Balancing the Burden: Young Men’s Mental Health in an Age of Expectations

June is a month where we celebrate Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month!

As demands surge — school, work, college, extracurriculars — young people are increasingly bearing mental health strain especially young men aged 16–24. Among men of color, the pressure is profound: suicide ranks as the third leading cause of death for Black males aged 15–24, their death rate more than quadrupling that of Black females in 2021 (Office of Minority Health, 2023). This isn’t just a statistic — it’s a call to action.

“Comwmunity is much more than belonging to something; it’s about doing something together that makes belonging matter.” – Brian Solis

It is time to band together as a community that cares deeply. That truth often gets buried beneath cultural expectations of stoicism, peer pressure, and the relentless pursuit of success. So how can young men protect their peace and nurture mental resilience?

5 Powerful Tips for Young Men to Protect Their Peace

1. Own Your Story, Not the PressureRecognize that your worth isn’t determined by the GPA, game stats, or job title. Defining what matters most to you — not what society expects — provides clarity and emotional grounding.

2. Talk It Out with Real PeopleSilence can amplify stress. Seek trusted friends, family, mentors, or counselors. Remember: 26% fewer Black and Hispanic men seek mental health treatment compared to white peers — breaking silence is the first step (CDC, 2015).

3. Create Non-Negotiable ‘Me Time’Whether it’s basketball, music, reading a book like Today We Win, or time in nature, carve out moments just for you. These breaks are essential for emotional recalibration.

4. Build Your Resilience ToolboxDevelop healthy coping strategies — set boundaries, practice mindfulness, or log your emotions nightly. Preparing now means fewer cracks later when stress spikes.

5. Connect to a Supportive CommunityJoin a team, mentoring group, or faith circle where you belong. Group accountability isn’t just social — it’s protective. When we uplift each other, we all rise stronger.

“Asking for Help: Courage isn’t just about standing alone; it’s all about reaching out when you need it.”

How We’re Making a Difference

This summer, Committed 2 Win’s Hope for the Underdogs initiative will visit each Texas Juvenile Detention Center and Juvenile Correctional Facility to reach detained and disconnected teens across the state.

For more info visit: http://www.committed2win.com/hopefortheunderdogs

Through inspiring talks and literacy — using TODAY… I WIN and both volumes of TODAY WE WIN — and peer-led leadership programming, we provide tools for mental well-being and self-belief. We tackle the cycle of pressure, praise, and placement into support networks that redefine their future.

Your Role: Be the Change

If you’re a parent, educator, coach, or mentor:

  • Invite honest conversation: Create safe spaces where young men can share without judgment. Despite their ages and level of responsibility, someone to confide will always be a necessity for young men.
  • Be an ally: Model or support men’s mental health care by setting a strong, compassionate example. If you are not a man, then intentionally connect him to a man who leads by example.
  • Support initiatives like Hope for the Underdogs: Donate funds, resources, your time, or connections to personal or professional networks.When we invest in young men’s emotional well-being, we uplift families, communities, and our shared future.
  • Let’s Connect: I’m Darryl W. Thomas, Jr. — U.S. Marine wartime veteran, leadership mentalist, bestselling author, and founder of Committed 2 Win. I’ve stood with young men facing daunting expectations and watched them step into courage. If you believe in supporting their mental health journey, let’s connect.

Together, we can amplify voices, break stigma, and build platforms for young men to thrive.Join us this summer. Support Hope for the Underdogs and help create safe spaces where mission meets mercy — and where success includes emotional wellness. Because empowering a young man today means inspiring a legacy tomorrow.www.committed2win.com/hopefortheunderdogs

www.darrylwthomas.com

Juneteenth in Waco

The second weekend of June is busy for all of Waco! As summer temperatures return after a week of rain, expect neighbors and tourists alike to be soaking up the sun, tearing up the town, and gathering together in community.

FUN FACT: The earliest documented Waco celebration occurred in 1876, which included a two-thousand-person procession led by the Waco Colored Band and local societies, including the Rising Stars and the Young Men’s Club. The groups waved bright-colored banners and wore dazzling uniforms. The parade ended at Waco Creek, in the southern part of the city, where celebrants listened to various speakers and a reading of the Declaration of Independence. Afterward, they danced, sang, and ate together. Read more HERE!

