Deshawn at the 2nd Annual Men's Health & Wellness Weekend. | |
In Memory of Deshawn Parkman
We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Deshawn Parkman, a beloved brother who attended two of our Men’s Health & Wellness Weekends. Deshawn brought warmth, wisdom, and an open heart to our circle, and his presence was felt by all who had the honor of sharing space with him.
He passed away shortly after this year’s weekend, leaving behind a legacy of strength, sincerity, and brotherhood.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all those who were touched by his life.
May his spirit continue to inspire us to live fully, love openly, and support one another.
Rest in power, Brother Deshawn. 🕊️
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WEEKEND RECAP: 2nd Annual Men’s Health & Wellness Weekend
Held June 20–22, 2025 | Graduate Hotel, Storrs, CT
“Rest. Reflect. Reconnect.”
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If you missed the 2nd Annual Men’s Health & Wellness Weekend, you missed something special. This year’s gathering was a powerful reminder of what happens when men come together with intention, vulnerability, and purpose.
Friday: Arrival & Connection
We kicked off the weekend with check-ins, warm welcomes, and energy-filled greetings as men from all walks of life arrived. Professional headshots helped capture the moment, and the evening wrapped up with a delicious dinner that set the tone for the deep conversations and connections to come.
Saturday: Movement, Healing & Brotherhood
The day began with a peaceful morning hike—a time to breathe, reflect, and ground ourselves in nature. What followed was a power-packed schedule designed to nurture the mind, body, and spirit:
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Sound Healing – Led by Kelvin Young activated vibrations that unlocked inner calm.
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Brotherhood Yoga – Facilitated by Wakime Hauser encouraged men to try something new while they stretched, breathed, and healed together.
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Speak Life Into a Brother Workshop – Facilitated by Warren Hardy was a powerful affirmation that men need to hear words directed specifically to them the breathe life into them and encourage them to be the best version of themselves.
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Fatherhood Manologues Workshop – Led by Malik Champlain promoted powerful stories of fatherhood and healing while unlocking thoughts and feeling that may have been buried for some time.
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Drumming Workshop – curated by Leonard Epps reconnected the group to our roots and pleased the ancestors with our joyful sound.
As the day unfolded, so did powerful moments of joy, reflection, and transformation. Many participants chose to stay up late into the night after a full day of workshops bonding over life’s highs and lows in spaces that felt safe, real, and affirming.
Sunday: Reflection & Closure
After a rich and hearty breakfast, we gathered one last time to reflect on the weekend. Brothers shared lessons learned, commitments made, and gratitude for the space we created together.
It wasn’t just a weekend—it was a reset. Don’t miss the 3rd Annual Men’s Health & Wellness Weekend you deserve it.
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The Manhood Tree Group:
Growth Starts from Within
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On July 21, 2025, a new virtual cohort of The Manhood Tree Group launched, welcoming men from all walks of life into a powerful space for reflection and growth. This group is designed for any man ready to explore his past, unpack unresolved trauma, and make intentional changes for a better future. Each session guides participants through meaningful discussions centered around:
- An Opening Quote to set the tone
- Thoughtful Introductions
- Engaging Activities & reflective Questions
- A closing Meditation to center the spirit
The Manhood Tree Group is more than just a support space; it’s a transformational experience that helps men uncover their potential and begin healing from within.
Interested in joining the next cohort?
Email us at info@mypeople-ct.com
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Celebrating 5 Years of the
Fatherhood Manologues
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Join us on August 16, 2025, as we celebrate the 5th Anniversary of the Fatherhood Manologues, a powerful journey of storytelling, healing, and brotherhood.
Originally planned for February, the celebration was postponed due to a major life event: on January 23, 2025, I was blessed to receive a new kidney. During recovery, I couldn’t gather in crowds, but now I’m ready and we’re bringing the brotherhood back together.
If you've ever written a Fatherhood Manologue, participated in a cohort, or are a fan of the project, come reconnect with us.
