EMOC Beyond Expectations: Reclaiming Love: Self, Brotherhood, and Community is a powerful storytelling event hosted by DBHIDS Engaging Males of Color (EMOC) in collaboration with First Person Arts. Through the transformative art of storytelling, men of color and community members will share lived experiences centered around three interconnected forms of love: self-love, love for your brother, and love for our community.

This is not just an event, it is a gathering of the VILLAGE. We come together to explore what truly means to love ourselves in a society that often teaches us not to. We affirm the bonds of brotherhood that help us carry one another through struggle and triumph. And we ask the village: how do we love our children especially our boys, so they feel seen, valued, and protected? This event is not just a Call to Action but a Call to LOVE.

There will be musical accompaniments and visuals to enrich the experience for attendees, and resource tables and screenings will be provided to increase access to behavioral health services. A community talkback is designed to deepen the discussion, utilizing relevant themes from the storytellers. There also will be an opportunity for the audience to engage the storytellers and event organizers with questions and comments.