Why We Tell Our Stories
By Dr. RB
Date Created: January 30, 2025
I have always understood that being a Black man in America means carrying a weight. It is a weight that follows me into every room, shapes the way I move through the world, and demands that I remain hyper-aware of how I am perceived. It is the weight of history, of expectation, of survival. It is the fear that lingers every time I see flashing lights in my rearview mirror, the tension in my body when I walk into unfamiliar spaces, and the silent calculations I make to ensure that I make it home safe.
This fear is not just mine—it belongs to all of us. It is passed down from generation to generation, woven into the stories of our fathers and grandfathers, whispered in warnings from our mothers and grandmothers. We learn early that the world sees us as a threat before it sees us as human, that our mistakes are seldom forgiven, and that our victories are often questioned. We carry this knowledge, and with it, we carry the burden of proving ourselves—over and over again.
But beyond fear, there is trauma. Trauma that often goes unresolved, buried beneath the expectation that we must simply endure. This unspoken pain manifests in ways that shape how we love, how we trust, and how we navigate the world. It is this reality that has made my work at THEACADEMY365 more than just a mission—it has made it personal.
At THEACADEMY365, we provide more than life coaching; we provide healing. In a society that so often tells Black and Brown boys what they cannot be, THEACADEMY365 exists to remind them of who they already are. It is a space where they are seen, heard, and valued—not as problems to be solved but as young kings with infinite potential.
Mental health for Black boys is an issue that is too often overlooked. The pressure to be strong, to be unshaken, to push through adversity without showing vulnerability takes a heavy toll. The stigma surrounding mental health in our communities means that many of our boys suffer in silence, unaware that their feelings of stress, anxiety, and trauma are valid and deserving of care. By creating spaces where they can express themselves freely, seek guidance, and receive support, we are not only affirming their worth but also helping to break generational cycles of emotional suppression. Our boys need access to culturally competent mental health resources, spaces where they can unpack their trauma, and reassurance that seeking help is not a weakness but a strength. This is part of the mission at THEACADEMY365—to create an environment where emotional wellness is just as important as academic and professional success.
Race adds another layer of complexity to this reality, especially in today's political climate. Black and Brown boys are growing up in a world where their very identity is often politicized—where discussions of race, equity, and justice are met with resistance. They must navigate a landscape in which their existence is scrutinized and their experiences questioned. The weight of racial identity is compounded by the external pressures of a society that too often refuses to acknowledge systemic issues while placing blame on the individuals most affected by them. This reality makes our work at THEACADEMY365 even more critical, ensuring that these boys have the tools, support, and confidence to navigate the world on their terms.
Additionally, immigration policies have heightened the fears of many Black and Brown boys, shaping how they navigate their daily lives. As a Caribbean immigrant who came to this country at a young age and am now an American citizen, I understand firsthand the anxiety that policies and systemic barriers can create. Even after becoming part of this society, the fear of sudden policy changes, deportation, or family separation remains deeply ingrained. These policies disproportionately affect communities of color, limiting opportunities, increasing stress, and placing additional burdens on young boys who are already carrying so much. Our work at THEACADEMY365 is about ensuring they have a safe space to grow and develop without the added fear of being seen as an outsider or an unwelcome presence in the country they call home.
Working with Champions has been more than just a responsibility; it has been my salvation. In their eyes, I see reflections of myself—of the boy I once was, navigating a world that often felt like it wasn’t built for me. Every conversation, every lesson, every moment spent reminding them that they are worthy and brilliant has been a reminder to myself as well. Their victories are my victories. Their struggles are my struggles. And their survival, their ability to thrive, is what keeps me going.
This work is not easy, but it is necessary. And that is why Champions’ Tribune exists. This is more than just a platform—it is a testament to the voices, experiences, and realities of Black and Brown boys. It is a space where their stories will be told, where their brilliance will be celebrated, and where the world will be reminded that they are more than statistics, stereotypes, or headlines. They are our future, and their stories deserve to be heard.
I do this work because I know what it means to be them. I know the fears they carry, the battles they fight, the trauma they hold, and the dreams they dare to hold onto despite the odds. And if this platform, this space, can be even a small part of lifting that weight—of helping them walk a little taller, speak a little louder, and dream a little bigger—then the work is worth it.
Welcome to Champions’ Tribune. This is their space. This is their voice. And this is just the beginning.
Rubadau Alverna
Bado Alverna
RB Alverna
Dr. RB Alverna
RB
ALVERNA
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