The farmers market will operate on normal hours, but don’t miss the parade starting at 10am! The Juneteenth Parade Celebration will kick off on Elm Avenue. This event, annually hosted by the Central Texas African American Chamber of Commerce, will be starting at Heritage Square Park, traversing down Washington Avenue, and ending at Quinn Campus in East Waco.

Join the community in reflection and celebration of Freedom Day! From noon to 1:30pm, the No Kings Protest will be gathering at Valley Mills Drive and Waco Drive in recognition of the Nationwide Day of Defiance. Setting up at what has been deemed Waco’s Freedom Corner, this event will continue commemorating the impact of Freedom Day, recognizing Flag Day and the genesis of the US Army, and protesting subjectivity within our own country.

Art Center Waco screening the short documentary “I Have A Story To Tell” at 2pm. The film, presented and directed by De’Viar Woodson, documents the first year of A Beautiful Message, an art program founded by Vincent Thomas. The program encourages students to engage in mural painting, leadership training and exhibiting their artwork.

The screening is part of New Growth: Celebrating Juneteenth and Freedom Through Black Hair, a juried exhibition on view from May 22 to June 26. In collaboration with A Beautiful Message, Art Center Waco is showcasing works by 14 Texas-based African American artists who explore the cultural and historical significance of Black hairstyles—ranging from afros and cornrows to locs and braids.

These hairstyles represent both identity and resistance. According to African folklore, enslaved women used intricate braiding patterns to communicate escape routes and hide items like seeds and coins to support survival after escape. In this way, hairstyles became powerful tools for freedom and cultural preservation.

This weekend is the perfect time to get out and connect with the Waco community. Whether you’re exploring local art, attending special events or simply spending time with neighbors, there’s no better way to celebrate the creativity and culture that make our city so vibrant. Come out, show your support and be part of the story.

Hope for the Underdogs:Empowering Texas Youth Through Literacy and Leadership

Written by: Darryl W. Thomas, Jr.

In the heart of Texas, a transformative movement is taking root—Hope for the Underdogs, a summer initiative by Committed 2 Win. This program is more than a seasonal project; it’s a lifeline for justice-involved youth, aiming to break the cycles of illiteracy and recidivism that have long plagued our communities.

The Literacy-Recidivism Link

In my journey working with justice-involved youth, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the inability to read proficiently can limit a young person’s potential and contribute to a cycle of incarceration. It’s a harsh reality: over 70% of inmates in America’s prisons cannot read above a fourth-grade level. Moreover, 85% of juveniles who interact with the juvenile court system are functionally illiterate.

In Texas, the situation is equally concerning. The juvenile recidivism rate stands at 46.7%, meaning nearly half of all juvenile offenders are arrested again within three years. These statistics aren’t just numbers; they represent real lives affected by a lack of access to education and resources. They underscore the urgent need for interventions that address literacy as a foundational skill for rehabilitation and reintegration.Through initiatives like Hope for the Underdogs, we’re striving to change this narrative by providing young people with the tools they need to succeed, both inside and outside the classroom.

Our Mission: Literacy as Liberation

Hope for the Underdogs is committed to reversing these trends by equipping detained youth with the tools they need to succeed. Central to our initiative are three powerful books:

  • TODAY… I WIN: When Tests Go Beyond the Classroom
  • TODAY WE WIN: How Real Students Found the Answers to Life’s Test (Volumes 1 and 2)

These Amazon bestsellers are not just reading materials; they are catalysts for change, offering relatable narratives that inspire and empower.

Statewide Impact

This summer, our initiative will reach across Texas, bringing our literacy and leadership programs to juvenile detention centers, schools, and community organizations. By focusing on reading comprehension, critical thinking, and personal development, we aim to reduce recidivism rates and foster a new generation of leaders.

Join the MovementWe invite educators, community leaders, and concerned citizens to support our mission. Here’s how you can get involved:

  • Partner with Us: Collaborate to bring our programs to your local institutions.
  • Sponsor Books: Provide resources for detained juveniles across the state of Texas.
  • Spread the Word: Share our mission with your networks to raise awareness.

Together, we can rewrite the narratives of countless young Texans, turning stories of struggle into tales of triumph.For more information, visit www.committed2win.com/hopefortheunderdogs.

