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Ralph Bryant, a poet with a mission, hopes to captivate Winnipeg with his heartfelt “Love Notes” initiative.
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Love Notes is designed not only to spread positivity but also to spotlight the critical issue of Black men’s mental health. As Bryant gears up for the release of his new poetry book, Found, he has launched this initiative to fundraise for his upcoming documentary, On The Verge.
During July and August, Bryant plans to distribute 144 handwritten love notes across Winnipeg. Each note, adorned with statistics on Black men’s mental health, excerpts from Found, and uplifting messages, bears Bryant’s personal touch.
“Winnipeg is the first place that really feels like home. ‘Love Notes’ is my way of giving back the warmth I’ve received,” said Bryant, reflecting on his connection to Winnipeg.
To further support On The Verge and its mission, Bryant will host a poetry reading and fundraising event on July 24 at Kilter Brewing Co. Attendees will receive a digital copy of Found, and donors contributing $25 or more will receive a signed paperback edition.
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The documentary, On The Verge, aims to shed light on the mental health challenges faced by Black men, a group statistically more prone to suicide and less likely to seek professional help. The film’s first chapter, Institutionalized, draws from Bryant’s personal journey, exploring themes of trauma and healing.
Filming for Institutionalized will take place in Winnipeg, collaborating with emerging filmmakers from diverse backgrounds. The project includes interviews with mental health experts and aims to provide educational resources on trauma and resilience.
Bryant hopes Winnipeggers will embrace the “Love Notes” initiative, encouraging them to share their experiences on social media using hashtags like #lovenoteswpg and #healoudlywpg. Bryant envisions expanding the project to other cities like New York City and Burlington, Ontario, where he has deep personal ties.
For those wanting to support Bryant’s vision, an Indiegogo campaign is underway to fund the completion of Institutionalized.
“Mental health impacts us all, directly or indirectly. We must create safe spaces and resources to heal loudly together,” Bryant said.
With “Love Notes,” Ralph Bryant’s poetic words are not just spreading across Winnipeg but are resonating deeply, fostering conversations and action towards mental health awareness and support.
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