fight to be huMAN

Fight To Be Human

This morning as I sat at the park to pray, a man recognized me as he was warming up for his morning jog. I tell you the truth: I am approached at least twice a week by black men who are close to the edge. In short, the brother is financially successful and married with four children—but tired of living. In frustration he says, “I’m always wrong when I say how I feel, even when I am right! I feel like a damn robot programmed to only take care of my wife, my kids, my siblings and my job, but [expletive] myself and how I feel! Real talk I feel better off dead!”
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I could easily empathize with him. As we walked the trail, I transparently shared how I was feeling this morning and within minutes his soul was settled and mind refocused.
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A recent study conducted by Health and Human Services (HHS) revealed that the death rate from suicide for African American men was more than four times greater than for African American women.
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My brothers, trust me, I understand why you want to leave this place but please know, things will get better if you have a safe space. If you are on the “edge” please call 1-800-273-8255 and someone will guide you in the right direction.
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I almost typed “stay strong” but that’s the problem—instead, continue to fight to be huMAN.

Youth Empowerment – Learning and Innovation

March 29, 2023

Let’s give it up for our youth participants who had a blast during our Talent Tour event with Detroit Hives at the MSU-Detroit Partnership for Learning and Innovation (DPFLI) center! 🎉 We’re so proud of the 18 engaged youth from our Career Readiness program who…

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Women’s History Month – Inspiring Women

March 28, 2023

Happy Women’s History Month! 🎉 Today, we want to give a shoutout to Dionna Jackson, a woman who has been making a difference in the community since 2012. Dionna started with the Yunion as a Life Guide and now serves as The Yunion’s Executive Assistant.…

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Friday Yunion Parent Check-in

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Friday Yunion Parent Check-in

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Wellness Wednesday – Mental Health Awareness

March 23, 2023

Mental Health Awareness – Youth Mental Health: Myths, Misunderstandings, Missed Opportunities

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Social Media Awareness

March 23, 2023

Thank you @maxstossel for the phenomenal work you do around Social Media awareness. We had a great day of encouragement and learning about social media! Students, staff, and parents all had the opportunity to participate. Max shared comprehensive research about social media and its effects…

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Friday Yunion Parent Check-In

March 17, 2023

Friday Yunion Parent Check-In

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Healthy Parenting – Boundaries

March 17, 2023

Parents 👋, Did you hear 👂 Mr. Ron is out here using the “B” word🤬 Yes, he is out here encouraging parents to establish…. BOUNDARIES! We know setting boundaries may seem like a daunting task, but trust us, it’s worth it! By establishing clear limits…

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Wellness Wednesday – Trauma Informed Parenting

March 16, 2023

Trauma Informed Parenting

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Women’s History Month

March 15, 2023

Parents, it’s Women’s History Month! Have you heard of Wangari Maathai? She is the first African Woman tie win the Noble Peace Prize. Wangari Maathai was a Kenyan social, environmental and a political activist and the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.…

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Friday Yunion Parent Check-In

March 10, 2023

Friday Yunion Parent Check-In

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Parents Are Heroes

March 9, 2023

Parents 👋, we have partnered with Detroit Public Schools Community District and their Parent Engagement Conference. Join us March 28th from 8am-3pm at The Renaissance Center at the Detroit Marriot where our CEO Jason Wilson] will be one of the presenters. The goal of the…

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Wellness Wednesday – Parental Advisory and Intentional Parenting

March 9, 2023

Parental Advisory – Intentional Parenting

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Talk To ‘Em Tuesday – Talking Prompts for Parents to Engage Their Adolescent

March 8, 2023

Parents 👋, it’s “Talk to ‘Em Tuesday” 🗣️ Today’s talking prompt: “What is your favorite thing about yourself, and what is one thing about yourself that you want to work on?” This prompt can encourage your teenager to reflect on their strengths and weaknesses, and…

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Parenting Teens And Tweens – Allowing Abnormal Aggression To Escalate Can Be Harmful

March 7, 2023

Parents, did you know “Verbal aggression is common among adolescents, especially boys, due to hormonal changes and a desire for independence. However, if this behavior becomes abusive or turns into physical violence, it’s important to seek help. Allowing abnormal aggression to escalate can be harmful.…

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Students With Awareness & Goals – Stay Positive

March 1, 2023

Parents, hear what our students have to say about what they learned in their SWAG life skills sessions. “I learned so much from ‘swag’ today! Don’t give negativity to those who give you negativity” – stay positive! #swag #positivity #lifelessons #nofighting #staypositive #spreadlove

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Parenting Teenage Girls Is Not For The Faint Of Heart

February 28, 2023

Words from our Executive Director @mrsnicolewilson “Being a mom to a teenage girl is not for the faint at heart. Our girls begin forming into young women and can often become a mirror for ourselves- who we were, who we are and the in between…

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