WASHINGTON, D.C. (Saturday, June 13, 2026) — Dozens of men filled the event space at Macy’s Downtown Metro Center Saturday for Well-Dressed Well-Being: A Men’s Mental Health Check-In, an afternoon of powerful storytelling, healing, and honest conversations designed to break the stigma surrounding men’s mental health.
Hosted by WHUR 96.3 afternoon personality, comedian, and community advocate Joe Clair, the event created a safe space for men—and the women who support them—to openly discuss topics often left in the shadows, including suicide, anxiety, depression, grief, substance abuse, domestic violence, and the importance of seeking professional help.
Throughout the afternoon, panelists shared deeply personal stories about trauma, loss, and resilience while encouraging attendees to prioritize their emotional well-being and remind one another that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Joe Clair opened the conversation by reflecting on his own challenges and shared how the passing of his mother became the catalyst for seeking therapy. “While working through my grief, I discovered the counseling also helped me to confront some unresolved childhood trauma and other painful experiences I had carried for years. That journey toward healing ultimately inspired today’s event,” said Clair.
NBC4 news anchor Tony Perkins spoke candidly about losing his father to suicide and the emotional toll of working in television news, where stories of violence and tragedy are a daily reality. “Every day we’re reporting on shootings, killings, and the challenges facing our community and our nation. That can become emotionally heavy. That’s why I believe in protecting my mental peace and encouraging others to do the same.”
Three-time Grammy-nominated R&B artist and host of the Original Quiet Storm, Raheem DeVaughn, shared his family’s mental health journey, including caring for his father, who lived with schizophrenia, and the profound grief he experienced following his father’s death.
The event comes at a time when men continue to face significant barriers to seeking mental health care due to stigma, cultural expectations, and limited access to resources. Organizers hope the conversations sparked during Well-Dressed Well-Being: A Men’s Mental Health Check-In will inspire more men to seek support, extend grace to one another, and recognize that healing begins with honest conversation. R&B Artist Christopher Williams talked about growing up in the entertainment industry and how he turned his challenges into triumphs.
Other panelists included Paul Bashea Williams – LCSW-C, LICSW and Alfred Duncan – Mental Health Advocate. “WHUR has always believed that serving our community means doing more than playing music and broadcasting the news—it means showing up. Events like this reflect who we are and what we value. When we create spaces where people feel safe enough to share their stories, ask for help, and learn from one another, we’re strengthening our community. If today’s conversation encourages even one man to seek support or start talking about his mental health, then we’ve made a meaningful difference. Special thanks to Macy’s for providing the space to allow such an important conversation to take place.” said WHUR General Manager Sean Plater.
Mental health professionals also offered practical guidance and encouraged attendees to challenge the stigma that continues to prevent many men from seeking treatment. Dr. Dominique Guele of the Howard University Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences emphasized the importance of creating safe spaces where vulnerability is welcomed and mental health is treated with the same urgency as physical health.
Although the afternoon centered on serious conversations about men’s mental health, the event was also filled with moments of laughter and encouragement. Joe Clair’s quick wit and comedic style helped ease the emotional intensity, creating an atmosphere where attendees felt comfortable opening up while never losing sight of the event’s purpose. The program also included a men’s fashion showcase and summer grooming tips, reinforcing the connection between self-care, confidence, and overall well-being. As Clair told the audience, “When you look good, you feel good.”
In addition to the panel discussion, attendees connected with local mental health organizations and clinicians who provided information about counseling services, crisis resources, and community support programs.
The audience included men of all ages, along with women who came to support fathers, husbands, sons, brothers, and friends. Many participants expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage in open dialogue and called for more community conversations focused on men’s emotional wellness.
If your or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 or reach out to a licensed mental health professional.
