About this Event
The Holidays Can Hold Both
A Black Men's Mental Health Check-In on Joy, Grief, Loneliness & Connection
The holidays are often described as the most wonderful time of the year. But for many men, this season can bring a complicated mix of emotions.
Joy and sadness. Gratitude and grief. Connection and loneliness. The pressure to provide, show up for everyone else, and keep it all together, even when you're struggling inside.
The truth is, you can feel grateful and still be grieving. You can be surrounded by people and still feel alone. You can be strong and still need support.
GenerationDMV invites you to an intentional afternoon of honest conversations, reflection, and community during our upcoming Mental Health Check-In, "The Holidays Can Hold Both."
Led by Marcus CJ Lewis, Leadership Speaker & Life Coach of Journey Partners, LLC, this gathering creates a welcoming, judgment-free space for Black men to explore the emotional challenges that often accompany the holiday season.
What to Expect
Together, we'll explore:
- Joy & Grief: Making room for happiness while honoring loss, difficult memories, and complicated emotions.
- Loneliness & Connection: Navigating isolation, changing relationships, and the desire for meaningful support.
- Holiday Expectations: Managing family dynamics, financial pressures, and the responsibility of always being the strong one.
- Emotional Wellness: Learning practical ways to regulate emotions, establish healthy boundaries, and prioritize your mental well-being.
- Brotherhood & Community: Building connections through authentic conversations and shared understanding.
Whether you're navigating grief, feeling overwhelmed, looking for connection, or simply want a moment to check in with yourself, there is a place for you in this conversation.
You don't need to have the right words. You don't have to share more than you're comfortable with. Sometimes, simply showing up is enough.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
901 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Room: 401-G Conference Room
Session Lead: Marcus CJ Lewis, Leadership Speaker & Life Coach | Journey Partners, LLC
Afternoon Schedule
1:00 PM – Arrive & Connect
1:30 PM – Mental Health Check-In
2:30 PM – Community & Closing
3:00 PM – Event Concludes
About GenerationDMV
GenerationDMV is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to advancing mental health, emotional wellness, and healing among men, particularly Black men and men of color. Through community-centered conversations, educational programming, and meaningful partnerships, we work to break the stigma surrounding mental health and create spaces where men feel seen, heard, and supported.
Because your mental health matters in every season.
Visit to learn more.
Come as you are. Leave knowing you're not alone.
Real Conversations. Practical Tools. Lasting Impact.
Event venue & nearby stays
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G Street Northwest, Washington, United States
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