Cleveland Mental Health Event Exposes Hidden Pain Men Are Afraid to Show

CLEVELAND — On Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, a seminar titled “The Mask We Wear” took place at The Brownhoist in Cleveland. The event, hosted by Duane B. Evans Jr. and Cocoa Weaponry, encouraged participants to remove the emotional masks worn daily, promote honest conversation, and open doors to vulnerability and healing. According to promotional materials, it was labeled as a veterans and men’s mental health seminar but noted that attendance was not limited exclusively to veterans.

Evans said the initiative aimed to foster community through candid discussions of mental health challenges, particularly those that go unseen when individuals feel pressure to conceal suffering. Early in the event’s promotion, the organizers stated “Free entry *limited seats *donations appreciated,” signaling an open-to-all approach with a focus on accessibility.

The Brownhoist provided a physical space for the seminar. The hosts emphasized that although the title referenced veterans, anyone could attend, underscoring inclusivity. A social media post from the organizers clarified this by stating that anyone can participate if they need the help or support.

The seminar addressed common barriers to mental health discussion such as stigma, isolation, and the weight of internalized expectations. By invoking the concept of a mask, the event framed emotional concealment as a barrier to wellness. Participants were invited to actively engage, share, and reflect on how certain roles, identities, or backgrounds might compel them to hide emotional distress.

Organizers also sought donations to support the effort, indicating an underlying budget and outreach ambition beyond a one-time talk. The event listing described it as a veterans and men’s mental health seminar, listing the date, time, and location accordingly.

The framing of this seminar was designed to serve as a starting point for ongoing dialogue rather than simply a single event.

“The Mask We Wear” seminar aligns with broader efforts to destigmatize mental health challenges in veteran, male, and community-based audiences. Attendees were welcomed without cost, with emphasis on vulnerability and honest conversation.

Evans and Cocoa Weaponry positioned the event as a space for authenticity, encouraging attendees to drop their emotional masks and engage in bonding, self-reflection, and healing. The hosts emphasized that revealing vulnerability is not a sign of weakness but a path to connection.

As one participant noted during the event’s promotion, “Empowering Men's Mental Health with Honest Conversations.”

--------------------------------

At Cleveland 13 News, we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable reporting. If you spot an error, omission, or have information that may need updating, please email us at tips@cleveland13news.com. As a community-driven news network, we appreciate the help of our readers in ensuring the integrity of our reporting.