This year’s Father’s Day Weekend wasn’t just about cards, cologne, or cookouts—it was a celebration of Black men’s health, wholeness, and healing. And at the center of this cultural reset was Portia Benbow, founder of DiaBeating The Odds, who is rewriting how our communities view diabetes—and how we love on Black men while they’re still here.
At her organization’s unique “Men’s Wellness and Self-Care Experience,” the mission was clear: to honor the brothers, pamper them, and equip them with the tools to not only survive but also thrive. “You gave me the opportunity to be pampered,” one participant said. “Massages, facials, real conversations… we don’t get that enough.” The impact of this event was profound, providing a much-needed space for self-care and healing.
This wasn’t just a moment of feeling good. It was a full-body, mind, and soul recharge.
Real Men, Real Health
From a diverse range of activities, including stretch classes and barbershop-style panels, to chess games and wellness checkups, the event covered it all. The goal? Meet Black men where they are—with love, accountability, and information they can use right now.
Health professionals, including a Black male internist and licensed therapists, highlighted the urgent realities: Black men are four times more likely to suffer complications from diabetes, heart disease, and kidney failure. And too many are unaware—or unwilling—to take action until it’s too late.
Benbow, whose husband is pre-diabetic and whose father-in-law lives with Type 2 diabetes, saw the gaps firsthand.
“Often, Black men don’t take their health seriously,“ she said. “That’s why we don’t live as long. That’s why we have to create safe spaces to talk, to heal, and to change that.”
A Different Kind of Healthcare
The Andrew & Walter Young YMCA hosted the event on Atlanta’s southwest side, a location rich with community legacy and Black excellence. Known for being a hub of holistic development—from youth mentorship to senior wellness—the YMCA provided the perfect backdrop for a weekend rooted in healing, unity, and empowerment. The energy was communal, the atmosphere affirming, and the mission crystal clear: Black men deserve this level of care year-round.
“This is about giving Black men permission to feel good, to ask questions, and to take charge of their wellness,“ Benbow explained.
Through Diabetes in the Hood, she’s been doing just that. It all started with her diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes at age 11—a journey she now uses to help others understand both the science and the spirit of managing the disease.
Tech Meets Tradition
One key theme of the weekend was technology. Benbow uses a Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitor to track her blood sugar levels in real time, and she has made it part of her daily health routine. Her Apple Watch syncs with the Dexcom, allowing her husband to check her numbers as well.
“There’s no excuse anymore,“ she says. “If you can’t see a doctor, you can Google. If you can’t test with strips, you can use tech.“
It’s this forward-thinking approach that blends modern tools with ancestral wisdom—acknowledging that wellness isn’t just about numbers. It’s about peace. It’s about presence. It’s about legacy.
Final Word: Black Men, This Is Your Invitation
If nobody else says it, let this be loud and clear: Black men, you matter. Your health matters. Your peace matters. This is your invitation to take charge, to prioritize your well-being, and to know that you are valued and essential.
Portia Benbow and DiaBeating The Odds aren’t waiting on systems to change—they’re creating new systems that celebrate and protect Black life. As we reflect on Father’s Day and look toward the future, this is the kind of energy that uplifts and inspires us all.
Be proactive. Know your numbers. Take care of your mind. Use your tools. And remember, you’re not alone. Surround yourself with the community because real love is about ensuring our brothers stay here for themselves, for their families, and for the culture.
Because real love is making sure our brothers stay here—for themselves, for their families, and for the culture.
Follow and Support:
@diabeatingtheodds on Instagram
🌐 Visit the website diabeatingtheodds.org
📧 Email: [email protected]
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