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<figure id="figure-iqdpsmalikmtner46w"><img id="iqdpsmalikmtner46w" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/20diKMnr95l4TVDVaI3zJQQg8a7flaz4tSF8b4Q6Ki5Y1pwwlUeOmiSgf2jIoqx1.png" alt="Therapy client standing at window in reflective moment with therapist visible in background during session" title="Therapy client standing at window in reflective moment with therapist visible in background during session" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 75%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="75%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/20diKMnr95l4TVDVaI3zJQQg8a7flaz4tSF8b4Q6Ki5Y1pwwlUeOmiSgf2jIoqx1.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 75%;"></figure>Ask a lot of African American men how they are doing, and you will hear two words almost automatically: “I’m good.”But if you know us, you also know “I’m good” can mean a whole lot of things.“I’m good” can mean I really am good. It can also mean I don’t want to talk about it. It can mean I have too much going on to even explain it. It can mean I have spent my whole life being taught to handle my problems myself. And sometimes, “I’m good” simply means I have not decided whether I trust you enough to tell you that I am not good at all.That is why I believe therapy has to be relevant to the individual receiving it.As an African American man, I understand that we do not always describe what we are going through using clinical language. A brother may never say, “I’m struggling with anxiety.” He might say, “Man, my mind won’t shut off.” He may not say, “I’m depressed.” He might tell you, “I just don’t feel like being bothered with anybody.” He may not say that he feels overwhelmed. He may simply say, “Man, I’m tired.”And sometimes tired does not mean he needs more sleep.Sometimes he is tired from carrying responsibilities he does not believe he has permission to put down. Sometimes he is tired from trying to provide, protect, perform, and remain composed at the same time. Sometimes he is tired because he was taught that being a man means figuring it out, and asking for help feels too much like admitting he cannot.That does not mean every African American man has the same experience. We don’t. But culture matters. Our families matter. Our communities matter. Our faith matters. The words we use matter. Even the things we have been taught not to say matter.That is where therapy can either connect or completely miss us.A good therapist cannot simply listen for textbook terminology. They have to learn to hear the person behind the words. When a man says, “I’m straight,” maybe the next question should not be another question from the assessment. Maybe it should be, “Tell me what ‘straight’ looks like for you right now.”That is not abandoning clinical practice. That is making clinical practice human.We talk a lot about getting more African American men into therapy, and I believe that is important. But maybe the conversation cannot stop with convincing Black men that we need therapy. We also have to make sure that when we get there, therapy is prepared to meet us.Because getting someone into the room is only the beginning.If therapy is going to help people heal, therapists must be willing to understand not only what people are saying, but the culture, experiences, and sometimes even the silence behind the words.Sometimes “I’m good” really means I’m good.And sometimes it means, “I need you to listen a little closer.”

“I’m Good” Doesn’t Always Mean I’m Good

Black elementary student doing breathing exercise while practicing Yoga on physical education class.