Note: The statistics and references provided are based on available data and aim to highlight the importance of addressing literacy in efforts to reduce juvenile recidivism.

Darryl W. Thomas, Jr. is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, leadership development expert, award-winning speaker, five-time bestselling author, and at-risk interventionist with over two decades of experience. He is the CEO of Committed 2 Win, a personal and leadership development community focused on inspiring, challenging, and empowering young people and adults to overcome adversity and take ownership in becoming the best version of themselves. Beyond his professional achievements, Darryl is a devoted family man, married to his high school sweetheart for 24 years and father to five children: a U.S. Marine, a TCU graduate, a University High School graduate, and two University High scholar-athletes.

From Caps to Clarity: How Mental Health Awareness Shapes the Class of 2025

A Crisis in the Shadows

As graduation caps soar, a sobering reality grounds us: during the 2020–2021 academic year, over 60% of college students met the criteria for at least one mental health problem, according to the Healthy Minds Study, which collects data from 373 campuses nationwide (Lipson et al., 2022). This statistic underscores the urgent need to address mental health as students transition into adulthood.

The Power of Storytelling

At Connally High School in Waco, Texas, students confronted these challenges head-on through the Captains Circle Peer Leadership Program. Their experiences culminated in Today We Win: How Real Students Found the Answers to Life’s Tests (Volume 2), an anthology of personal narratives that delve into struggles with bullying, family dynamics, academic pressures, and self-doubt. This project not only provided a therapeutic outlet but also fostered a sense of community and resilience among the participants.

Celebrating Resilience

Special recognition goes to five remarkable students—Isaac, My’Toria, Caleigh, Bryson, and Alaina—who graduated last week. Their contributions to the book exemplify the courage and introspection needed to confront mental health challenges head-on. Their stories serve as beacons of hope for peers facing similar struggles.

Two Strategies for Supporting Student Mental Health

  • Encourage Open Dialogue: Create safe spaces where students feel comfortable discussing their mental health without fear of judgment.
  • Promote Access to Resources: Ensure that students are aware of and have access to mental health services, including counseling and support groups.

An Invitation to Empower

As we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month and the achievements of the Class of 2025, we invite schools and communities to partner with Committed 2 Win. Together, we can create safe spaces, establish support groups, and promote sustained student success for the 2025–26 school year.

References

Lipson, S. K., Lattie, E. G., & Eisenberg, D. (2022). Trends in college student mental health and help-seeking by race/ethnicity: Findings from the national Healthy Minds Study, 2013–2021. Journal of Affective Disorders, 306, 138–147.

Darryl W. Thomas, Jr. is a U.S. Marine, leadership development expert, award-winning speaker, five-time bestselling author, and at-risk interventionist with over two decades of experience. He is the CEO of Committed 2 Win, a personal and leadership development community focused on inspiring, challenging, and empowering young people and adults to overcome adversity and take ownership in becoming the best version of themselves.Beyond his professional achievements, Darryl is a devoted family man, married to his high school sweetheart for 24 years and father to five children: a U.S. Marine, a TCU graduate, a University High School graduate, and two University High scholar-athletes.Let’s continue this conversation and ensure that every student knows they are not alone on their journey.Follow Darryl at LinkedIn, X and YouTube.

Summer Reading: Waco’s Tiny Libraries

As summer kicks off, kids will be running around in the bleak Texas sun for hours on end. However, when the kiddos get home, they are still seeking entertainment from family and friends. The most vital activity children should engage in this season is reading! Literacy rates in our highly educated country continue to drop as teachers struggle to get students actively and emotionally connected to reading literature. Aiding in a child’s advancing literacy is setting up their future for success. The best way guardians can help kids they interact with is by supplying them with books and reading with them.

This summer, the Waco-McLennan County Library is inviting readers of all ages to participate in the Mayor’s Summer Reading Challenge, running from June 1 through July 31. The free program encourages daily reading throughout the summer, and the more days participants read, the more chances they have to win prizes. Luckily, Waco has a system of fantastic public libraries to visit. These spaces are not only meant for checking out books to read, but they have daily activities for various age ranges, encouraging community play. To sign up for a library card and register today, visit their website!

