communities, young Black men and boys often internalize the notion that their avenues for achieving upward social mobility are severely constrained. Many perceive sports as the sole viable path to success and self-realization. This perception stems from systemic disparities and historical inequities that have narrowed their perceived options, relegating them to viewing athletic prowess as their primary route toward advancement. Many post-secondary and secondary institutions prioritize sports over academics for Black young men and boys, reinforcing the stereotype that Black men are only good for sports and learning formally is a non-option for their education development. Throughout their careers, Black men in sports face criticism and scrutiny that often include suggestions that they are somehow less affected by physical or emotional challenges. Research indicates that Black athletes are often provided with inadequate pain management, resulting in disparities in healthcare outcomes within the sports sector. Black men and boys in sports are expected to strictly conform to narrow expectations and roles defined by unappreciative white settler colonial social discourse, which despises them as human. There is a need to have an uncomfortable conversation about recognizing the humanity and talents of Black men and boys athletes.

How can we better support young Black men and boys in their engagement with sports?

On Monday, April 8th, 2024, between 6:00 pm and 8:30 pm, The Barbershop Talk Series will partner with Skip the Dishes to host a two-hour and thirty-minute in-person and streamed event via Zoom. This event will encourage our Canadian and international Black community and non-Black communities to speak with one another while creating a space to appreciate and learn about the vulnerabilities among Black men and boys, particularly in sports. The ask from everyone is to establish and maintain solidarity among people in our communities with those of different races, ethnicities, sexualities, genders, ages and any social characteristics a person subscribes with. The Barbershop Talk Series offers a safe space for open dialogue, connecting Black individuals with professionals and experts from diverse backgrounds. Through this, we aim to empower participants to reduce stigmas surrounding Black men and boys in sports in our community, while recognizing the barbershops as safe havens for fostering respectability through conversations.