Black Males Face a Mental Depression Crisis (Ending in Suicide)
Session Description
Black Males Face a Mental Depression Crisis (Ending in Suicide)
Black males across the United States face significant mental depression challenges, influenced by lack of employment, health issues, educational disparities, systemic racism and social injustices. Add to this list the impact of life challenges that youth face, especially males because of the impact of fathers not being present in the home. These are all obstacles contributing to a growing mental depression crisis within the Black community leading to fatal results. According to the American Psychological Association,
THE CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS FOUNDATION
Black Males Face a Mental Depression
54th Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
Annual Legislative Conference
Congressman James Clyburn and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. Presents
Black Males Face a Mental Depression Crisis (Ending in Suicide)
Program Agenda
Opening and Welcome
Prayer
Raymond Bell, Intl Chairman
Fatherhood and Mentoring
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Roi Johnson, Grand Chaplain
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Comments Congressman James Clyburn
Comments
Intro of Moderator/ Facilitator
Introduction of the Panelist
James Harris, LPC
Michael Henson
Dr. Kevin Field Phd, MAC
Michael Frazier
Panel Discussion and Q&A
End discussion
Closing remarks
Closing Prayer
Session Concludes
Ricky L. Lewis- 42nd Grand Basileus
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Raymond Bell
Dr. Roger A. Mitchell, Jr. MD
Panel / Audience
Dr. Roger A. Mitchell, Jr. MD
Grand Basileus, Omega Psi Phi
Ricky L. Lewis- 42nd Grand Basileus
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Roi Johnson Grand Chaplain
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Moderator
DR. ROGER A. MITCHELL, JR., M.D
126th President I National Medical Association
President I Howard University Hospital
Panelist
JAMES HARRIS LPC Owner: The HEALing Hub Men to Heal Outpatient Therapy
MICHAEL FRAZIER
MTSI
Chair 3rd District Fatherhood and Mentoring
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
MICHAEL P. HENSON
Substance Abuse Disorder Counselor CEO of 1VET4ALLVETS, LLC
DR. KEVIN FIELDS PhD, MAC Executive Director Father Factor
Black Males Face a Mental Depression THE
CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS FOUNDATION
Ricky L. Lewis, Grand Basileus
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
ROGER A. MITCHELL, JR., M.D.
126th President I National Medical Association
President I Howard University Hospital
Roger is a deeply respected and visionary healthcare executive, physician leader, and global advocate for interdisciplinary medicine. With extensive leadership experience and board certification in anatomic and forensic pathology, he has earned the trust of peers, hospital partners, and national organizations through an unwavering commitment to equity, excellence, and transformation in care delivery. Known for bridging gaps between diverse stakeholders, Roger builds strategic collaboration among C-suite executives, medical directors, and community leaders, bringing stability and clarity in times of change. His ability to unite clinical excellence with administrative strategy enables him to lead complex health systems toward measurable performance improvement and long-term impact.
As President of Howard University Hospital, Roger led a sweeping transformation of one of the nation’s most historic academic safety-net hospitals, guiding it through financial crisis toward stability and growth. With full enterprise oversight across a $330M operation, he drove monthly costsaving efficiencies exceeding $1M and restored the hospital to break even. His leadership introduced the inaugural five-year strategic plan, embedded High Reliability Organization (HRO) principles into care, and elevated national visibility through media advocacy. Simultaneously, Roger led systemic change across Washington, D.C., achieving full accreditation for the Chief Medical Officer’s office, securing multimillion-dollar grants, and driving emergency response innovations for Ebola and COVID-19. From launching philanthropic platforms to establishing city-wide violence prevention initiatives, he delivers high-impact results rooted in trust, resilience, and transformative leadership.
THE CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS FOUNDATION
Black Males Face a Mental Depression
Roger’s impact spans clinical operations, academic medicine, and public health leadership. As Chief Medical Officer for the Howard University Faculty Practice Plan, he redefined outpatient excellence, building infrastructure, embedding quality standards, and guiding strategic governance to strengthen physician engagement and stability. Simultaneously, his role as Medical Director of the Center of Excellence in Trauma and Violence showcased his commitment to equity and public safety, streamlining grant distribution to amplify grassroots initiatives and support change across underserved communities. As Chairman of the Department of Pathology, Roger advanced global collaboration and academic innovation, securing over $1M in research funding, expanding international forensic practice through MLDI-ICoP, and recruiting top-tier talent to reinforce the department’s clinical and research prominence.
