In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, The Kinnect Foundation teamed up with New Balance to host an event to promote the correlation between physical and mental health for students of Eagle Academy.
Eagle Academy for Young Men was established in 2004, by the 100 Black Men of America Organization. It is a unique all-boys public school that serves young men of color from challenged, urban communities. The Kinnect Foundation has partnered with Eagle Academy since 2021 through the Kinnect Scholars program. Through conversations with school leaders, we aimed to design a wellness event supporting a need to provide the boys with self-care tools to help them manage traumas specific to historically marginalized communities.
This event was split into two parts; a 30-minute yoga session, led by a New Balance team member. Followed by a 45-minute healthy cooking demonstration, led by Latisha Daring of Greedi Vegan. The students were all gifted New Balance apparel including t-shirts, shorts and socks to wear during the yoga session and were able to learn to prepare alternative foods that support a healthy diet. This event helped remove the stigma surrounding mental health and encouraged positive masculinity for these young men to take care of their bodies and mental health.