<figure id="figure-9bu8amozycmmd1nhvh" class=""><img id="9bu8amozycmmd1nhvh" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/37dOQsEc0fXAYj7PZ630N3AsouOSiBe45gwelvh5Sqo6IzxVDPzbtCexWLEVrUdv.jpeg" alt="Happy black student in high school looking at camera." title="Happy black student in high school looking at camera." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/37dOQsEc0fXAYj7PZ630N3AsouOSiBe45gwelvh5Sqo6IzxVDPzbtCexWLEVrUdv.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> The Importance of Teaching Youth Emotional Intelligence In today’s fast-paced and interconnected world, teaching young people emotional intelligence (EQ) is essential for their overall well-being, academic success, and social development. Emotional intelligence enables youth to recognize, understand, and manage their emotions, build strong relationships, and navigate life's challenges with resilience and adaptability. Research has shown that individuals with higher emotional intelligence exhibit better mental health, stronger interpersonal connections, and greater success across academic, personal, and professional domains. As the demands of modern society continue to grow, the ability to regulate emotions and engage in empathetic interactions is becoming an increasingly valuable skill. Additionally, emotional intelligence fosters youth resilience, empowering young individuals to bounce back from adversity, cope with stress, and maintain a positive outlook despite life's inevitable setbacks.Understanding Emotional Intelligence Emotional intelligence is a multifaceted construct comprising several key components:1. Self-Awareness – Recognizing and understanding one’s own emotions and their influence on behavior.2. Self-Regulation – Managing emotions effectively, controlling impulses, and responding to situations with thoughtfulness and composure.3. Motivation – Harnessing emotions to drive personal and academic growth, goal setting, and perseverance.4. Empathy – Understanding and relating to the emotions and experiences of others to foster compassion and cooperation.5. Social Skills – Navigating relationships through effective communication, collaboration, conflict resolution, and leadership.6. Resilience – The ability to recover from difficulties, adapt to change, and maintain a stable emotional state in the face of challenges. The Consequences of Lacking Emotional Intelligence Youth and young adults who lack emotional intelligence may face significant challenges in various aspects of life. Without the ability to understand and regulate their emotions, they are more prone to heightened stress, anxiety, and frustration. Poor emotional regulation can lead to impulsive decision-making, difficulty maintaining relationships, and an increased likelihood of conflicts with peers, teachers, and family members. Academically, individuals with low emotional intelligence often struggle to manage stress and motivation, which can negatively impact performance. In the workforce, a lack of emotional intelligence can hinder teamwork, communication, and career advancement. Furthermore, young people who fail to develop empathy may find it challenging to build meaningful connections, leading to social isolation and decreased mental well-being. Most critically, a lack of emotional intelligence can diminish resilience, making it harder for youth to recover from personal failures or setbacks. Addressing emotional intelligence deficiencies early on can prevent these negative outcomes and equip youth with the skills necessary for lifelong success.<figure id="figure-qvzq98nxzrmmd1lb9q"><img id="qvzq98nxzrmmd1lb9q" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/2eznIo7EL9NSB4t277CrdqYIBjbEy856KPx6Jhha2bJ4Hc6biQe6LTc0quJsG4Ca.jpeg" alt="Girl smiling" title="Girl smiling" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/2eznIo7EL9NSB4t277CrdqYIBjbEy856KPx6Jhha2bJ4Hc6biQe6LTc0quJsG4Ca.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> Why does Emotional Intelligence Matters for Youth?Developing emotional intelligence from an early age fosters numerous benefits, including:Better Academic Performance – Studies indicate that students with high emotional intelligence perform better in school due to improved focus, motivation, and stress management. Students with higher emotional intelligence tend to show greater engagement in learning and possess stronger problem-solving skills.Stronger Relationships – The ability to empathize and communicate effectively contributes to positive friendships and reduces conflicts. Youth with emotional intelligence are better prepared to manage social interactions and build enduring relationships.Resilience and Mental Health – EQ helps youth cope with setbacks, regulate emotions, and develop a positive outlook on life. It enhances their ability to manage anxiety, depression, and stress while promoting emotional stability and confidence.Improved Decision-Making – Emotionally intelligent individuals tend to make more thoughtful and rational decisions, considering both their own emotions and those of others before taking action.Preparation for the Workforce – Employers increasingly value emotional intelligence, as it enhances teamwork, leadership, and adaptability. Developing these skills early on prepares youth for successful careers and professional interactions.Increased Resilience – Emotionally intelligent youth develop stronger coping mechanisms that enable them to persevere in the face of adversity, recover from failures, and maintain a sense of optimism and determination. Strategies for Teaching Emotional IntelligenceTeaching Emotional Literacy – Helping young people identify, label, and articulate their emotions fosters self-awareness and emotional regulation. Schools and parents can encourage open discussions about feelings, helping young people understand their emotional experiences and develop healthy coping mechanisms.Modeling Emotional Intelligence – Adults play a crucial role in demonstrating empathy, self-control, and positive communication. By exhibiting these