History

BBF History

The Brothers Brunch initiative began in June 2022 with a simple but powerful vision: to bring Black men together in safe, intentional spaces for honest roundtable conversations and shared experiences centered on mental health and self-care. The very first Brothers Brunch was held in Jacksonville, Florida, with approximately 10 men gathering to talk, listen, and connect. Shortly after, a second brunch took place in Douglasville, Georgia, with a smaller group of five participants—further affirming the need for intimate spaces where Black men could be seen, heard, and supported.

Like many grassroots efforts, the early stages came with challenges related to timing, location, and consistency. Despite these obstacles, the commitment to the mission never wavered. In December 2022, Brothers Brunch hosted its first Men’s Holiday Relaxation event, marking a pivotal moment in the organization’s growth. Participants experienced sound bath healing meditation, oxygen bar sessions, salt cave therapy, and foot detox services. For many men, this was their first-ever spa or intentional relaxation experience. Following the activities, the group gathered at a nearby restaurant to reflect, share, and discuss how to incorporate self-care into their daily lives.

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Sometimes self care is exercise and eating right. Sometimes it’s spending time with loved ones or taking a nap. And sometimes it’s watching an entire season of TV in one weekend while you lounge around in your pajamas. Whatever soothes your soul.
Nanea Hoffman
Philosopher

The impact was immediate and lasting. The men stayed connected beyond the event, supporting one another in real and tangible ways. Some participants sought therapy or chiropractic care for the first time, while others shared their commitment to abstaining from alcohol after recognizing its impact on their mental health. These outcomes affirmed that Brothers Brunch was more than an event—it was the beginning of transformation.

In April 2023, the organization expanded its reach by launching TNT – Tuesday Night Talks, creating an additional fellowship opportunity for men unable to attend weekend events. The first session welcomed eight participants, including two teenagers, and quickly set the tone for deep, authentic conversation. Many attendees shared personal struggles they had never spoken aloud before. TNT became a consistent monthly space for connection and healing.

By July 2023, Brothers Brunch introduced its first Hybrid TNT, allowing men to join both in person and virtually. This expansion was intentional, recognizing that mental health challenges, distance, or accessibility barriers should never prevent someone from being supported. The hybrid model broadened the spectrum of men served, including participants from other states. One virtual attendee shared, “This brunch was totally different from the one I attended before, ”highlighting the value of diverse perspectives and shared learning across communities.

Summer 2023 also marked a season of meaningful partnerships and community presence. In Atlanta, Brothers Brunch participated in its first Black Men’s Mental Health Conference, engaging with guest speakers and panelists who shared both personal and professional journeys. In Jacksonville, the organization attended its first Mental Health Sneaker Ball in partnership with Agape Health and Wellness, further solidifying collaborative efforts to promote mental wellness.

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In May 2023, returning participants gathered once again, creating an intimate and emotionally powerful experience. Tears were shed as men opened up about past and present challenges, and one young participant gained invaluable insight into the unfiltered realities of adulthood, accountability, and healing.

June 2023, during Juneteenth week, marked another milestone with simultaneous events in Atlanta and Jacksonville. In Atlanta, Brothers Brunch hosted a mentoring-focused gathering for younger men, addressing fears around college, societal pressures, and mental health challenges they may face as they transition into adulthood. At the same time in Jacksonville, men came together to fellowship and reflect on the meaning of freedom—acknowledging that while Juneteenth commemorates emancipation, many Black men continue to battle generational cycles related to fatherhood, addiction, and unaddressed trauma.

These conversations inspired participants to pursue ongoing self-care practices such as meditation, hiking, and continued fellowship. What began as a small brunch has since grown into a movement—rooted in mending, healing, and helping Black men truly feel the difference when mental health and self-care are prioritized.

From 2024 through 2025, Brothers Brunch Foundation experienced significant growth, deepening its impact and formalizing its role as a trusted mental health resource for Black men and families. As the organization entered its first full year as an official nonprofit, it expanded programming across Georgia and Florida, hosting consistent peer support spaces, quarterly wellness events, and community-centered experiences.

Signature events such as Black Men Bowl, Vision Fellowships, Hike and Healing, Fish and Fellowship, and ongoing Tuesday Night Talks became pillars of engagement. These spaces continued to normalize conversations around mental health, fatherhood, addiction recovery, emotional regulation, and self-care—meeting men where they are and encouraging preventive mental health practices rather than crisis response alone.

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In 2024, Brothers Brunch Foundation hosted its third annual Black Men’s Holiday Relaxation event, doubling attendance from the previous year. Held at Place of Kai Spa and supported by a community grant, the event provided sound baths, oxygen therapy, foot detoxes, and salt cave experiences for 20 men. Following the services, therapists and community leaders facilitated reflective discussions that encouraged continued healing beyond the event. Plans were established to expand this experience to sponsor 30 or more men in future years.

Throughout this period, the organization strengthened its commitment to suicide prevention, substance abuse awareness, and peer-led support. Leadership obtained certifications in Mental Health First Aid, Youth Mental Health First Aid, QPR Suicide Prevention, and Certified Peer Support, allowing Brothers Brunch Foundation to offer both education and lived-experience guidance. The introduction of QPR training positioned the organization to not only serve participants directly, but also to equip communities with life-saving tools.

By the end of 2025, Brothers Brunch Foundation had its fourth annual Black Men’s Holiday Relaxation, 2 Men’s Wellness Retreats, and 2nd annual Black Men Bowl. Connecting with more than 1000 lives, engaged over 500 Black men in programming, hosted more than 65 events, and received over 230 community donations—a testament to both trust and impact. The organization expanded school and youth partnerships, supporting parents and students through conversations around mental wellness, education, sports, and life skills.

Operating across Douglasville, Metro Atlanta, Jacksonville, and virtual spaces nationwide, Brothers Brunch Foundation embraced a hybrid model to ensure access for men navigating work schedules, distance, or mental health challenges. These virtual and in-person spaces allowed men to show up consistently, build accountability, and remain connected. Today, Brothers Brunch Foundation continues to expand its impact through peer support, education, advocacy, and community partnerships—remaining firmly grounded in its guiding principle of being Positive, Consistent, and Present in the lives of the men and families it serves.

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