About Permission Granted
As a licensed professional counselor and a boy mom, I recognize Black men do not have safe spaces to emotionally express themselves. In the spaces where these men are “supposed” to be emotionally safe, their feelings are often dismissed, met with judgement, or used against them in retaliation. This causes them to shutdown and suppress their emotions. Suppressing their emotions can cause these men mental, emotional and often physical issues. Permission Granted was created to help fill the need for safe spaces for Black men. In this interactive workshop, Black men will be able to openly discuss their emotions, receive support from other Black men and acquire tools and resources to help them FEEL.EXPRESS. LIVE. THRIVE!
Why the Name Permission Granted?
From very young ages Black men are told to not show any emotions. Phrases such as “man up” and “real men don’t cry” are often heard and enforced. This comes not just from the men in their lives but also the women. I have spoken with several men who have shared the first person who told them to “man up” was actually their mother. This goes on for about the first twenty years or so of their lives. Then around the early twenties, when these men start having serious romantic relationships, they’re expected to express their emotions. How are they to do this? No one has ever taught them how. Usually, they have not seen it modeled. Since they were instructed not to express themselves, who gives them permission to do so now? I wanted to empower Black men to give themselves the permission to express their emotions openly. Thus, the name, Permission Granted.