Wood N’ Tap
99 Sisson Ave, Hartford, CT
1:00 – 3:30 PM
Expect great food, meaningful reconnection, and the sharing of a few powerful Fatherhood Manologues. Let’s honor the journey and continue to uplift fatherhood, one story at a time. For those who are interested, we will be starting Cohort #5 of the Fatherhood Manologues on November 5, 2025, at 6pm.
Interested in joining the next cohort?
Email us at info@mypeople-ct.com
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Bring the Fatherhood Manologues to
Your Community
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The Fatherhood Manologues is more than a performance—it's a powerful workshop experience where individuals explore their personal journeys with fatherhood, identity, healing, and legacy. Through writing, reflection, and storytelling, participants gain the tools to share their truths and connect with others in deeply meaningful ways.
If you’re interested in:
- Hosting a Fatherhood Manologues workshop.
- Bringing the performance and panel experience to your organization or event.
- Participating in a future cohort as a storyteller.
Contact Abdul-Rahmaan Muhammad at info@mypeople-ct.com
Let’s continue to amplify real voices and build spaces where men's stories matter.
| | | Brotherhood Yoga: Move. Breathe. Heal. | | |
Brotherhood Yoga is a monthly gathering for men to reconnect with their minds, bodies, and spirits in a supportive and affirming space. Designed specifically for men this practice promotes physical wellness, emotional release, and inner peace.
We meet every 2nd Saturday of the month, offering an opportunity to slow down, stretch out, and tap in.
Next Session:
Saturday, September 13, 2025
1:00 PM
52 Main Street, Manchester, CT
Whether you're brand new to yoga or returning to your mat, you are welcome here. Bring a mat, bring a brother, and bring your breath.
Questions? Email us at info@mypeople-ct.com
| | Be a Guest on The Manhood Tree Podcast | | | | |
Do you have a powerful story, insight, or experience that speaks to the journey of manhood, fatherhood, brotherhood, healing, or community?
We’re inviting authentic, passionate voices to join us on The Manhood Tree Podcast, a space where men have real conversations about life, growth, and legacy.
Every Tuesdays at 6:00 PM
10 Love Lane, Hartford, CT (The Swift Factory)
Whether you're a father, mentor, entrepreneur, artist, educator, or just a brother with something meaningful to share, we want to hear from you.
Topics we explore include:
- Identity & self-discovery
- Brotherhood & support systems
- Fatherhood & family dynamics
- Healing from trauma
- Purpose, leadership, and growth
Interested in being a guest?
Email us at info@mypeople-ct.com with a short intro and topic you’d like to discuss.
Let’s grow one story at a time.
| | September Brotherhood Check-In | | |
Real Talk. Real Growth. Real Brotherhood.
This September, we’re continuing our Brotherhood Check-Ins (monthly gatherings designed to give men a space to pause, reflect, and connect). Whether you’re navigating challenges, celebrating wins, or just need a space to be heard, these check-ins are for you.
Each session is rooted in authentic conversation, emotional honesty, and collective support. It’s not therapy—it’s brotherhood. And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need.
If you’d like to be notified about upcoming Brotherhood Check-Ins and other Manhood Tree events, join our mailing list.
Email us at info@mypeople-ct.com to be added.
Let’s keep growing, together.
| | Become a member of The Manhood Tree | | |
Because every man deserves a space to grow.
The Manhood Tree isn’t just a program—it’s a brotherhood, a movement, and a community for men ready to reflect, heal, and rise together.
As a member, you’ll gain access to:
- Monthly Brotherhood Check-ins
- Wellness Events & Workshops
- The Manhood Tree Podcast & Stories
- Priority invites to retreats & performances
- A circle of men committed to growth, purpose, and legacy
Whether you’re navigating fatherhood, manhood, or just looking for a space to be seen and heard—you belong here.
Become a member today. Only $25. We accept checks, cash or cashapp @$mpcommunity.
For more information:
Email: info@mypeople-ct.com
Phone: 860-656-0450
Learn more at: www.themanhoodtree.com
Rooted in reflection. Growing in brotherhood.
| | The Manhood Tree Program is one of the many community based programs offered by My People Community Services for more information on how My People helps Our People succeed, visit our website. | | | | |
