On June 8, 2024, the city of Chicago hosted its second annual ‘Man Up’ Men’s Lifestyle Expo, a community-focused event aimed at confronting and reducing health disparities disproportionately impacting Black and Brown men. Held at the Instituto del Progreso Latino Career Academy, the expo was a powerful call to action for men to prioritize their physical and mental health through education, engagement, and preventative care.
With a wide-ranging program that included free health screenings, fitness activities, and expert-led seminars, the ‘Man Up’ Expo created a welcoming, solutions-oriented environment to discuss and address the most urgent health challenges affecting communities of color.
Centering Equity in Men’s Health
The expo was designed in direct response to persistent health inequities faced by Black and Latino men in the United States. Statistically, these populations are more likely to experience higher rates of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, prostate cancer, and mental health struggles, yet are less likely to receive timely diagnosis and treatment due to systemic barriers such as inadequate access to care, cultural stigma, and medical mistrust.
By bringing healthcare providers, educators, and local leaders together under one roof, the ‘Man Up’ Expo sought to bridge these gaps through awareness, accessibility, and culturally competent outreach.
On-Site Screenings and Preventive Services
One of the expo’s major draws was the availability of free, on-site health screenings, including:
- Blood pressure and glucose testing
- Cholesterol and BMI measurements
- HIV and STD testing
- Prostate cancer risk evaluations
These services were offered with no insurance requirements, removing a significant barrier that often discourages men from seeking preventive care. Medical staff also provided referrals for follow-up services, and local clinics were on hand to schedule future appointments.
Participants were also given access to nutrition counseling, physical activity workshops, and practical guides on managing chronic conditions.
Mental Health Conversations Take Center Stage
In a year marked by growing awareness around men’s mental health, the ‘Man Up’ Expo dedicated significant attention to emotional well-being and psychological resilience. Panel discussions and breakout sessions focused on topics such as:
- Depression and anxiety among men of color
- Workplace burnout and stress management
- Navigating therapy and breaking cultural taboos
- Fatherhood, masculinity, and mental health
Licensed therapists and peer support advocates led discussions designed to normalize help-seeking behaviors and foster open dialogue among men who may have previously felt isolated in their struggles.
Building a Healthier Community Through Engagement
What made the ‘Man Up’ Expo particularly impactful was its integration of culture, entertainment, and empowerment. The event featured:
- Fitness demonstrations led by local trainers
- Healthy cooking tutorials
- Barbershop-style conversations about self-care and wellness
- Live performances and giveaways
These interactive elements were not just designed to draw attendance, but to make health education feel approachable and relevant to everyday life. The environment was celebratory yet informative, making it easier for attendees to engage with serious topics in a non-intimidating space.
A Movement, Not Just a Moment
The success of the second annual ‘Man Up’ Expo highlights a growing recognition that health equity for men of color requires intentional, community-rooted solutions. Organizers emphasized that this event is part of a larger, ongoing initiative to promote wellness in underserved neighborhoods across Chicago.
Plans are already underway to expand the program in 2025, with additional outreach, partnerships, and mobile health units set to bring resources to more communities year-round.
The takeaway from this year’s expo was clear: when men are given the tools, space, and support to take charge of their health, they rise to the challenge—and bring their communities with them.
Source: Lawndale News – ‘Man Up’ Expo Highlights Health for Men of Color