Roger’s dedication to education and mentorship has shaped future leaders across medicine and public health. As a physician leader and 126th President of the National Medical Association, the oldest and largest group of Black physicians, Roger is poised to lead in the fight for access and sustainability of health care in the most disenfranchised and marginalized communities. His focus is on advancing technology and innovation, ensuring environmental justice, promoting health justice through violence prevention initiatives, and improving the medical workforce through pathway development.
(804) 304-3161
mentoheal@gmail.com http://www.mentoheal.com
James Harris attended St Paul’s College and has a BA in Psychology. After his freshman year, he joined the Army. James has eight years of service with an Honorable Discharge. He has two deployments one to Iraq and one to Afghanistan. After his military duty, he earned an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) from South University. He is a License Mental Health Professional, (LPC). He is a member of The Omega Psi Phi Inc Fraternity, Chi Sigma Iota Honor Society (CSI), American Counselors Association (ACA), Richmond Area Counselors Association (RACA), and board member of the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI-CVA) and the Co-Chair of DEI for a DOD agency.
James is an Adjunct Professor at Virginia State University (VSU) and a multientrepreneur in Richmond VA. He works in community-based services in the inner cities and sits on Family Assessment Planning Team (F.A.P.T) meetings for Dep of Social Services (DSS) and at schools. He works in private practice and has started an international movement called “Men to Heal”.
“Men to Heal” assists men in focusing on their overall wellness, MENtal, emotional, and physical HEALth. He conducts sessions on various topics involving boys/men and MENtal HEALth. Feel free to stroll his page to purchase a shirt, get familiar, or see him with celebrities, athletes, and politicians supporting the movement. James conducts speaking engagements for various companies, nonprofits, colleges, and universities and has done engagements in many states and a host of countries and he has a TEDx Talk.
James owns The HEALing Hub (@the_healing_hub-rva) which offers outpatient therapy, massages, yoga, mindfulness, seminars (financial literacy, first-time homebuying, veteran seminars, voter education, restoration of rights, LGBTQ+ to name a few) toiletry drives, school supply drives and feed the less fortunate every third Saturday
James authored a book titled “Man Just Express Yourself” which is an interactive guide for MEN, young and old. You can get a copy (Walmart, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Target, and other bookstores). He also created a board game called “Cheesy Dates”. This is a tool to enhance communication in friendships and relationships. James has a YouTube channel that you can subscribe to called also called “Men to Heal”, which provides insight on wellness topics both physical and MENtal HEALth, and assistance for other therapists and those who are interested in wellness. This channel also assists families
James has appeared on MTV, TV1, VH1, FoxSoul, and a host of other platforms from podcasts, news segments and contributed to countless articles His website is www.mentoheal.com and his IG:@men_to_heal, his YouTube is Men to Heal.
MICHAEL W. FRAZIER MBA, PMP, CISSP
MTSI Frazier_mw@hotmail.com
MICHAEL W. FRAZIER MBA, PMP, CISSP DEDICATED COMMUNITY LEADER & MENTOR
Michael Frazier is an accomplished Intelligence Community professional contractor. He is a seasoned program manager and cybersecurity expert with over 25 years of experience supporting the Intelligence and Department of Defense Community. Michael grew up as a military brat living on several continents and settling in Woodbridge, Virginia. He obtained his undergraduate degree from Old Dominion University (Norfolk, VA) in Computer Information Systems and his Master of Business Administration from Troy State University (Troy, AL). Michael started his extensive professional career serving as a White House Intern for the Office of Management and Budget while attending Old Dominion.
