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Building Better Men: How a Detroit program helps boys plant the seeds for emotional strength
By Keenan Smith at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News
· June 26, 2026
· 4 min read
June is Men's Mental Health Awareness Month. Men are far less likely than women to seek mental health support, and the consequences can be serious. Watch the full story from Keenan Smith in the video below Building Better Men: How a Detroit program helps boys plant the seeds for emotional strengt...
Key takeaway "When I get super angry, I take a break, I breathe 10 times and sometimes I draw," King said.
Why this matters in The Detroit
In Detroit, where community and family ties are strong, initiatives like Building Better Men are crucial in addressing the city's mental health needs. By targeting young boys, the program aims to break the cycle of untreated mental health issues that can plague men later in life. The fact that Building Better Men was created by a clinical therapist who drew from his own experiences growing up in Detroit's Dexter-Davidson area adds a layer of authenticity and understanding of the community's specific needs. As the city continues to work towards improving public health and safety, programs like Building Better Men demonstrate the importance of proactive and preventative approaches, particularly in neighborhoods where resources may be limited. By empowering young boys with emotional intelligence and coping skills, the program has the potential to positively impact not just individual lives, but also the broader community, fostering a healthier and more resilient Detroit.
About this story
Original reporting by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . The Detroit surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? June is Men's Mental Health Awareness Month. Men are far less likely than women to seek mental health support, and the consequences can be serious. Watch the full story from Keenan Smith in the video below Building Better Men: How a Detroit program helps boys plant the seeds for emotional strengt...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News and curated for The Detroit readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Keenan Smith at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News. To learn more about how The Detroit selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Detroit, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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