PEORIA (25News Now) – The Young Professionals at Tri-County Urban League discussed men’s mental health in the “You Da Man” Men’s Mental Health Exposition on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

This event brought out dozens of local young boys and men in the community.

Some of the activities included a panel discussion, a barber showcase, fitness training, raffles, giveaways and more.

The event organizer, Mariama Ford says the goal of this event is to create a safe space for men to address their mental health.

There were several resource vendors from the community such as Jolt Harm Reduction and GRO Community.

“When it comes to men specifically, since they’re growing up being told that ‘boys don’t cry,’ and ‘showing emotions is weakness.’ I feel like men’s safest emotion is express is anger,” she said. “We’re wanting to create a safe space here so that they can talk about mental health with men who have dealt with it and men who work in mental health.”

Over 100 roses were given away to the men attending as well.

This is the second year this event has been going on.

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