How I Built This with Guy Raz HIBT Lab! The Confess Project: Lorenzo Lewis
Mar 2, 2023
Lorenzo Lewis, founder of The Confess Project, is on a mission to reshape barbershops into mental health havens. He discusses how barbers can become frontline allies for Black men's mental health by facilitating important conversations. Lorenzo shares his own journey, from growing up with incarcerated parents to transforming his life after a gang-related incident. The discussion highlights the vital role of barbers in providing emotional support and addresses the stigma around mental health, ultimately envisioning an inclusive ecosystem for diverse communities.
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Cultural Disconnect
- Lorenzo observed that traditional mental health providers often lacked the cultural understanding to connect with the boys effectively.
- This inadequacy fueled his advocacy for better mental health support within the Black community.
Barbershop Idea
- Lorenzo's initial focus group at a library had low turnout.
- This led him to the idea of using barbershops, more familiar spaces for Black men, as venues for mental health discussions.
First Barbershop Conversation
- Lorenzo's first barbershop conversation started with his personal story, creating relatability and opening up dialogue.
- This organic approach proved effective, leading to deeper conversations and a contagious spread of the idea.