My name is Durell Morgan and I am a photographer and makeup artist from Brooklyn, New York. After dealing with the loss of my partner Terrell Matthews in 2013 by suicide I wanted to be able to create a project to raise awareness about mental health and inspire black men to pursue their dreams.
African American men face unique challenges when it comes to mental health, including societal expectations, systemic inequalities, and cultural barriers. Mental health issues are often stigmatized within the African American community, leading to underreporting and limited access to resources.
With your support, we aim to raise awareness about African American men's mental health and provide a platform for their voices to be heard. By funding this project, you'll help cover the costs of publishing, marketing, editing, and distribution. Together, we can break the silence and empower African American men to prioritize their mental well-being and have lives filled with joy and purpose.
What We Need & What You Get
The primary objective of the crowdfunding campaign is to raise $65,000 to support the publication of the book and associated marketing efforts.
Target Audience:
* Supporters of mental health advocacy and awareness
* Photography enthusiasts
* Individuals interested in supporting diverse narratives and creative projects
Budget Breakdown:
1. Book Creation - $32,500 (50%)
* Printing and binding costs
* Graphic design and layout
* Copywriting and editing services
* ISBN registration
* Licensing fees for images
2. Marketing - $9,750 (15%)
* Website development and maintenance
* Social media advertising campaigns
* Public relations efforts (press releases, media outreach)
* Email marketing software and campaigns
3. Live Events - $9,750 (15%)
* Book launch party expenses (venue rental, catering, decorations)
* Author appearances and signings
* Speaking engagements or panel discussions
* Travel and accommodation for events
* Event marketing materials (banners, signage)
4. Staff - $6,500 (10%)
* Freelance writers, editors, and proofreaders
* Graphic designers or layout artists
* Marketing assistants or coordinators
5. Vendors - $6,500 (10%)
* Printing and production services
* Shipping and logistics for book distribution
* Payment processing fees for online sales
* Legal and accounting services for contracts and financial management
We are offering 3 Prime Tiers for our donors.
Platinum Package ($1,500.00)
-Meet and Greet with Durell Morgan including a portrait session with Durell Morgan
-2 VIP tickets for New York Book Launch January 2025
-2 Signed Books + 2 Exclusive Signed Image Prints (24”x36” Framed)
-Name on contribution page
-Digital Thank You Card
-Exclusive Gift Bag
Gold Package ($500.00)
-1 VIP ticket for New York book launch January 2025
-1 Signed Book + 2 Exclusive Signed Image Prints (24”x36” Framed)
-Name on contribution page
-Digital Thank You Card
Silver Package ($250.00)
-1 Book and 1 Exclusive Signed Image Print (24”x36” Framed)
-Name on contribution page
-Digital Thank You Card
Why are we doing this work?
* Representation Matters: We'll highlight the importance of positive imagery and representation in shaping perceptions of African American men. From media portrayals to personal narratives, we'll explore how positive representation can break down barriers, foster understanding, and empower men to see power in their reflections.
* Real-Life Stories: Through interviews and personal accounts, we'll share the diverse experiences of African American men navigating their everyday lives. By amplifying their voices, we aim to validate their experiences and encourage others to seek support.
* Building Support Networks: Establishing supportive communities and networks is essential for mental health. We'll use photography to showcase the various career fields in which African American men are thriving and helping develop the communities in which they exist.
* Empowering Action: "Brutha: The Faces of Inspiration" isn't just about raising awareness—it's about inspiring action. Our podcast and social media are dedicated to providing practical tools, advocacy opportunities, and self-care strategies to empower African American men to prioritize their mental health and advocate for change.
By addressing these key topics, "Brutha: The Faces of Inspiration" aims to spark meaningful conversations, challenge stigma, and pave the way for a future where African American men feel seen, heard, and supported in their mental health journeys.
Risk & Challenges
1. Navigating Stigma: Addressing mental health within the context of masculinity can be met with resistance due to entrenched societal stigmas. Some individuals may perceive seeking help for mental health issues as a sign of weakness or as incompatible with traditional notions of strength and resilience. This challenge must be approached sensitively to encourage open dialogue and destigmatization.
2. Representation and Authenticity: Ensuring authentic representation of African American men's experiences with mental health is paramount. There is a risk of misrepresentation or oversimplification, which can perpetuate harmful stereotypes. We have focused on prioritizing authenticity, capturing a diverse range of narratives that reflect the complexity of mental health within the African American male community.
3. Accessibility and Outreach: Engaging the target audience and communities affected by mental health issues is crucial for the success of the project. However, reaching marginalized communities and individuals who may lack access to resources or information about mental health services can be challenging. We implement effective outreach strategies, collaborating with community organizations and mental health professionals to ensure the book's message reaches those who need it most.
4. Cultural Sensitivity: African American culture encompasses diverse beliefs, traditions, and experiences that shape perceptions of mental health and help-seeking behaviors. I approached the project with cultural humility, acknowledging the influence of historical trauma, systemic inequalities, and cultural norms on mental health experiences within the community. Cultural sensitivity is essential to fostering trust and understanding among participants and viewers alike.
This has been an amazing journey and I am so happy to finally be prepared to produce a project that will help shed light, provide healing spaces, engage in dialogue and create community to help change and save lives. If you can’t donate monetarily you can still support the project by following “Brutha Be Well”our weekly podcast created to provide tools to help heal, guide people through their self-development journeys and continue the conversation about the important of mental health. Also please feel free to share this project with EVERYONE you know.