behaviors, youth can learn through observation and practice, internalizing effective emotional responses and social interactions.Creating Safe Spaces – Establishing an environment where children feel heard, valued, respected and supported promotes emotional growth. Encouraging open communication without fear of judgment fosters trust, emotional resilience, and self-confidence.Incorporating Mindfulness Practices – Techniques such as mindful breathing, meditation, and observing thoughts without judgment can help youth manage stress, improve emotional regulation, and cultivate a sense of inner peace.Encouraging Social Interaction and Cooperation – Activities that promote teamwork, such as group projects and peer mentoring, help youth develop essential social skills. These interactions provide opportunities to practice empathy, conflict resolution, and effective communication.Implementing Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Programs – Schools can integrate structured SEL programs into their curriculum, providing students with explicit instruction on emotional intelligence and people skills.Utilizing Role-Playing and Scenario-Based Learning – Engaging youth in role-playing exercises allows them to experience different emotional perspectives and practice effective responses to challenging social situations. Practical Ways Youth Can Apply Emotional Intelligence in Daily LifePracticing Self-Reflection – Keeping a journal to track emotions, triggers, and responses can help young individuals develop greater self-awareness and emotional regulation. Using Active Listening – Paying close attention to others, making eye contact, and responding thoughtfully can improve communication and deepen relationships. Engaging in Conflict Resolution – Instead of reacting impulsively, youth can practice pausing before responding, considering multiple perspectives, and seeking mutually beneficial solutions. Developing Healthy Coping Strategies – Techniques such as deep breathing, exercise, and creative outlets like music or art can help manage stress and negative emotions effectively. Practicing Gratitude and Positivity – Taking time each day to recognize positive aspects of life and express appreciation to others can improve emotional well-being and social connections. Seeking Constructive Feedback – Being open to feedback from teachers, mentors, and peers allows for growth and the continuous refinement of emotional intelligence skills. Engaging in Community Service – Volunteering and helping others fosters empathy and social responsibility, strengthening emotional intelligence in real-world contexts. Building Resilience Through Challenges – Encouraging youth to view challenges as opportunities for growth can help them develop resilience and adaptability in various aspects of life.<figure id="figure-qg6yoc4ajmmd22na9"><img id="qg6yoc4ajmmd22na9" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/cxFDjZ8To1IBljYX30a49pAWEGF3QR5wadEeKugSjFfGhbrVtNOFn24YnkKGX6kB.jpeg" alt="Teamwork concept with diverse hands joining together, symbolizing unity, cooperation, and collaboration" title="Teamwork concept with diverse hands joining together, symbolizing unity, cooperation, and collaboration" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/cxFDjZ8To1IBljYX30a49pAWEGF3QR5wadEeKugSjFfGhbrVtNOFn24YnkKGX6kB.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> The Role of Family, Community, and Afterschool ProgramsFamilies, educators, and communities play a pivotal role in fostering emotional intelligence in youth. Parents and caregivers who practice active listening, teach conflict resolution, and model emotional regulation contribute to their children’s emotional development. Establishing strong family bonds and a supportive home environment allows children to feel secure and more open to exploring their emotions. Afterschool programs serve as transformative spaces for emotional intelligence growth, offering structured environments where youth can practice self-awareness, empathy, and relationship-building. Whether through arts, sports, leadership initiatives, or mentorship programs, these activities provide opportunities to collaborate, navigate social dynamics, and learn emotional regulation in real-world scenarios. Community organizations also provide valuable resources for emotional development. Youth groups, mentorship programs, and mental health initiatives help children and adolescents build resilience and emotional awareness. Involvement in community service further enhances empathy by exposing youth to diverse perspectives and experiences. ConclusionThe ability to understand and manage emotions is a fundamental skill that influences both personal and professional success. By prioritizing emotional intelligence education in youth, society can cultivate a generation of emotionally resilient, empathetic, and socially responsible individuals. Investing in emotional intelligence not only benefits individuals but also strengthens communities, leading to a more compassionate and cooperative world. As emotional competence becomes increasingly valued, fostering these skills from an early age is essential in preparing youth to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape. About the AuthorDr. LaDarius Gammage is a distinguished scholar, educator, and advocate dedicated to fostering emotional intelligence in young people. With a background in tobacco prevention, chronic disease prevention, substance abuse and mental health, and youth development, Dr. Gammage has spent years researching the impact of emotional intelligence on academic achievement, social well-being, and personal growth. His work underscores the necessity of equipping young people with the tools needed to navigate life's challenges, cultivate meaningful relationships, and build resiliency. Through his initiatives, mentorship programs, and academic contributions, Dr. Gammage wishes to collaborate with educators, parents, and policymakers to integrate emotional intelligence education into schools and community programs.

