Trinity Way Community Development Corporation hosted the Arise Kings Wellness Summit on May 30 as part of Mental Health Awareness Month. From 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Magic Johnson Park, the summit brought together over 45 vendors and hundreds of attendees to address the mental, physical, and spiritual well-being of Black men and their families
“This is more than a summit, it’s a moment of activation,” said Dr. Kimberly Ligon, founder of Trinity Way CDC.
“We’re creating a space where men feel seen, supported, and empowered to prioritize their health, embrace their identity, and take their rightful place in community and legacy.”
That vision materialized in every direction as families gathered under shaded tents, barbers offered free haircuts, job training stations stood beside therapists and life coaches, and legal aid organizations and financial advisors engaged attendees in direct, often personal conversations about what comes next.
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Among those offering vital insight was Giovanni Pesce, managing attorney of the Restoring Communities Work Group at the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, who spent the day answering questions about expungement and employment discrimination.
“We work with folks who are systems-impacted,” he explained.
“There are laws like the Fair Chance Act that protect people with a criminal record from being disqualified in the hiring process. If you make under a certain amount or receive public benefits, our services are completely free.”
Nearby, Lieutenant Colonel Calvin Littlejohn spoke with passion about the mission of PPK, a ministry centered on faith and male accountability.
“When men arise and step into their rightful place, the world becomes better, the family becomes better, and most importantly, we as men become better,” he said.
“Mentorship is far greater than mistake. If you are mentored, you go much further, faster.”
Teffinany Sessions, a member of the Help Me Army, a sister organization focused on women’s spiritual and marital preparation, stood beside him in solidarity.
“We can’t do it alone. We were made to be in community,” she said. “Get to a place that will help you grow.”
The day’s centerpiece, the King’s Check-In Panel, was raw and honest.
“We as men, we will not tell the truth,” said Dr. Dion Whitehead, a family medicine specialist.
“Bring someone you trust to your doctor’s appointment. If not, you’re going to leave saying you’re fine when you’re not.”
He urged men to demand real answers from their physicians and to get their prostate checked, early and often.
“It’s not if. It’s when,” he warned. “If you live long enough, you will have a prostate issue.”
Apostle Gerald Benton followed with a challenge to drop the mask.
“Be honest when you know you need help. Find someone you can talk to, someone who won’t just say, ‘Man up.’ Vulnerability isn’t weakness, it’s the beginning of healing.”
The call for accountability was matched by a push for self-awareness.
“Do one thing different,” said financial planner Ardis Curtis.
“If you don’t have an emergency fund, start there. If you need help, ask for it. If you have mental blocks, talk to your therapist or pastor. The average American can’t cover a $400 emergency, and for our community, it’s even less.”
Jasir Franklin, a life coach and speaker, raised the toughest questions of the day.
“Drive-bys and chicken wings aren’t the number one killer of Black men, stress and heart attacks are,” he said.
He paused, then continued, “I’ve been married twice. No one ever asked me, ‘How are you doing mentally?’ Not my mom. Not my wife. Not my sister. That’s why we die early. We have no outlet. No one asks.”
His final request to the women in the crowd was simple: “Ask him. Just ask him how he’s doing. You might save his life.”
The event closed with applause, raffle prizes, and conversations that lingered long after the mic was turned off.
“Mastering your life is a daily thing,” said Dr. Chris Black. “Ask yourself every day, what did I do today to help my tomorrow?”
