This past week reminded me why I do this work.
My interview on the Rebuilding the Bluff podcast premiered on K&C Media Network. I share personal stories, leadership lessons, and practical ways we can rebuild, not just infrastructure, but people. I encourage you to watch it.
I had the honor of being a featured author at the Black History Month Book Festival hosted by the Central Arkansas Library System at the Hillary Rodham Clinton Children’s Library. I met incredible families, shared Oh Brother, My Brother 📘, and engaged in honest conversations about blended families, single-parent households, and identity. The response was powerful.
I also made a guest appearance at Parkway Elementary School for their Black History Celebration ✊🏾. What made that moment unforgettable? I was introduced by my daughters. Watching them stand proudly as they introduced me as an author was something I will never forget. ❤️
I connected with students and personalized autographed copies of my book, Oh Brother, My Brother. Representation matters, especially when children can see up close what healthy leadership looks like.
But this week also carried heaviness.
In light of the tragic death of NFL wide receiver Rondell Moore, I felt compelled to address something deeper: the emotional and mental health crisis facing young men. 🧠
When I read the news, my heart broke. A young man in his twenties reached a moment where he felt unseen, unheard, and without options. And unfortunately, we are seeing this happen more often, particularly among successful Black men.
This is why I wrote Oh Brother, My Brother.
We have to reach boys early, when they are building their emotional infrastructure. When they are forming their identity. When they are deciding whether they are worthy, lovable, and secure.
If we don’t address emotional wounds early, love poured into them can feel like water in a cup with a hole in it. It never fills. 💧
On the podcast, I shared four reminders for men and young men facing emotional crisis:
1️⃣ You better think. (Yes, that’s a reference to Aretha Franklin’s famous song, “Think.”
Pause before reacting. Create space between emotion and action.
2️⃣ Identify the one dependable person that, when you call, you know they’ll answer
Not text. Call. Who will answer? Put them on speed dial. 📞
3️⃣ Retain your autonomy.
What brings you peace? Brotherhood. Golf. Walking. Safe spaces with positive men. ⚽🏌🏾♂️
4️⃣ Give yourself grace.
The empathy you extend to others, extend it to yourself. 🤍
This isn’t a laughing matter. Saving our communities means keeping our men here. Keeping fathers present. Keeping sons alive. Creating spaces where they feel safe in their own skin.
The work starts early.
In homes.
In schools.
In libraries. 📚
Teach the boy.
Save the man.
Strengthen the family.
And if you’re ready to start those conversations at home, I invite you to pick up Oh Brother, My Brother 📘 at brandondcampbell.com.
Let’s do the preventative work now.
On another note…
Book me for your next school event or speaking engagement.
A book is only as good as its reviews, so please review the book on Amazon.
March 7th Book Signing in Conway at Bean’s Books
Click here for more information.