Waco also has a wonderful commitment to free, accessible literature, with Little Free Libraries placed throughout neighborhoods in the city. To find a Little Free Library near you, visit the official map. As the system works, bring a book that no longer serves you, place it in the Little Free Library, and select a novel that is calling your name! At times, it is hard to give up your precious books, so do not fret. Take a novel, and bring one back when you can. In the meantime, share it with as many people as possible, for the gift of storytelling keeps on giving.

Elizabeth Riley hails from Tennessee and is a graduate of English Literature and Professional Writing & Rhetoric from Baylor University. With passions in archival preservation, communal connection, and women in sports, she writes because it matters, with hopes of bridging villages and fostering revelry amongst them.

Passing the Torch: Honoring Legacy and Welcoming New Leadership in Waco

WACO, Texas — At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Council Member Alice Rodriguez concluded more than 26 years of service as she passed leadership of District 2 to Isabel Lozano.

Rodriguez’s final meeting featured a mariachi performance and a reception in her honor, highlighting her decades of dedication to South Waco. Mayor Jim Holmes also announced the development of a new public space — Alice Martinez Rodriguez Park — to be built at the former Floyd Casey Stadium site in recognition of her lasting impact on the community.

Rodriguez’s legacy includes championing key initiatives such as the Cotton Palace ballfields, the Floyd Casey housing development and various Hispanic heritage programs.

The City of Waco extends its sincere gratitude to Rodriguez for her years of service, leadership and commitment to District 2.

This week’s meeting also marked the swearing-in of three council members: returning members Darius Ewing (District 4) and George Chase (District 5), as well as newcomer Isabel Lozano (District 2). All will serve two-year terms.

Additionally, Council Member Andrea Barefield (District 1) was named mayor pro tem by a vote of the council. The mayor pro tem assumes mayoral duties in the absence of Mayor Holmes.

The city looks forward to continued progress under the leadership of its newly seated council.

From Combat to Classroom: Cultivating a Love for Learning in Connally High School Students

By: Darryl W. Thomas


Connally High Students to Host Book Signing, Celebrate Leadership and Literacy

WACO, Texas — In an era marked by mounting academic pressure and constant distractions, Connally High School is igniting a passion for learning and leadership among its students.

On May 6, the school will host a book signing for Today We Win: How Real Students Found the Answers to Life’s Tests, a student-authored compilation developed through the Captains Circle Peer Leadership Program. The event will celebrate students who completed the eight-week course focused on leadership development, accountability and advocacy.

The program, founded by U.S. Marine and leadership expert Darryl W. Thomas Jr., helps students build confidence and discover the power of storytelling. Each participant contributed a personal essay to the book, reflecting on challenges, growth and lessons learned.

“This is about helping students find their voice and realize they can be the author of their own future,” said Thomas, who founded Committed 2 Win to mentor youth through leadership training.

With 77% of Connally’s student population classified as economically disadvantaged and a similar percentage identifying as minorities, these achievements reflect the resilience and determination of a community that continues to rise above adversity.

The May 6 event will offer the public a chance to meet the young authors, hear their stories and learn more about the program’s impact. Attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase signed copies of the book.

“This is more than a book. It’s a movement,” Thomas said. “We’re building leaders who know how to use their experiences to create positive change.”

For more information about the book signing or the Captains Circle Peer Leadership Program, contact Connally High School or visit committed2win.org.

Editor’s Note: Event details are subject to change. Please verify information with the hosting organization.


Contact Committed 2 Win

O: (254) 436-7349

E: info@committed2win.com

www.committed2win.com

Acting Locally–Volunteer Opportunities

April is National Volunteer Month! This month, recognize and celebrate the contributions of volunteers by getting involved, developing skills, forming relationships, and making tangible impacts in our community. Consider your own interests, reflect on your availability, and apply to help businesses in the Greater Waco area! Check out the new Volunteer Board for additional opportunities.

Art Center Waco has many volunteer opportunities, including work with their art summer camps, general family events, artists workshops, and much more. Until July 2025, Art Center Waco will be accepting applications for this summer’s Elementary and Teen Art Camps. High school students have the opportunity to lead as Youth Ambassadors for Art Center Waco. Apply, email a staff member at info@artcenterwaco.org, or call the center at (254)-752-4371 for additional details.