Championing Youth Emotional Intelligence

father son family man child conversation talking parent boy happy discussion communication together togetherness bonding care black home talk love dad fun leisure joy

<figure id="figure-e6ecl64b9am5eyc6r8"><img id="e6ecl64b9am5eyc6r8" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/29zKuBue19uEQ1rOi6ocI7YUXbr9BU8XmEDSNh0ewDc76bv6y37FzDjkLZJAHjnI.jpeg" alt="Happy african american man smiling while relaxing on sofa at home" title="Happy african american man smiling while relaxing on sofa at home" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/29zKuBue19uEQ1rOi6ocI7YUXbr9BU8XmEDSNh0ewDc76bv6y37FzDjkLZJAHjnI.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure>Imagine sitting across from someone who just gets it. Not because you had to explain every detail of your life, but because they’ve walked a similar path. For men of color, finding a therapist or mentor who understands their culture, struggles, and experiences can change everything. These relationships go beyond advice or healing. They create space to be honest, vulnerable, and fully yourself without judgment. For a lot of men of color, asking for help doesn’t come naturally. Therapy can feel uncomfortable. Mentorship can feel unnecessary. Pride gets in the way, but that pride was built out of survival. For generations, our communities have had to be strong in the face of racism, discrimination, and constant pressure. Many of us were taught to push through pain, stay quiet, and handle problems on our own. Vulnerability was seen as weakness because life didn’t always allow room for softness.But real strength is knowing when you need support. It’s being able to say, “I deserve better for myself.” Asking for help isn’t giving up. It’s choosing growth. Therapy and mentorship give men of color a chance to unpack years of pressure, trauma, and expectations that often go unspoken. A therapist who understands those experiences can help make sense of the emotional weight many men carry every day. They can help unpack generational trauma, identity struggles, family expectations, and the exhaustion that comes from constantly having to prove yourself. More importantly, they can help men heal while learning healthier ways to move through life. Mentors bring another layer of support. They offer guidance through lived experience. Whether it’s career advice, relationships, fatherhood, or simply learning how to navigate life with balance, mentors remind us that we don’t have to figure everything out alone. For many men of color, seeing someone who looks like them succeed without losing themselves can be powerful. It breaks stereotypes and expands what success can look like. When therapy and mentorship work together, the impact can be life changing. Therapy helps with the internal work: healing, processing emotions, and rebuilding confidence. Mentorship helps with the external side: applying those lessons in everyday life, making decisions, and building a future with intention. One helps you heal. The other helps you grow. Too many men of color were taught that carrying everything alone is part of being a man. That they have to stay strong for everyone else while silently struggling themselves. But there’s strength in opening up. There’s power in connection. Nobody is meant to carry life alone. So ask yourself: Who’s in your corner? Who are you learning from? And who are you pouring into? If you’re in a position to mentor someone, step up. Share your story. Be the person you needed when you were younger. And if you’re struggling, know that asking for help is not weakness. It’s one of the strongest things you can do. Representation matters. Support matters. And men of color deserve spaces where they can heal, grow, and thrive unapologetically.

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“I’m Good” Doesn’t Always Mean I’m Good

Championing Youth Emotional Intelligence

Breaking Barriers: The Power of Men of Color in Mental He...