Michael is a compassionate and experienced leader and philanthropist with over 20 years of dedication to developing and implementing fatherhood and mentoring programs for non-profit organizations in Virginia and Washington D.C. Proven track record of fostering positive relationships, empowering individuals, and driving community growth. He currently serves as the Third District Fatherhood & Mentoring Program facilitating programs for 45 chapters in Washington D.C and Virginia. Additionally, he currently serves on the Board for New Hope Housing, that provides a range of services for homeless and single adults. He is a former President of the George M. Hampton Foundation, supporting and serving on the board from 2019 to 2025. He serves as a current Director on the Third District Social Action, Talent Hunt, and Scholarship Foundation. He is the proud father of Madison and Elias.
Black
Michael is an expert in Mentorship Program Development with 20 years of designing and implementing tailored programs to meet the unique needs of diverse populations. Michael has fostered partnerships with local organizations, schools, and government agencies to amplify program impact. Trained and mentored program staff, volunteers, and participants to build confidence, skills, and self-efficacy. He is a passionate advocate for community development and youth empowerment. Committed to creating safe, supportive environments where individuals can thrive and reach their full potential. He is dedicated to continuing to make a positive impact on the lives of others through mentoring and community service.
MICHAEL PIERRE HENSON
Substance Abuse Disorder Counselor
CEO of 1VET4ALLVETS, LLC
202-744-6834
Mph1st310@gmail.com
I was a student in the DC Public Schools from elementary to high school. I attended andgraduated from Strayer College in 1986 with an AA degree in Computer Programming,Trinity Washington University 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in human relations and amaster’s degree in professional counseling in 2012. I attended Howard University in 1999 for a counseling training course, and I recently graduated from a counseling training course with Catholic Charities in July of 2024.
I am currently retired and have decided to come out of retirement to create an organization that focuses on substance abuse, mental health and violence in my hometown of Washington. DC with a plan to take it nationwide. Prior to retirement, I spent my life from the year 2000 to 2018 as a substance abuse counselor, senior substance abuse counselor and addictions therapist, and loved the work I did as well as the clients I served. I am known as a behavioral specialist because of my ability to work with behaviors that are destructive and unwarranted without any conflict with those I work with. Also, I am currently active as a facilitator for a substance abuse focus group in SE, DC. One of my favorite past times, is as a hand dance instructor in SE and NW DC, which I have been doing for about 15 years.
I am a 100% Service-Connected Veteran. I completed an internship program at Barnard Elementary School for my master’s degree program and was there for two years, under the tutelage of Ms. Montgomery, School Counselor. I am a published author and poet, with two more manuscripts completed and ready for publication. I am a Member of The American Counseling Association (ACA), The National Honor Society in Psychology (Psi Chi), The Association for Addiction Professional (NAADAC), and I am a Small Business Association (SBA) Veteran Owned Business.
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KEVIN FIELDS PhD, MAC
(202) 330-7928
Executive Director Father Factor Fatherfactor@gmail.com
Dr. Kevin Fields is an entrepreneur, teacher, mentor, football coach, and community leader. He holds certifications in addictions counseling, mental health, parenting training, and grief & loss.
In 2003, Kevin Fields helped to design the District’s first Youth Treatment System, serving as the Adolescent State Coordinator for the DC Department of Health’sAddiction Prevention Recovery Administration. Also, in 2004, Dr. Fields founded Father Factor Inc, 501c3 and opened Threadz LLC in the Anacostia Community of SE, Washington DC. For the past 18 years, he has been serving his community through his community business and non-profit organization. Father Factor has received numerous grants to serve children, youth, and families in the District of Columbia.
Dr. Fields is a nationally recognized expert on working with fathers and criminal offenders with substance abuse problems. He facilitates innovative and creative workshops for youth and adults throughout the faith community, universities, government agencies, and the private sector. Some of his highly requested sessions include “A Message in a Bottle-The Art of Decoding Media Messages in the Marketing of Drugs and Alcohol to Teens, Stop the Drama, A Bottle of Liquor and Teddy Bear on a Tree-Strategies for Coping with Grief in the Black Community, A Tribe Apart-Strategies for Reconnecting with our Youth, and Black Males, Crack Sales, and Packed Jails-The Business of Institutionalizing Black Males.
Some of his accomplishments include; a published journal article on substance abuse and teens with the American Public Health Association, recipient of the Presidential Award from the Office of National Drug Control Policy, for his work with criminal offenders with substance abuse problems