The Waco Animal Birth Control Clinic is a primary resource for pet owners and lovers in the community. Help out the fantastic veterinarians and veterinary technicians by organizing rabies tags, cleaning and labeling syringes, and doing loads of laundry for the health and happiness of our animal friends. Visit https://www.animalbirthcontrol.org/volunteer to apply for positions and track volunteer hours.

The Cameron Park Zoo offers unique volunteering experiences, including aiding animal keepers, entertaining park guests with hands-on activities, and maintaining the grounds’ garden life. The Zoo Crew is the park’s teen volunteer program, which runs through summer and gives kids real zookeeping experiences. For applications and additional information, visit https://www.cameronparkzoo.com/programs/volunteer/.

Music on the River

WACO, Texas – RESCHEDULED – Brazos Nights returns this summer with a season of free concerts along the Brazos River, offering live music, local food trucks and family-friendly activities.The popular concert series begins Friday, April 25th, at Indian Spring Park, just off University Parks Drive. This year’s opening act is Bowling for Soup, a Texas-based band known for hits such as “1985,” “Girl All the Bad Guys Want” and “High School Never Ends.”Concertgoers can enjoy the riverfront amphitheater’s scenic views while sampling local cuisine and participating in community events. Additional performances are scheduled throughout the summer, including a special Independence Day celebration on July 4 at McLane Stadium.For a full schedule of events, performers and vendor details, visit the official Brazos Nights website.

Elizabeth Riley hails from Tennessee and is a senior double majoring in English and Professional Writing & Rhetoric at Baylor University. She works as a Transcription Assistant at the Baylor University Institute for Oral History and is President of the Baylor Ice Girls for the 2024-2025 season.

Jubilation (n.): A season of celebration

The Jubilee Food Market of Mission Waco is set to close on March 31st.

On Wednesday, a statement was uploaded to Mission Waco’s platforms announcing the closure of the cherished community store at the end of the month.

In 2016, with the help of many generous donors, we started Jubilee Food Market to provide affordable, fresh food options in our neighborhood, which had limited access to groceries. Over the past seven years, positive improvements in local food availability—including new grocery stores, expanded online delivery services, and more affordable shopping choices—have reduced Jubilee’s role in meeting this need. After a season of discernment, we have decided to close Jubilee Food Market. Our last day of operation will be Monday, March 31st.

We are extremely grateful for the seven years of impact JFM has had on the neighborhood. From providing jobs to our neighbors to offering healthy food options close to home and sustaining our neighbors through the COVID-19 pandemic, JFM served the community well and left a lasting legacy in the area. From the founder of Mission Waco, Jimmy Dorrell, “We celebrate Jubilee Food Market and all that it provided to this neighborhood. We are grateful to all who shopped there and who donated their time and resources to make sure there was an oasis in what was once a food desert.” We are committed to retaining all JFM employees by offering them new roles within Mission Waco. Our staff is critical in helping us continue to fulfill our broader mission of empowering, equipping, and engaging. A new strategy will allow us to focus our resources on expanding and strengthening programs and services and are excited about the many possibilities for the site of JFM. We prayerfully and diligently enter this new chapter expecting to see an even greater impact on the lives of the people we serve.

For more information about the transition and Mission Waco’s ongoing programs, please contact Carlos Hinojosa, Associate Executive Director of Advancement through our main office.

This non-profit grocery has served impoverished neighborhoods in Waco for nearly a decade, dwelling on N 15th Street and Colcord Avenue since 2016. Mission Waco originally established Jubilee Market to address a food desert in North Waco, stocking shelves with fresh, affordable produce, home goods, and everyday items. With competing markets in the area, such as HEB, Mission Waco has decided to invest in their other projects around the community. While processing the loss of this Waco staple and figuring out the next shopping spot, ensure neighbors have access to their necessities, for the community is great, but it is made better with food. Celebrate the ending chapter of Jubilee Food Market in Waco.

Elizabeth Riley hails from Tennessee and is a senior double majoring in English and Professional Writing & Rhetoric at Baylor University. She works as a Transcription Assistant at the Baylor University Institute for Oral History and is President of the Baylor Ice Girls for the 2024-2025 season.